The problems of wasting resources and imitating foreign construction styles of urban high-profile buildings should be solved through improving managerial systems, said Premier Wen Jiabao in written comments on a report about such projects in China.

Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan Friday chaired a symposium on enhancing management over construction of high-profile public buildings.

The construction of large public buildings should follow the concept of scientific development, quality, safety, resource conservation and environmental protection, Zeng said at the symposium.

High-profile public buildings have been increasing in many Chinese cities in recent years, which are conducive to the economic and social development, he said.

Meanwhile, some project designers pay too much attention to an ornate facade while ignoring the building's practical functions and problems of quality, safety, thrift and environmental protection, he said.

On the principle of putting people above all, future public buildings should focus more on their practical functions, and benefit people's work and life, he said.

The number, scale and standards of high-profile public buildings should be controlled at a reasonable level, so as to fulfill the harmonious existence of buildings, people and the nature, he said.

The characteristics of large public buildings should fit the overall urban construction style and the surrounding environment, and practical functions, safety and quality of the buildings should be put in a priority position, he said.

Project designers should abide by the principle of saving energy and water, and strive to upgrade building quality using innovation, he said.

He called for more effort to improve decision-making on such projects, optimize project management, and more attention to the design and construction of medium and small-sized public buildings.

(Xinhua News Agency September 9, 2006)