Plot

As China emerges as the new economic powerhouse of the 21-century, no one can disrupt the biggest construction boom in the world's history. We marvel at the Beijing's bright new face as international architects create new icons - the Watercube, Birds Nest, Stadium, and National Theatre. The architects of the iconic buildings and their visions for the future contrast with those of heritage activist Zhang Jinqi. His photography exhibition 'Memories of China' documents the last heritage districts of the old city which are soon to be demolished. With 400 cities of the size of Beijing to build by 2020 the China has little time to reflect on the past.—Georgia Wallace-Crabbe

Beijing is experiencing the most rapid redevelopment since Paris was redesigned in the 19th Century. By the end of 2009 little of the old city of Beijing remains. Star architects Paul Andreu, OMA'S Ole Scheeren, and Australia's PTW discuss the landmark buildings and working in China. Ai Wei Wei, comments on the process of change. While some locals express concern that the buildings are inappropriate, and local resident, Zhang Jinqi, launches a project to photograph old districts of the city facing demolition. In 2009 he and his colleagues open a photo exhibition "Memory of China" of vanishing cultural heritage in cities across China.—Georgia Wallace-Crabbe

The world's best and brightest architects flocked to China's capital in the Olympic Year, as the People's Republic strived to create new iconic structures equal to the best in the wold- with nicknames like The Watercube, Birdsnest, and Big Underpants (CCTV tower). Beijing is being redeveloped at the speed of no other city in history. The old city is being demolished to create kitch replica's of Old Beijing for the benefit of tourists.Not everyone is happy. Photographer Zhang Jinqi and his group of volunteers Memory of China, photograph the remaining heritage buildings to create a virtual record of what will be lost. With 400 cities planned by 2020 the China has no time to reflect on the past.—Georgia Wallace-Crabbe