CCTV Headquarters 中央电视台总部大楼

Rem Koolhaas’ twisted take on the skyscraper looms over Beijing’s CBD, boldly symbolizing the far-reaching ambitions of China’s state television
network. Beijingers have taken to calling it the “dakucha’r” (big underpants), though this imagery is rather baffling. We prefer the “twisted donut” to capture the vertiginous loop formed by the two towers reaching towards one another at 60-degree angles. With more floor space than any other single structure save the Pentagon, the main building is unfortunately off-limits to the curious masses. The adjacent cultural center, intended to house a theater, observation platform, as well as the Mandarin
Oriental, was unfortunately reduced to a smoldering hulk in February 2009. The future of the burnt-out “boot” remains uncertain, and gawkers will have to content themselves with a street-side angle – or making friends with someone in the Kerry Center. In the meantime, those itching to get stratospheric should check out the ‘old’ CCTV tower on the opposite side of Beijing.