Pyongyang architecture digest
Several days ago, Yonhap reported that the DPRK had quietly reduced its goal of building 100,000 housing units by 2012. So of the 200+ buildings that are currently under construction, which projects are priorities? Mansudae Part II for sure (see here and here). But what else? There are many construction sites that were launched well before the second renovation of the Mansudae area was begun, and the deadline for completion is rapidly approaching.
Well North Korea recently broadcast a propaganda television show touting Pyongyang’s housing construction (along with quite a lot of singing). I was able to match up this North Korean television footage with satellite imagery of Pyongyang construction sites to help answer this question. Given the amount of propaganda being used to promote these particular developments, I would say the following three are also 2012 priorities:
Ryongsong-guyok, Chonggye-dong (룡성구역, 청계동)
Click on images for larger versions. See in Google Maps here.
Hyongjesan-guyok, Sopho-2 Dong (형제산구역, 서포2동)
Click on images for larger versions. See in Google Maps here.
Rakrang-guyok, Tongsan-dong (락랑구역, 동산동)
Click on images for larger versions. See in Google Maps here.
The DPRK also recently hosted an architecture expo in Pyongyang. I have uploaded a video of the event to YouTube, and you can watch it here. I was able to match up some of the projects (though not all) with current satellite imagery. Aside from the renovation of the Ryugyong Hotel, there is no publicly available satellite imagery showing that these projects have been launched.
Hyoksin Area (혁신)
Ryugyong Area (류경)
Additional Informaiton
1. So Marcus Noland was right. They want tall buildings.
2. For several years now I have been tracking construction in Pyongyang. See here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.
