Systematic urban planning must be undertaken which takes into consideration the future use of the Olympic stadiums and affiliated buildings, said Tsinghua University Academy of Art Professor Yuan Yunfu, also once a visiting professor to Harvard University in the United States.

A most prestigious artist of design and educator on public art in China, Yuan has designed the decorations and surroundings of many important buildings including the Millennium Monument in Beijing, and has held solo exhibitions around the world.

"A mistake that may appear is that every building has been well-designed, and is beautiful and colourful," said Yuan, 70.

However, without careful planning, "they as a whole may make a buzzing noise instead of a symphony," he warned.

"We have already been victims of the random development that happens in many cities. Without a powerful overall design of the space our masterpieces are 'drowned' in the 'JU'," he said, meaning urban jungle of skyscrapers.

"The landscape design, in a city or a certain area, is still a new topic in China," he said. "The design, to satisfy both the users' physical and psychological demands, should take into consideration the growth of the future generations after the event."

Yuan expected the landscape design for the Olympics to have a simple and unified modern style and a powerful, graceful traditional spirit.

He also suggested the combination of new materials and technology with traditional handicrafts while decorating the buildings.

"For example, we can start from such charming artifacts as the traditional Chinese bells and drums, and make new visual images and audio effects according to a modern aesthetic," he said. "We are to give the world a look of both the ancient and the new China."

Close