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Currently on the rise in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang, a massive city-building mega-project is going up at breakneck speed, with reports confirming that around-the-clock construction crews have been ordered to maintain a rate of one new floor every 14 hours. An incredible rate of progress by any measure, the conscripted crew of soldier-workers have been moving at what locals refer to as "Mallima Speed," a reference to a mythical winged horse capable of travelling supernaturally fast over great distances.
Part of a nationwide "speed campaign," the project comes on the heels of the first such initiative of this type which was completed last year, resulting in the completion of "Future Street," a cluster of high-rise apartments, office towers, and parks, which was built using similar methods. Currently in the midst of a 200-day speed drive, construction crews have been ordered to maintain their demanding schedule as a show of commitment to their leader, Kim Jong Un, and to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
To be comprised of a series of apartment complexes, the centrepiece being a 70-storey residential tower which will soon become the tallest such structure in North Korea, the project will contain more than 3,000 apartments, all of which will be air conditioned, with residents served by a local nursery, kindergarten, laundry, and post office. Boasting a modern approach to urbanism, the project will also feature a "Green Street," which will employ heating and lighting systems powered by a mixture of solar and geothermal energy. Adding to the renewable energy theme, many of the structures within the complex will be equipped with rooftop hydroponic greenhouses, while units will be designed to take maximum advantage of natural sunlight.
While North Korea is notoriously tight-lipped on its operations, what is clear about the project is that it will most certainly be a further sign of the country's penchant for maintaining the appearance of enlightened progress and affluence in the face of global criticism and mistrust.
SkyriseCities will be sure to return to this fascinating project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.
