Original Copies: Bianca Bosker’s New Book Tackles China’s Copycat Architecture Trend

Did you know that there's a <a href="http://metro.co.uk/2007/09/21/china-builds-its-own-eiffel-tower-179932//">faux Eiffel Tower</a> in China, as well as an entire copy of the city of Venice, complete with gondola-lined canals? In the past few years, builders in China have replicated world-famous buildings and landmarks at a remarkable pace - from the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/worlds-first-cloned-village-in-china-is-now-open-to-visitors/">world's first cloned Austrian mountain village</a> to a reproductions of the White House, entire English villages, and even new starchitect designs that haven't been built yet, like <a href="http://inhabitat.com/developer-pirates-zaha-hadids-latest-design-in-china-and-copycat-may-open-before-the-original/">Zaha Hadid's Wangjing Soho complex</a>. Bianca Bosker’s exciting new book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Original-Copies-Architectural-Mimicry-Contemporary/dp/0824836065" target="_blank"><em>Original Copies: Architectural Mimicry in Contemporary China</em></a> addresses this emerging Chinese 'duplitecture' trend and explores the ways that these replicated landmarks are shaping China's culture. It's a fascinating account that draws upon Chinese philosophical perspectives, builders, city planners, and even the residents who now live in these duplicated landmarks.

The resulting People's Court may be a mishmosh of stolen architecture, but the elements are still very recognizable.

The Shanghai Minhang People's Court courthouse takes its architectural cues from BOTH the White House and the United States Capital building.

The Chinese didn't change much in their duplication of Venice's canals. Their version just looks a bit newer and cleaner.

Perhaps the most recognizable of all of China's duplitecture is this brazen copy of the Eiffel Tower. But perhaps we might be able to say the same about the mini Eiffel in Vegas?

A Chinese re-creation of Amsterdam's Central Train Station, complete with randomly placed faux-Dutch windmill!

This building has since been demolished.

The Chinese version of Venice's Plaza De San Marco.

Venice Water Town brings the streets of Venice to Hangzhou, China.

This "Hilltop Castle" offers stately European living arrangements at "Oriental Paris" in Hangzhou, China.

A replica of Bristol's Christ Church is a popular place for wedding portraits.

This replicated Venetian neighborhood comes complete with a canal!

Thames Town replicated the historic streets of London in China.

Original Copies is in stores now. You'd better make sure yours is an original copy!!