New Capital: Building Cities From Scratch

Nick Hannes, an award-winning Belgian photojournalist, examines six newly built capital cities around the world, including Korea, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Egypt, Indonesia, and Brazil, and questions whether they are truly serving the people who live in them. He explores the human dimension in a setting full of spectacular architecture and pompous prestige projects, highlighting the contrast between utopia and dystopia.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 17 April 2024
Publisher: Lannoo Publishers

Award-winning Belgian photojournalist Nick Hannes takes a discerning look at six newly constructed capital cities across the globe, ranging from Korea to Kazakhstan. He raises the question of whether these cities are truly serving the people who inhabit them.

Elle Decoration UK delves into the concept of the ideal capital. Photographer Nick Hannes embarked on a journey to six countries: Egypt, Korea, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, and Brazil. Each of these countries is in the process of constructing a new capital or has recently completed one. Rem Koolhaas, a renowned architect, refers to these cities as Generic Cities, characterized by their lack of historical layers, local identity, and unique character.

Hannes, a visual sociologist with a keen eye for detail, explores these cities in search of the human dimension amidst the spectacular architecture and grandiose prestige projects. New Capital is a thought-provoking and critical reflection on unbridled neoliberal urban development and its far-reaching social and ecological consequences. However, it is also interspersed with subtle humor and unexpected coincidences.

The film navigates a delicate balance between pride and sadness, showcasing how utopia and dystopia can sometimes be intertwined. It sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by these cities as they strive to establish their identity and serve the needs of their inhabitants.

Through his lens, Hannes captures the juxtaposition of grandiose structures and the everyday lives of the people who inhabit them. He provides a nuanced perspective on the urban landscape, challenging viewers to consider the impact of development on society and the environment.

New Capital is a captivating and thought-provoking documentary that invites viewers to explore the world of capital construction and its implications for the future. It serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable and inclusive urban planning and the need to balance the aspirations of cities with the well-being of their residents.

Weight: 1298g
Dimension: 238 x 292 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789401403764