Thames Town, English Simulacrum: Relocating The Theme Park Motifs Of Shanghai
November 1st 2006 00:51
Shanghai's unique urban aesthetic has inspired endless comparisons to a theme park, and as the city engulfs the outlying land and relocates 10,000 citizens to Song Jiang, a commuter city, it's taking on an ambitious new project with Thames Town, a recreation of a West English settlement that spans a square kilometre of authentic-looking British housing.
Thames Town is currently under construction thanks to Atkins, who are responsible for projects such as the Jumeira Beach Resort and the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, and they're fucssing on using materials exclusive to the Brit style of architecture that they're basing their creation on, like timber, clay tiles and even cobble stones.
Go to Thames Town's official site for a plethora of pics of perfect colonial facades - not that the outsides will be the only authentic parts of the buildings, as CNN reports that pews were being installed to a neo-Gothic church at the time of its reporting. Be sure to check out the pub, with the sign: Real Ales Served Here, and the faux-Victorian waterfront!
I'd like to visit Thames Town but I wouldn't want to live there as I'm not a fan of European architecture/urban planning. I wonder if elements of an Asian town will ever be recreated within one of the Western democracies as I'd leap at the chance to make it my permanent abode!
Here is part of the official govt website information:
Here, in Thames Town, the authentic English learning style is assiduously promoted and cultivated,the supermarket stocks goods and supplies of greater variety and appeal, and the hotel gives everyone a chance to enjoy panoramic views as well as experience for themselves the unique flavor of the English way of life. Complete with the personalized services of the clinic, and the provision of a wide range of commercial facilities, all these bring about a different and refreshing living experience for all.
Can Shanghai get any more postmodern?
Thames Town is currently under construction thanks to Atkins, who are responsible for projects such as the Jumeira Beach Resort and the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, and they're fucssing on using materials exclusive to the Brit style of architecture that they're basing their creation on, like timber, clay tiles and even cobble stones.
pic from www.shanghaiist.com
pic from www.thamestown.com
www.thamestown.com
Go to Thames Town's official site for a plethora of pics of perfect colonial facades - not that the outsides will be the only authentic parts of the buildings, as CNN reports that pews were being installed to a neo-Gothic church at the time of its reporting. Be sure to check out the pub, with the sign: Real Ales Served Here, and the faux-Victorian waterfront!
I'd like to visit Thames Town but I wouldn't want to live there as I'm not a fan of European architecture/urban planning. I wonder if elements of an Asian town will ever be recreated within one of the Western democracies as I'd leap at the chance to make it my permanent abode!
Here is part of the official govt website information:
Here, in Thames Town, the authentic English learning style is assiduously promoted and cultivated,the supermarket stocks goods and supplies of greater variety and appeal, and the hotel gives everyone a chance to enjoy panoramic views as well as experience for themselves the unique flavor of the English way of life. Complete with the personalized services of the clinic, and the provision of a wide range of commercial facilities, all these bring about a different and refreshing living experience for all.
Can Shanghai get any more postmodern?
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