David Norback
Minneapolis-based RSP Architects has built a strong reputation for its work in China. We decided to ask RSP President David Norback about the highlights and challenges of working with clients in such a different and fascinating culture.
What year did RSP start working in China?
RSP Architects has been actively working in China since September 2004. While it’s a relatively small part of our overall practice, we think it’s important to have a presence there. Since China represents one of the world’s largest and fastest growing economies, being there gives us a much broader gauge of what’s happening globally. And, with more of our local clients expanding internationally, our China experience better equips us to assist them in those expansions.
What cities has RSP worked in?
Our primary base of operation in China is in Tianjin, which is a port city of Beijing with approximately 12 million people. We’re also exploring projects in Beijing and Guangzhou.Because work in China is so relationship-based, each trip to Tianjin seems to beget other relationships and, hopefully, other work. It’s an expanding web. Alternatively, if the relationships are not in place, it’s not likely that you will drop into a city in China and start working. Of course, good work is what ultimately brings success.
What types of projects are you working on?
All of the projects we’re involved in are interesting for one reason or another. I would say the Tianjin Financial Plaza and Xiao Bai Lou projects were particularly interesting because of their scale. Both are high rise corporate structures that we had not previously done on that scale in this country.In general, the potential scope of the projects and China’s appetite for more audacious design solutions has been very interesting. They place a real premium on novelty and gesture – as was witnessed at the Summer Olympics -- although Tianjin’s new mayor does not have quite the appetite for flamboyance as his predecessors.
What work-along solutions has RSP employed?
Of course the language barrier can be particularly limiting –especially when conveying architectural expression or terminology. RSP has on-staff translators who help ensure clarity. But conveying precise architectural ideas is still a challenge.
What are the biggest hurdles to working in China?
Outside of the obvious communication challenges, the biggest hurdle may be, simply, making money. Generally speaking, Chinese business people are tenacious and aggressive. They won’t spend a Yuan they don’t have to. (China is the world’s fastest growing economy for a reason, after all.) Equally challenging can be the ambiguity of the business style. It’s certainly not a linear business process – with equal emphasis placed on comfort and success – on fluidity and dynamics – it can be the single most confounding aspect of working in China. Another major hurdle is the environment -- particularly in Tianjin. It is so coarse in terms of pollution that finishes and buildings look weathered well before their time. We wrestle with sourcing the right materials that will look as good in 10 years as they do when installed.Workmanship and quality of construction are just not up to U.S. standards. There are exceptions, of course. The Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai is a stunning design and is very well constructed. It’s been said that it’s not that China is cheaper; it’s just that China is faster – that seems to be reflected in the construction.The pace of design can also be a challenge. Granted, everyone wants everything immediately, so it may not be unique to China. But, a China-based project can appear out of nowhere. Suddenly, it‘s an opportunity with a really quick germination that has to be addressed in a matter of days. This can be a challenge, but one that we accept.
Have you had to incorporate Feng Shui into your design?
We try to incorporate Feng Shui into all of our China design work. It’s never been an overt request from a client, but because it is so much a part of the innate sensibility, it does come up in the reviews of our designs.
How do symbolism and metaphor play into designs in China?
A great deal. The Chinese are extremely responsive to a narrative or the thread of an idea that then morphs into a building design. They really follow that sequence of thought.For example, Tianjin is renowned for ballet. When we designed their cultural center, the form evoked the image of the flowing silk sleeves of a dancer. We use metaphor to engage the client and get them excited. They truly appreciate the depth to the design, and the meaning that’s inherent it. They do seem to consistently appreciate our story about how we arrived at that particular design interpretation
What would be your single most important piece of advice for a company thinking about working in China?
You have to understand the power structure there. It’s a complex and delicate balance. It takes a long time to succeed in China. Primarily, this is because it takes a long time to form and deepen relationships there. Relationships are very important in China – even more so than in the U.S. For example, there are U.S. companies who consistently pick and choose among five or six different design firms. In China, there’s considerably more complexity in terms of how they help you or how they introduce you to new people.
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