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# If we build it...
- URL: https://www.kevinmeyer.com/if-we-build-it/
- Published: 2010-12-23T07:16:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-05-07T17:02:30.000Z
- Author: Kevin Meyer
- Tags: Beyond Manufacturing, #Migrated-1752356847400, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2025-07-12 14:48

And here I thought large-scale central planning was thrown out with the remnants of the old Soviet Union.

Lean folks know that effective capacity is tied to demand, not to whatever the man behind the magic curtain (uh... running SAP?) believes it should be. Apparently the Chinese haven't learned that lesson.

Business Insider has a fascinating peek at the ghost cities of China. City after city - very modern and looking quite livable... sitting empty. Even a university built to hold over two million students (yes you read that right)... with eleven thousand enrolled.

Some of the photos are downright spooky... big buildings looking very well kept, but empty streets.

The cost must be incredible.

Demand-based construction, anyone?