Inside a ‘Dystopian’ Apartment Block Where That Houses Over 20,000 Residence
The video, posted by @fatheristheone using a drone, captured people’s attention for more than just the impressive interior and unique design.
Viewers were also astonished by footage that truly conveyed the enormity of the building.
Many are familiar with novels that focus on dystopian societies, describing communities living in fear or stripped of their humanity. While most of these works are fiction, some view them as potential warnings about the future.
In any case, China is now home to an apartment building that seems straight out of a dystopian narrative, capable of housing up to 30,000 residents and containing everything they could possibly need.
Features of the Dystopian Apartment: This “dystopian” apartment complex, known as the Regent International, is situated in Qianjiang Century City, specifically in Hangzhou’s central business district.
The building was designed by Alicia Loo, the chief designer behind the Singapore Sands Hotel, a 7-star hotel, and was completed in 2013.
Impressively, the building stands at 675 feet tall and currently accommodates around 20,000 residents. Its S-shaped structure boasts either 36 or 39 floors, depending on the side of the building.
Not surprisingly, it’s one of the most densely populated areas globally, with numerous residents coexisting under one massive roof.
Within the Regent International’s more than 30 floors, residents have access to a plethora of amenities, including restaurants, swimming pools, and nail salons.
The building also hosts its own grocery stores and internet cafes. Essentially, anything one might find “in town” can be found within the confines of the “dystopian apartment.”
As a result, many residents may never step foot outside again. This raises the question: will they also never experience fresh air or feel sunlight on their skin? First, residents aren’t compelled to stay indoors, nor are they coerced to live in the “dystopian apartment.”
In contrast, most residents are young professionals, influencers, or college students. They all benefit greatly from the cost-effectiveness and convenience of living in such an S-shaped building.
Advantageous Living: Living there proves incredibly convenient for residents as they have everything they could possibly need under one roof.
Convenience isn’t the only advantage. Affordability is another significant benefit of living at Regent International.
Units vary in size and cost but range from 1,500 RMB, approximately $200.00 per month, to 4,000 RMB, just under $600.00 per month.
While some express apprehension, labeling it a “dystopian apartment,” others praise the innovation behind the building. It’s even been hailed as “the most sustainable living building on earth.”
Another intriguing advantage emerges amidst a housing crisis seemingly sweeping the U.S. The “dystopian apartment” could serve as a model for how the U.S. can potentially create more living spaces for people without consuming vast amounts of land.
Interestingly, one state has already implemented something akin to the hotel-turned-apartment city. Whittier, a city in Alaska, features a 14-floor building where all 272 residents reside. Like the building in China, it encompasses everything one would find “in town,” including a church, school, post office, and police station.
Possible Downsides: However, like everything in life, this too has pros and cons. After all, the building has earned the moniker “dystopian apartment” for a reason.
As mentioned earlier, many wonder how so many people can live in one place. U.S. residents typically value privacy, space from their neighbors, and even a yard for leisure or for their pets.
A significant drawback to a housing solution like this is that people will have minimal space of their own, with limited opportunities to be outdoors or experience fresh air. Fortunately, the issue of fresh air can be addressed by taking a stroll or renting one of the larger units at Regent International, some of which come with balconies, offering some respite from living within.
