China Portrait: Martine Vledder
As a warm up to Creative Industries Update Januari 31st in Amsterdam, DutchDFA interviewed designers that participated at Canton Fair and Beijing Design Week last fall. China portrait: Martine Vledder (Director MVRDV Asia).
Why were you interested in doing business in China? What were your initial expectations before going?
MVRDV has been active in China for more than 10 years. Since some years there had been plans to set up an office in this increasingly important part of the world. In 2011 MVRDV opened an office in Shanghai, as one of the first participants of the Dutch Design Workspace. I was employed by MVRDV to spearhead and outline this venture in China. I feel I am in the right place. To have local presence is crucial, especially here in China with a tradition of importance of relations, the so-called guanxi. In the end architecture includes a lot of communication. In order to achieve the desired relations one needs to be close to their clients; engage in dialogue and share a sense of responsibility.
In what way are your expectations now different from before visiting?
It is rather premature to answer this question since I have only been based in China the past 6 months. Furthermore, Real Estate as a whole, is a highly time consuming industry. Most projects have a significant impact on spatial and social structures and often require a serious investment. This all makes sense, since architecture is most likely build to last. In short, it takes time to build up a relationship with future clients, which is a good thing. Although I am aware that I am still in the beginning of getting around, neither speaking Mandarin, so far my expectations haven’t been disappointed.
Something astonishing you learned or experienced?
Given the density of South East Asian cities I was surprised by the peaceful co-existence in these urban environments. Although I travel much of South East Asia, my daily life is set in Shanghai which is considered by most a relatively relaxed Chinese city. Nevertheless I truly believe that Western cities could learn from this. Of course the above mentioned should be understood as coming from someone who loves high urban density, its variety, complexity and possibilities for reflection.
What cliché is not true?
That business in China can be done quick and cheap. It’s neither quick because of the level of bureaucracy nor cheap since recent increase of wealth in China shifted industries to lower-wage economies such as Cambodia and Vietnam. And by the way: I also noticed that not all Chinese look alike.
What is, according to you, the most challenging part of doing business in China? Worries? Things Dutch professionals have to conquer?
I think one needs perseverance and patience for doing business in China. Although after establishing the right contacts, things can go very quickly. Yet most of the time I feel that doing business in China can be rather inefficient. As in most countries, but traditionally more in China, relations are very important. Obviously establishing relationships require investment, both time and energy. Fortunately, over the years, MVRDV has become well-known in China. Working globally out of the Rotterdam office over the past ten years, has paid off. I have noticed our company is known.
What advice can you give Dutch colleagues who have ambitions in China? Tips? Lessons?
I would suggest that first and foremost one needs to establish some kind of professional track record before moving business to China. Secondly I think it’s not until you experience working here (trial and error) that you will discover if and how your business can function in China. As for tips, learn the language and embrace cultural differences. I know, this is easier said than done
What are your plans for China in2012?
Find those ambitious clients that want to build something exemplary and progressive. The ones that understand, that if you want to build for the long term, you need to build quality and therefore invest the required amount of time, energy and money. I believe that in the long run, quality is most profitable. I hope it will only be a matter of time before China understands that the current short term planning will be replaced by a more sustainable, long term approach.
MVRDV participates in the Dutch Design Workspace Shanghai. During Beijing Design Week 2011, co-founder Jacob van Rijs was a key note speaker at the Dutch Design Generator, and took part in the business delegation.
Creative Amsterdam Update China
Where: Pakhuis De Zwijger
When: 31 January 2012, 14:00 - 22:15
Tickets: for sale at Creative Amsterdam website
Read our interviews with participants here:
- China Portrait Daan Roosegaarde (Studio Roosegaarde)
- China Portrait André Jekel (IAA architecten)
- China Portrait Renske Maria van Dam (MA Architecture Student TU/e)
- China Portrait Marie-Anne Souloumiac (DutchDFA project coordinator China)
