Carrie Leung

graphic design // portfolio

Rotten-Tail Buildings
This is a story of broken promises. I visited three locations in China to investigate the phenomenon of unfinished buildings, known as "rotten-tail buildings." These structures highlight issues of financial mismanagement, over-reliance on debt, and flawed government policies, leaving homebuyers burdened with loans for properties that remain incomplete. Through a video blending visuals, personal stories, and data, I examine the deep financial and emotional toll on homebuyers and the broader risks of over-reliance on real estate as a cornerstone of economic development. The project critiques speculative real estate practices and calls for reforms to protect homebuyers while holding banks and developers accountable. By raising awareness of the dangers associated with China's presale property models, this work advocates for sustainable urban planning, reinforced regulations, and stronger legal protections that prioritize people over profit, shedding light on a critical yet often overlooked social issue.