Architectural WTF

http://www.theatlanticcities.com/politics/2013/08/how-north-korea-commissions-architects/6403/


Hello Everyone:

Map of North Korea
lonelyplanet.com

Alright we are back in business as it were.  After yesterday's calamitous loss of an other wise brilliant post, which I will make it up to you, and keyboard issues which I've temporarily resolved, we back on track.  Today's topic is an architectural WTF.  Let me preface this, twice a week I get a newsletter from Planetizen (http://www.planetizen.com) which covers the latest news in architecture, historic preservation, urban planning and design.  Yesterday's edition had an article that was just too good to pass up for commentary, "How North Korea Commissions Architects," by Mark Byrnes for Atlantic Cities (August 2, 2013).  Yes, you read it correctly,

North Korean landscape
common.wikimedia.org

how North Korea commissions architects to come and build public works projects.  This is the very same country where the average person lacks all the basic necessities of life and "enemies of the state" are thrown into concentration camps, excuse me, "Re-education Camps."  Find me a architect that would want to admit that his or her firm undertook a commission for "Dear Leader" Kim Jong Un.  Apparently one Chinese firm, PTL Planning and Architecture, with offices in shanghai and Hong Kong isn't hesitant about doing just that.

Kamgang Tourism Zone
dezeen.com

Wonson Airport Elevation
dezeen.com

Wonsan Airport Schematic
media.designerpages.com.com

PTL Planning and Architecture had previously proposed a redesign for the Kamgang Tourism zone airport in Wonsan, North Korea.  The Chinese firm re-imagined the former military airport converted for civilian use by way of two sleek-looking terminals referencing traditional Korean drums.  This design pleased "Dear Leader."  Perhaps, what is more mind boggling is exactly how the North Korean government, which has little or no interest in providing food, education, health care, or anything else for that matter to their people, was able to entice an outside private firm to carry out this or any commission.  The mind reels.  According to a report in the South China Morning Post, an anonymous middle man was authorized by the North Korean government to chose an architect to redesign its airports.  Otto Cheng, a PTL planner told the newspaper that his firm was approached by a potential investor, close to the North Korean government.  What was Mr. Cheng thinking when he met with this unknown person?  Mr. Cheng was motivated to seriously consider the work because he found local projects less satisfying and a lack of interest in more creative ideas in Hong Kong.  Okay.  The firm does not list the country of origin for their external commissions however, the SCMP uncovered commissions, undertaken by the firm, for the governments of Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Iraq, and Peru.

Exterior of Wonsan
scmp.com

Given the veritable rogue's gallery of foreign commissions, it's pretty easy to understand why the firm opts not publicize them on their online portfolio.  Yours truly, trying to remain objective and editorialize but there are just too many openings.  PTL is more than happy to accommodate the Hermit Kingdom.  In fact their next potential project is a redesign of Sunan International Airport in Pyongyang.  Sunan was built shortly after

Sunan Airport, Pyongyan, North Korea
common.wikimedia.org

World War II and suffered severe water damage from a United States Air Force bombing raid in Toksan during the Korean Conflict (1950-53).  It was later repaired and expanded into its current size soon after the conflict, adding a small glass structure next door for customs operations.  The airport has a small assortment of amenities including a duty free shop (??).  Both Air China and North Korea's national airlines, Air Koryo (even more mind boggling) offer flights from Pyongyang along domestic and understandable, limited international routes around Asia.  No one has an inkling of what this airport redesign will look like but one can only imagine.

The mind reel with the absurdity of the whole enterprise.  The reality of it all is, given the "up is down and down is up" mentality of "Dear Leader" and his government, it's not surprising that they would finance these massive airport redesigns when the average North Korean can barely afford bus fare.  However, the fact that a Chinese firm is willing to go on the record and admit that they do business with North Korea says something about the geopolitics of the region.  I suppose one must tread carefully when doing business with a scorpion.  You can only trust the scorpion so far before you get stung.

As always please like me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lenorelowen
Follow me on Twitter and Pinterest at http://www.twitter.com/glamavon or http://www.pinterest.com/glamtroy
You can keep up at http://plus.google.com