Into the Concept of Utopia Versus Dystopia: A Comparative Analysis Between Two Cities

Abstract

In the realm of construction, many contemporary cities adopt ambitious projects of different types. Yet, in some cities, such as Baghdad, this phenomenon is obvious despite the actual chaotic architecture and urban formation of the city, while in other cities, such as Dubai, the same phenomenon seems to be part of a sophisticated, well-planned city. The question is: What are the criteria for such a contradictory/ harmonious manifestation in a city? Based on the assumption that the apparent status of such contemporary cities is a manifestation of the concept of Utopia versus Dystopia, this research aims to reach a method for detecting the manifestation of the duality of Utopia- Dystopia in contemporary cities. The paper suggests that while one side of this duality prevails within one realm, such as the realm of construction, the opposite party is embedded in other realms within the same city. The proposal sought the visual criteria of Utopia versus Dystopia in the realm of architecture and urban formation to build a method for comparative analysis, then run the comparison between two cities: Baghdad and Dubai. The method led to considering visual indicators that enabled the research to pursue the opposite party of the duality within other realms such as Technology and Education; for the case of Baghdad and Dubai, they were the economy and sociology. The study was based on a mixed method and addressed qualitative data, such as texts, drawings, and images related to the subject, basically of architecture and urban nature. The research perceived qualitative criteria and sought quantitative data for comparison to satisfy and support the analysis and discussion of its findings.