30,000 People Live in the World's Largest Apartment Building
Imagine living in a building that houses a supermarket, a hair salon, a swimming pool, and a restaurant. Moreover, consider being able to meet all your needs without even stepping outside. This is exactly what life is like at Regent International in Hangzhou, China. This colossal structure, standing at 206 meters tall, is home to nearly 30,000 people. Initially designed as a luxury hotel, it has gradually transformed into the most populous apartment building in the world.
Let's delve deeper into the architecture of this massive structure and the vibrant life that unfolds within its walls.
Originally envisioned as a six-star hotel, it now stands as a colossal city!
Situated in the heart of Hangzhou, the Regent International was initially envisioned as a luxury hotel when it first opened its doors in 2013. However, the concept underwent a complete transformation shortly after the project came to life. Under the guidance of architect Alicia Loo, the building was restructured and now accommodates thousands of residents.
The structure, which boasts an interior space of approximately 260,000 square meters, varies between 36 to 39 floors depending on the facade. It reaches a total height of 206 meters. Today, it is home to an estimated 30,000 individuals. To put this into perspective, this number is four times the population of some villages in Turkey. The majority of the residents are university students, young professionals, small business owners, and content creators.
Rental prices fluctuate depending on the location within the building and the type of apartment. Windowless small studios are around 1,500 RMB (approximately 210 dollars), while larger apartments with balconies can go up to 4,000 RMB (roughly 560 dollars). Consequently, the Regent International stands as one of the most tangible examples of the 'city within a city' living model, which is seen as an alternative to China's housing crisis.
Life is possible without stepping out: It has everything you could possibly look for!
Regent International is a self-contained living space, a world within itself. It houses swimming pools, gyms, large supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, hair salons, and even internet cafes within its walls. According to some sources, it even provides essential services like mini schools and clinics.
Residents need only descend a few floors to grab their morning coffee, have their lunch, or do their grocery shopping. In this sense, the building almost perfectly embodies the concept of a 'vertical city'. However, living in such a large structure does come with its own set of challenges.
In particular, for those residing in smaller apartments without natural light, staying indoors for extended periods can be psychologically taxing. Moreover, the sheer size and population of the building have raised concerns regarding evacuation and safety in emergency situations.
The primary reason for the significant attention drawn to Regent International is the housing crisis in China.
The escalating cost of living in big cities is driving young people towards these densely populated areas. While the 'all-in-one' system offered by the building provides an economic advantage, it sparks different debates from a social perspective. According to experts, the idea of tens of thousands of people living in a single structure raises serious questions about privacy, personal space, and mental health.
From an architectural standpoint, the building stands out for its functionality. Its S-shaped design allows for maximum natural light penetration and improved air circulation. The reduction of wind load enhances the building's safety.
In today's world of architecture, while some view this structure as the city model of the future, others label it as a 'modern dystopia'.
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