A recent TikTok video has captured widespread attention by showcasing a monumental architectural marvel in China dubbed the “Dystopian Apartment.” With the capacity to house an astonishing 30,000 residents, the video, shared by @fatheristheone, utilized a drone to offer viewers a glimpse into the vast interior, distinctive design, and sheer scale of the building.
Dystopian societies, often depicted in literature, portray bleak futures marked by fear and dehumanization. Yet, in Hangzhou’s Qianjiang Century City, this dystopian trope takes on a tangible form in the Regent International apartment complex. Designed in 2013 by Alicia Loo, the chief architect behind the Singapore Sands Hotel, this towering structure rises 675 feet and accommodates around 20,000 inhabitants across its 36 or 39 floors, depending on one’s perspective. It stands as a testament to densely populated urban living, bringing together a myriad of individuals under one roof.
The Regent International offers a plethora of amenities spread across its 30 floors, including restaurants, pools, nail salons, grocery stores, and internet cafes. This self-contained environment aims to meet all the residents’ needs within its confines, earning it the moniker of a “dystopian apartment.”
While concerns may arise about the lack of fresh air and sunlight, it’s worth noting that residents are not confined indoors. The majority are young professionals, influencers, or college students who value the convenience and affordability offered by this unique living arrangement.
Living in the Regent International provides unparalleled convenience, with essential services easily accessible. Units come in various sizes, catering to different budgets, ranging from 1,500 RMB to 4,000 RMB per month.
While some critique the “dystopian” connotations, others laud the innovative design as a sustainable solution to housing crises. Notably, the city of Whittier, Alaska, has embraced a similar concept, housing its entire population in a 14-story building transformed from a hotel into an apartment complex.
However, there are potential drawbacks to such communal living arrangements. The term “dystopian” raises concerns about individual privacy and personal space, particularly for Americans accustomed to larger living spaces. Nevertheless, larger units with balconies offer some respite from the communal experience, and residents can mitigate these concerns by taking walks or exploring outdoor spaces.
What are your thoughts on this unconventional living arrangement? Would you consider residing in such a place?
