The Galaxy Soho project, a large, modern complex located in central Beijing, has come under fire from conservationists for compromising the architectural style of the nearby old town.

The newly-built complex, designed by British architect Zaha Hadid, is a 330,000 square meter office, retail and entertainment center. The silver-colored complex comprises five continuous flowing volumes which are set apart, fused or linked by stretched bridges. The cornerless fluidity of the architecture gives the impression of a swirling galaxy.

Immediately south of the complex is Nanshuncheng Street, which connects with two traditional Beijing-style alleys, Xiaopaifang Hutong and Dafangjia Hutong, where traditional hutong activities accompany the classic hutong design.

The panels of glass and reflective aluminum of the modern Soho complex are in stark contrast to the hutongs and their traditional courtyard houses.

Galaxy Soho's official website describes the giant complex as "the largest urban complex on the 2nd Ring Road East," "a 360-degree-view streamlined design," "a new Beijing landmark" and "future urban space." It is clear that the developer of the complex, Soho China, is extremely proud of what has been created.

Completed in 2012, the building won the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) International Award 2013, an annual prize awarded for architectural excellence.

Not everyone is quite so impressed with the striking design, however. One man surnamed Liu, who lives in the Xiaopaifang Hutong, said that hutongs and courtyard houses originally stood on the site where the complex now stands. The hutongs and houses have long since been demolished. "Now, this monster (Galaxy Soho) is standing there," said Liu. "It looks very weird to me."

Beijing-born Hua Xinmin is fighting to preserve what remains of the city's ancient architecture. According to Hua, Galaxy Soho is actually located in an area which is designated as a protected area within Beijing's old town. The complex has, however, made its presence known to all in the area. "It is standing there loftily, like an intruder," said Hua. "Everyone who is familiar with Beijing's hutongs and courtyard houses finds it intolerable."

Hua believes that the developers have disrespected Chinese culture by building the Galaxy Soho complex so close to such an historic area. In addition, the fact that the complex has won such a prestigious prize simply encourages future acts of cultural vandalism, making the task of protecting China's cultural treasures even harder.

The incongruity of the ultra-modern design next to traditional features is something which resonates with many people. "Within the scope of old town, it is not appropriate to build such a huge modern complex which is utterly different in style from traditional Chinese architecture," said Zhu Zixuan, a professor from Tsinghua's School of Architecture. He added that architecture is a kind of environmental art: Whether or not a building is outstanding depends both on its design and how it fits into the existing surroundings.

"If a traditional Chinese-style building was constructed in an old town in the U.K., would the British people be happy about it, even if the building is extremely exquisite in design?" Zhu said. "Would we award it a prestigious prize, irrespective of people's feelings? Do not do to others what you would not want others to do to you."

According to an unnamed official from the Beijing Cultural Heritage Protection Center (CHP), the Galaxy Soho complex has destroyed the appearance of Beijing's old town, its traditional hutongs and courtyard houses, street views, architectural styles and flavors. "It is a typical case of destroying the old town," said the official. "Many Chinese people are sorry that it (the Soho complex) won a prize."

The official expressed the hope that RIBA will come to understand not only the severe consequences of destroying China's cultural heritage, but also the Chinese people's feelings on the subject and work to mitigate the damage done by awarding the Soho complex such an esteemed prize.

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