A viral TikTok video revealed a colossal building in China called the “Dystopian Apartment,” which can house up to 30,000 people. The video, posted by @fatheristheone, features drone footage that captures the building’s striking interior and one-of-a-kind architecture, as well as its immense scale, leaving viewers in awe.
Many people are familiar with novels depicting dystopian societies, where fear and loss of humanity are central themes. While these stories are often works of fiction, they can serve as warnings about potential futures. In China, a new apartment building now exists that can house 30,000 people and provides all essential amenities.
Qualities of the Dystopian Apartment
The Regent International apartment complex in Qianjiang Century City, Hangzhou, was designed by Alicia Loo, the chief designer of Singapore’s Sands Hotel. Completed in 2013, the building stands at a height of 675 feet and accommodates around 20,000 residents. The structure features an S-shape and varies in height from 36 to 39 floors depending on the side. This densely populated building is one of the largest residential communities in the world, with a vast number of people sharing one roof.
The Regent International boasts over 30 floors, offering a variety of amenities such as restaurants, pools, and nail salons. The building also houses grocery stores and internet cafes, making it a self-contained “dystopian apartment” where residents can find everything they need within its walls.
The possibility of residents rarely leaving their homes raises concerns about a lack of fresh air and sunlight. However, it’s essential to recognize that living in the “dystopian apartment” is not mandatory. Most residents are young professionals, influencers, or college students who choose to live in the S-shaped building because it’s cost-effective and offers convenient amenities.
Advantageous Living
Living at Regent International provides residents with remarkable convenience, as all essentials can be found under one roof. The building also offers significant affordability, with units available in various sizes and price points, ranging from 1,500 RMB (approximately $200) to 4,000 RMB (just under $600) per month.
While some express concerns about the building being a “dystopian apartment,” others have praised its innovative design. The complex has also been recognized as “the most sustainable living building on earth.”
As the U.S. faces a housing crisis, a unique opportunity emerges: the concept of a “dystopian apartment” could provide a solution by increasing living spaces without extensive land use. The city of Whittier, Alaska, has already embraced a similar approach. Its 14-story building houses all 272 residents and operates like a converted hotel, featuring various amenities such as a church, school, post office, and police station. This setup closely mirrors a large complex in China and demonstrates how a single building can offer a comprehensive community experience.
Possible Downsides
Like any other housing solution, this approach has its pros and cons. The building’s nickname, “dystopian apartment,” speaks to some of the concerns about accommodating so many people in one place. Americans often value privacy and space, enjoying a yard for relaxation or for their dogs to play in. A significant downside of this model is the limited personal space and restricted access to the outdoors and fresh air. However, this issue can be mitigated by taking walks or choosing one of the larger units in Regent International, which include balconies and offer some relief from the dense living environment.
Share your thoughts! Is that a place you would consider living in? Leave a comment to let us know.
