Model City Pyongyang

Pyongyang, a model city in North Korea, was planned and implemented to model a single ideological vision. This book offers comprehensive visual access to the city's restricted buildings, which still preserve the DPRK's original vision for a city designed "for the people." The architecture is often kitsch, colorful, and dramatic, reminiscent of the aesthetic of a Wes Anderson film.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 224 pages
\n Publication date: 19 September 2019
\n Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd
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Throughout history, numerous "model cities," both imagined and physical, have emerged. These cities have ranged from the ideal Renaissance cities of Urbino, Pienza, and Ferrara to modernist utopias like Brasilia or Chandigarh. However, North Korea's Pyongyang stands out as a unique example. Following the Korean War (1950-1953), Pyongyang was entirely rebuilt to embody a single ideological vision—a blueprint for an entire state. As a result, the city's urban fabric showcases an extraordinary architectural cohesion and narrative, beautifully captured in the pages of this book.

In recent years, many of Pyongyang's buildings have undergone redevelopment, either by removing interior features or altering their façades to render them unrecognizable. From the city's monumental axes to its symbolic sports halls and experimental housing concepts, this timely book provides comprehensive visual access to Pyongyang's restricted buildings, which still uphold the DPRK's original vision for a city designed "for the people." Often characterized by its kitsch, colorful, and dramatic aesthetic, Pyongyang's architecture can evoke the visual style of a Wes Anderson film, where it becomes challenging to distinguish between reality and theatricality. Reflecting a culture that has meticulously crafted its own narrative, the backdrop of each photograph in this book has been replaced with a color gradient, reminiscent of the idealized pastel skies found in the country's propaganda posters.

The redevelopment of Pyongyang's buildings reflects a broader trend in the country's urban planning. Since the late 1990s, North Korea has embarked on an ambitious program to modernize its cities, with a particular focus on architectural aesthetics and symbolism. This effort has been driven by the country's leadership, who believe that a strong and visually appealing urban environment can enhance the country's prestige and influence on the global stage.

One of the most notable features of Pyongyang's architecture is its emphasis on monumental axes and symmetrical designs. The city's main streets are laid out in a grid pattern, with buildings aligned along these axes to create a sense of order and grandeur. This architectural style is reminiscent of the Soviet Union's urban planning, which also emphasized monumentalism and order.

Another notable aspect of Pyongyang's architecture is its use of color and symbolism. Buildings are often painted in bright and bold colors, such as red, yellow, and blue, which are associated with the country's flag and the ruling Workers' Party. These colors are used to create a sense of unity and pride among the citizens, as well as to showcase the country's strength and power.

In addition to its monumental axes and symbolic colors, Pyongyang's architecture also features a range of experimental housing concepts. These buildings are designed to accommodate the country's rapidly growing population, while also promoting a sense of community and social cohesion. For example, some housing complexes are designed to be self-sufficient, with gardens and green spaces providing residents with fresh produce and a sense of connection to nature.

Despite the country's efforts to modernize its cities, Pyongyang's architecture still faces challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of access to modern building materials and technologies. As a result, many of Pyongyang's buildings are outdated and in need of repair or renovation. Additionally, the country's strict control over the media and information means that it is difficult to obtain accurate information about Pyongyang's architecture and development projects.

Despite these challenges, Pyongyang's architecture remains a fascinating and unique example of urban planning and design. The city's buildings showcase the country's commitment to its ideology and its desire to create a strong and visually appealing urban environment. Whether viewed as a symbol of political power or a testament to the country's cultural heritage, Pyongyang's architecture continues to captivate and intrigue people around the world.

In conclusion, North Korea's Pyongyang is a unique example of a "model city" that has been meticulously planned and implemented to embody a single ideological vision. The city's architecture displays an extraordinary architectural cohesion and narrative, showcasing the DPRK's original vision for a city designed "for the people." Despite the challenges faced by the country's urban planning, Pyongyang's architecture remains a fascinating and unique example of urban planning and design. The city's buildings showcase the country's commitment to its ideology and its desire to create a strong and visually appealing urban environment. Whether viewed as a symbol of political power or a testament to the country's cultural heritage, Pyongyang's architecture continues to captivate and intrigue people around the world.

\n Weight: 868g\n
Dimension: 218 x 191 x 27 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780500343531\n \n