Rotten-Tail Buildings

A motion design documentary uncovering the human cost of China's unfinished housing projects, and the broken systems behind their long-standing presence.

Overview

Rotten-Tail Buildings is a motion design project investigating the lasting impact of unfinished residential developments in China—known as “爛尾樓” or “rotten-tail buildings.” These haunting concrete shells symbolize decades of broken promises, revealing the consequences of speculative real estate, flawed government oversight, and financial mismanagement.

Background

I visited three sites across China, where partially completed structures stand abandoned, some for over 30 years. These buildings were once sold on the promise of a better life, yet countless homebuyers remain trapped—paying mortgages on homes they can’t inhabit. Many have waited in limbo for decades, some passing away without closure. This story isn't just about property; it's about accountability, grief, and systemic imbalance.

Concept & Motivation

I was drawn to this topic not only for its emotional weight, but for its underrepresentation. Despite early warnings of a housing bubble dating back to the 1980s and 90s, discussions about China’s real estate crisis are often dismissed as politically biased, rather than taken as a valid critique. Through this project, I wanted to bring visibility to an issue that affects millions, yet remains largely invisible in mainstream discourse.

Approach

The final piece is a short video combining data visualization, original footage, and voiceover narration. Personal testimonies from affected homeowners are interwoven with architectural imagery and historical context, creating a layered visual essay. Using motion graphics as a narrative tool,
I guide the viewer through the emotional and financial toll of incomplete housing projects—and the systemic conditions that enable them.

Impact & Reflection

This project challenges the prevailing myth of endless real estate growth and calls for regulatory reform. It critiques the presale property model, encourages sustainable urban planning, and emphasizes the need for legal protections that prioritize people over profit. Rotten-Tail Buildings is a reminder that design can be a tool for advocacy, and that visual storytelling can give voice to those left behind.