Islamabad

Core idea

Sectoral ‘dynapolis’, hierarchical roads

Why it matters

Planned capital for a new state

Description

Constantinos Doxiadis's 1960 plan for Islamabad created a new Pakistani capital on a grid of self-contained sectors, designed for 'dynapolis' — open-ended directional growth — and separated from the existing city of Rawalpindi, with a monumental administrative core.

Significance

Islamabad is a major example of postcolonial capital-building and of Doxiadis's 'ekistics,' demonstrating the mid-century faith that a rationally planned new capital could embody a young nation's modern aspirations.

What shaped it

• The master plan (early 20th c.)
• The Neighbourhood Unit (1929)
• The urban freeway (mid-20th c.)

Plans it influenced

• Abuja Master Plan (1979)
• Lahore Master Plan (1966)
• Sejong Special Self-Governing City (2012–)
• Egypt New Administrative Capital (NAC) (2015–)
• 6th of October City Master Plan (Egypt) (1979)
• Putrajaya Masterplan (Malaysia) (1993–)
• Astana New Capital Master Plan (Kurokawa) (1998)

Sources

• https://pide.org.pk/research/the-islamabad-master-plan/
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342393741_The_Islamabad_Master_Plan