KFS Conversation Architecture

Author: Ni Wenhua
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Uniquely discovering and is half the success, leading living trends with a unique perspective. Dr. Wang is perceptive and keenly grasps new opportunities. Valuable experience of a successful real estate developer Wendy: Mr. Wang, I heard that your early major wasn't architecture or planning, but how did you end up in the real estate industry? Wang Changda: In fact, many leaders in the real estate industry aren't architecture graduates, but I have a certain connection with architecture. I graduated from the School of Management Engineering at Southwest Jiaotong University. Management Engineering is closely related to Engineering Management. Plus, after graduating, since 1984, I served as the Director of Infrastructure. So far, I've been exposed to many units, design firms, including large and small design institutes, and often interacted with government departments. I would say my experience is quite rich. Throughout this process, I've also gained some insights, which gives me certain advantages in the real estate industry. Wendy: Did you encounter any difficulties when you were the Director of Infrastructure, especially since your major wasn't in that field? Wang Changda: I rarely faced difficulties because when encountering problems, I would consult with technical personnel. We are an integrator and should be good at combining knowledge from many areas, such as landscape design, architectural structures, energy insulation and efficiency, living concepts, living spaces, and architectural aesthetics. Wendy: Developers and architects often work as a team, but conflicts often arise between them. Architects focus on the cultural and functional aspects of the buildings, while developers are more concerned with the individuality, marketing, and material costs of the buildings. As the leader of a real estate development company, have you often encountered such conflicts? Wang Changda: This conflict is inevitable, but there are more areas of agreement than disagreement. Designers want to express their design style, philosophy, or the height of their design. Developers, on the other hand, might want to save costs. Generally, short-sighted developers consider this during real estate downturns. When the real estate market is booming, those with a bit of vision know that well-designed buildings with attractive facades will definitely sell for higher prices! Of course, I think this level is still a bit average. My expectations for this issue are higher—I hope to fully leverage the designer's talent. The greater the value of their knowledge, the more capable they are, the bigger the stage I give them. So, I would say that developers and designers are not just client-provider relationships but should be friends, a relationship of academic discussion and mutual learning. Wendy: You have developed many high-end residential projects. Based on your experience, how do you evaluate the value of a piece of land when you acquire it, and how do you identify the shining highlights worth developing? Wang Changda: Generally, you need to have a keen sense of the market, a touch of inspiration, and should have a...