China: 30-story building built in 15 days

We’ve all heard that the Chinese economy is growing and their businesses are expanding rapidly, but I didn’t know they meant it literally! In early 2011, Chinese sustainable building company Broad Group built a 15-story building in a week. A week. Somebody was left unimpressed, however unlikely it may seem, and they said “What the hell, let’s do it again. Except this time, we’ll DOUBLE it”. That they did, building a 30-story tall hotel prototype in 15 days, a feat that appears impossible to everyone except the Chinese. Don’t believe it?

Take a look at the video, ignoring the ridiculous audio that sounds like the credits to a low-budget movie involving some sort of bomb. Individually installing the plumbing, the electrical, furnishings and structures, workers accomplished a task that could’ve taken up to two years in 360 hours. To put that in perspective, 360 hours is normally the time it takes you to take out that garbage that’s been full for 6 days, or accept that friend request on Facebook so as to not look so eager. Forgive China’s less-than-perfect track record when it comes to manufacturing safe items and appreciate the level of innovation that went into such a quick construction. Nine magnitude earthquake resistance, external and internal window insulation, highly advanced air purification systems. It’s got it all. They talk fast and they think fast, now they build fast. We should all be very afraid.