Asian metropolises are investing huge sums in creating public green spaces, diversifying their cityscapes by introducing original elements. Their main objective is to promote a specific identity for downtown areas to create a distinct and unmistakable cityscape. The article offers a critical reading of the Cheonggyecheon linear park in Seoul, completed in 2005. It examines the reinstatement of the River Cheonggyecheon, which has entailed the creation of an extensive linear park along its course, as an example of this process of identity creation. This large-scale intervention evokes the historical legacy of the city, and brings quality back to its ancient centre. At the same time, it both manifests environmental awareness and also demonstrated the sophisticated technical skills necessary to achieve such a grand project. With this restoration, the capital of South Korea has performed a feat of territorial branding. Besides, with this spectacular evocation of the former stream, Seoul has acquired a landmark and a focus for leisure and tourism.
Landscapes of Metropolitan Hedonism
RINALDI, BIANCA MARIA
2007-01-01
Abstract
Asian metropolises are investing huge sums in creating public green spaces, diversifying their cityscapes by introducing original elements. Their main objective is to promote a specific identity for downtown areas to create a distinct and unmistakable cityscape. The article offers a critical reading of the Cheonggyecheon linear park in Seoul, completed in 2005. It examines the reinstatement of the River Cheonggyecheon, which has entailed the creation of an extensive linear park along its course, as an example of this process of identity creation. This large-scale intervention evokes the historical legacy of the city, and brings quality back to its ancient centre. At the same time, it both manifests environmental awareness and also demonstrated the sophisticated technical skills necessary to achieve such a grand project. With this restoration, the capital of South Korea has performed a feat of territorial branding. Besides, with this spectacular evocation of the former stream, Seoul has acquired a landmark and a focus for leisure and tourism.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
