Nowhere else in Asia has such an array of buildings been preserved in such density. In cities across the region, many of these old buildings—both religious and secular—would have met the wrecking ball long ago, as demographics morphed or businesses changed hands.
In Burma, however, decades of economic isolation under the Socialist era have meant limited development during a time when the rest of Asia was booming. As a result, Rangoon’s cityscape was kept almost completely intact until the 1990s.
Yet, the future of these buildings is far from secured. At present only the most prominent buildings, such as those already mentioned, are recognized on the Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC) list of 189 heritage structures. Existing heritage laws have proved ineffectual in practice and city planning restrictions have been toothless when it comes to curtailing new constructions.
With innovative conservation policies that combine modern amenities and infrastructure with respectful reinvention of historic structures, Rangoon could become one of the loveliest cities in Asia, a vibrant hub that will attract tourists and investors from around the world.
Alternatively, if Rangoon’s architectural heritage is discarded in favor of unplanned and hurried development, it could end up as yet another congested Asian metropolis—indistinguishable from so many other charmless concrete jungles.
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For full article, get the January 24 edition of M-ZINE+.
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M-ZINE+ is a business weekly available in print in Yangon through Innwa Bookstore and through online subscription at www.Mzineplus.com.
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