Saturday, January 5, 2008

Albanian Paint Job

Here is another Socialist block. This time in Albania. And below a similar prefabricated concrete structure having undergone a cosmetic facelift.

The idea to paint these buildings came from a post-socialist mayor in Tirana. The logic behind the campaign was to encouraged tourism and foreign investment. Whether this has worked as intended is uncertain, the act however certainly sparks debate.

Can painting over the grey improve the lives of those residing in these buildings or does it simply make it more pleasant for onlookers?

2 comments:

cecfrombelgium said...

It actually makes the town looking happier.
My step father comes from Tirana and grew up in one of this block. Well, Albania is such a poor and corrupted country that these painted buildngs couldn't really improve people's lifes but living in middle of colored houses instead of grey ones must bit a little less sad?
I'll ask him his feeling about this :o)

Uber1000 said...

I'd be interested to hear his view. I assumed that the introduction of colour would have little to do with the lives of residents and everything to do with the perception from outsiders, thus solely benefiting those in power. Thanks Cec.