Why was Ai Weiwei’s Shanghai studio complex demolished in 2011?

In late 2010, Chinese authorities notified Ai Weiwei that his recently constructed studio complex in Shanghai was scheduled for demolition. While local officials officially cited the artist's failure to obtain a required building permit as the reason for the razing, Ai speculated that the true motivation was political retaliation.1

Specifically, Ai believed the demolition was prompted by two documentary films he had produced that highlighted alleged injustices committed by the Shanghai government. The site was ultimately demolished in early 2011, following a period where Ai had been placed under house arrest to prevent him from hosting a gathering at the location.1