年度阅读｜关于现代性、乌托邦、“媚俗”、九十年代与当下

Group 1 - The article discusses the themes of modernity, utopia, and the relationship between the 1990s and the present through the lens of various literary works [2][6][18] - Wang Dongjie’s book "The Arrival of the Planned Society: Re-reading 'The Book of Great Unity'" explores the historical context of modernity in China and critiques the optimistic views of utopia presented by Kang Youwei [2][4] - Milan Kundera's works, particularly "Life is Elsewhere" and "The Unbearable Lightness of Being," are referenced to illustrate the concept of kitsch and its implications for utopian ideals [6][8][9] Group 2 - Liu Jiakun, a prominent architect, won the Pritzker Prize in 2025 and is known for his innovative architectural designs that reflect local characteristics [11][12] - His novel "The Moonlight Concept" critiques the radical modernist practices and collective utopian ideals of the past, showcasing the tension between idealism and reality [12][13][17] - The narrative in "The Moonlight Concept" reflects on the ruins of utopian projects and the potential for re-utilization, emphasizing the relationship between architecture and memory [13][14][16] Group 3 - Peter Hessler, known as He Wei in Chinese, provides a unique perspective on the changes in China through his non-fiction works, capturing the essence of the 1990s and its impact on contemporary society [18][20] - His writings highlight the contrast between the past and present, focusing on the lives of ordinary people and their struggles for better futures amidst rapid changes [21][22] - The discussion of the Three Gorges Project in relation to the city of Fuling illustrates the broader themes of destruction and rebirth in urban environments [23][24]