The design of the new CCTV office building followed the same procedure. Rem Koolhaas, a Dutch architect, won the bidding with his design of a "Z" crisscross. This remarkable concept, a breakaway from the traditional design of skyscrapers, presented a fresh image to the people of Beijing.

File photo of the new CCTV office building [Xinhua]

According to Sanlian Life Weekly, Koolhaas had proposed similar looped tower designs to a number of cities, but Beijing was the only place to accept the concept. "The new CCTV office building is a representation of China's present political and economic power," said Koolhaas.

The Hong Kong architect Rocco S.K.Yim believes the design represents "something in the spirit of the age that challenges existing authority and demonstrates a high level of confidence."