What does "Chinese" mean in contemporary architecture? What does it mean being Chinese in the making of architecture? What is expected of a Chinese person in his work? Does 'Chinese-ness' come about through the architect being Chinese, or the context being Chinese, or both, or neither? Is 'Chinese-ness' genuinely discernable, a quality that can be consciously pursued? Or is it something that comes from within, a subtle reflection of personality conditioned by ancestral mentality and taste, and therefore incidental rather than intentional?

'While I put forward my belief, back in 1989, that in order to ponder the future of Asian (Chinese) architecture, we have to come to terms with who the modern Asian (Chinese) is, am I still correct?Whereas our first book The City of Architecture proclaims a clear vision of the evolution of Architecture from the City, this book, quite differently, poses more questions asked than conclusions drawn. But is not the value ultimately more in the asking?'

---- Rocco Yim, Aug 2004　

Posing philosophical questions at the outset, the publication Being Chinese in Architecture features Rocco Design's seven different projects in Greater China, ranging from the single house to the residential complex, hotel, cultural building and urban planning — Distorted Courtyard House by the Great Wall, Bamboo Pavilion at Berlin/Hong Kong, Giu-gen-tong Villa in Shanghai, Boao Canal Village, Hotel project in Chengdu, Beijing Central Business District, and the new winning project Museum of Guangdong.