Naypitaw: an approach

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Among capitals created ex nihilo, Naypyitaw, Myanmar’s seat of government since 2005, is particularly unique. Sociologist Heinz Schütte and photographer Wolfgang Bellwinkel focus their study on the new capital within Myanmar’s historical continuum and the political circumstances surrounding its establishment. Their work, launched in Yangon in January, explores the regime’s perception of its role in the multi-ethnic state and its efforts to maintain military dominance amid a fragile democratic opening. They question whether the imposing spatial layout and dissociative architectural forms of Naypyitaw can adapt to a future society characterized by pluralism and civic participation. Through essays and photographs, they analyze the settlement structure and seek deeper meanings beneath its surface. The interpretation reflects the perspectives of two outsiders, drawing comparisons to European and Asian urban designs that they find lacking in Naypyitaw. Nevertheless, they argue that the capital's logic can be traced back to Myanmar’s ethnic and religious policies since the empire's first unification under King Anawrahta in the 11th century.