The dystopian vs. the utopian

Dystopias and utopias have been portrayed multiple times in literature. We often associate dystopia with images of ruins, and failed cities but the idea of a dystopia refers to a repressive controlled society. It refers to a social context instead of a physical state of a city or area. A utopia is the opposite of a dystopia, it refers to a ideal community or society that has a perfected socio-political legal system. Utopia is a Greek word, it literally, and ironically, translates to "no place".
In The Ultimate City we are shown two very opposing cities. The Green City is an orderly, strict city, while the ruined Metropolis becomes a destructive, dead home for others. When wondering which of these cities is a utopia or dystopia, it's very easy to call the Green City a utopia simply because of the stable economy, the eco-efficient power, and docile community. However, Halloway reveals that the Green City is often restricting and controlling of their society, making it more of a dystopia.
In many senses, the Green City is closer to the idea of a "Utopia" than the Metropolis is. However, I believe it is somewhat a matter of perspective. For Halloway, the Metropolis is his utopia. He sees so much potential in the ruined Metropolis and to him it is a Utopia, free from the restrictions of the Green City. This shows that utopia is really a matter of perspective and because of this, Utopia cannot truly exist due to people's conflicting ideas and perspectives. This being said, it does not necessarily mean that reaching for a utopia-like is not beneficial.
The story plays with cities with contrasting ideals and social standards. Though one may seem more clearly "utopian" than the other, it really is a matter of opinion. We often cannot appreciate the good qualities of our society without a comparison. The ideals of a utopia while unrealistic, can be something to strive for. A dystopia or utopia is dependent on the social interaction within it. In that sense, it is similar to architecture. Architecture is not only about the building, but how people interact with it. The experience of a building is key and depending on what experience you enjoy or understand best, your own idea of utopia will form from it.