First restored in 1989, Nanjing's former senate was one of Zhou Qi's first heritage projects. Like many former government buildings in the city, the structure dates back to Nanjing's time as the capital of the Republic of China from 1927.
First restored in 1989, Nanjing's former senate was one of Zhou Qi's first heritage projects. Like many former government buildings in the city, the structure dates back to Nanjing's time as the capital of the Republic of China from 1927.
Zhou Qi
Although much of the Dahua Cinema's interior was destroyed to accommodate the trappings of a modern movie theater, Zhou believes that "meeting the requirements of modern use" is the key to the building's future.
Although much of the Dahua Cinema's interior was destroyed to accommodate the trappings of a modern movie theater, Zhou believes that "meeting the requirements of modern use" is the key to the building's future.
Zhou Qi
Built in the 1930s, the Dahua Cinema had fallen into disuse before restoration began in 2008. The building's Art Deco design has been revived with striking red columns and golden embellishments. 
Built in the 1930s, the Dahua Cinema had fallen into disuse before restoration began in 2008. The building's Art Deco design has been revived with striking red columns and golden embellishments. 
Zhou Qi
The Yangtze Villa Hotel was built using 600-year-old bricks taken from Nanjing's city wall after it was destroyed in 1911. Zhou Qi began a four-year restoration process in 2012, and the hotel is back in use once again.
The Yangtze Villa Hotel was built using 600-year-old bricks taken from Nanjing's city wall after it was destroyed in 1911. Zhou Qi began a four-year restoration process in 2012, and the hotel is back in use once again.
Zhou Qi
Although heritage projects can be hugely expensive, historic buildings have become increasingly desirable in China. Zhou says that the restoration of the Yangtze Villa Hotel allowed its owners to significantly increase the room rates.
Although heritage projects can be hugely expensive, historic buildings have become increasingly desirable in China. Zhou says that the restoration of the Yangtze Villa Hotel allowed its owners to significantly increase the room rates.
Zhou Qi
Zhou first sensed official interest in protecting Nanjing's pre-war architecture in the late 1980s. By the time he returned from completing a PHD in Chicago in 2003, public and private heritage projects were becoming commonplace. 
Zhou first sensed official interest in protecting Nanjing's pre-war architecture in the late 1980s. By the time he returned from completing a PHD in Chicago in 2003, public and private heritage projects were becoming commonplace. 
Zhou Qi
Dating back to 1933, this Nanjing bank was restored in 2009. Zhou says that some openly criticized his decision to construct a glass pyramid on the roof. But he argued that "while historic buildings have to be preserved, they also have to offer new functions."
Dating back to 1933, this Nanjing bank was restored in 2009. Zhou says that some openly criticized his decision to construct a glass pyramid on the roof. But he argued that "while historic buildings have to be preserved, they also have to offer new functions."
Zhou Qi
"Restoration means we can keep old buildings for our own use -- and for the next generation," Zhou said. "Through (these buildings) you can see that the city is alive."
"Restoration means we can keep old buildings for our own use -- and for the next generation," Zhou said. "Through (these buildings) you can see that the city is alive."
Zhou Qi
Completed in 1923 and renovated in 2012, St. Paul's Church remains an active place of worship in Nanjing.
Completed in 1923 and renovated in 2012, St. Paul's Church remains an active place of worship in Nanjing.
Zhou Qi
A digital impression of Zhou's latest project, a 1920s storage facility that is being converted into a shopping mall. It is one of the architect's most extensive restoration projects to date.
A digital impression of Zhou's latest project, a 1920s storage facility that is being converted into a shopping mall. It is one of the architect's most extensive restoration projects to date.
Zhou Qi
Only the exterior and supporting structures of the original building will be preserved. The concrete frame must be reinforced with steel before cosmetic work can begin.
Only the exterior and supporting structures of the original building will be preserved. The concrete frame must be reinforced with steel before cosmetic work can begin.
Zhou Qi
The abundance of historic buildings in Nanjing is a result of the city's history as China's former capital.
The abundance of historic buildings in Nanjing is a result of the city's history as China's former capital.
courtesy sun chen