How futurist architect Jack Portman helped build China’s skylines
Architectural firm Portman is working on Ba Dai Tou in Shanghai, and has projects lined up in Shenzhen, Ningbo, Wenzhou, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Jinan and Yinchuan
You’ve probably seen its jaw-dropping structural designs in dozens of Hollywood blockbusters, including The Hunger Games, Flight, True Lies, and In The Line Of Fire.
Watch: This scene from The Hunger Games was filmed in John Portman & Associates’ Atlanta Marriott Marquis hotel
The buildings created by architectural firm John Portman & Associateshave been wowing people around world for decades, but these days its stunning projects are also wowing Chinese residents and tourists throughout mainland China.
Over the years, the firm – founded by visionary architect John Portman in the American city of Atlanta, Georgia, in 1953 – has grown, but remained steadfast in its focus on one core value as its work ethos – people. Today the firm is part of the Portman group of family companies, including the real estate developers Portman Holdings.
A smiling Jack Portman, John’s son, who is vice-chairman of Portman Holdings, is talking to me about lines and space in architecture, and the deeper feelings they evoke in people.