HISTORICAL PRESERVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY CASE STUDIES ON THE Moganshan DISTRICT AND ZHUJIAJIAO

BACKGROUND: Shanghai & the Governments Grand Scheme to create a “Global City” The restructuring of Shanghai’s urban landscape started in the 1980s by Shanghai’s Urban Planning Bureau. The Urban Master Plan from 2000-2020 focuses on the urban spatial area of Shanghai. This drive to modernize Shanghai and make it an international financial and economic center included the restructuring of land use, urban infrastructure development and a cultivating a more sophisticated economy.

Who? Why is historical preservation important? As part of The Urban Master Plan, the Shanghai Municipal government’s goal to make Shanghai a competitive metropolis in China and in the rest of the world, undertook many projects in efforts to drive economic growth and urbanization. Historical preservation in Shanghai is part of their mission to make Shanghai a cultural city.

THE BIGGER PICTURE The Suzhou Creek Rehabilitation Project The rehabilitation of the Suzhou Creek, which crosses through the heart of downtown Shanghai, was undertaken by the Shanghai Municipal government in a twelve-year plan to improve water quality, revitalize the urban environment and to redevelop the surrounding area. “One City, Nine Towns” Aims at expanding the area of Shanghai by creating satellite cities in order to lower the high density of people living currently in Shanghai. With the increase in transportation efforts and nice tax exemptions, the Shanghai government hopes to further develop the area of Shanghai in order to provide economic and social benefits to its people.

“INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE” & THE MOGANSHAN DISTRICT This is the third phase of Suzhou Creek Rehabilitation Project: Urban restructuring. The Moganshan District is located along the Suzhou Creek and is the home of the M50 Art District. The buildings around this area were mainly flour and textile industries and now the industrial buildings are reused for businesses: Art galleries, shops, restaurants, cafes, and even a upscale furniture store.

The Fufeng Flour Factory Now Furniture Store

Graffiti & the Moganshan District Walking on a long road towards the secluded M50 District, filled with graffiti art.

M50 Art District The M50 district, which is one complex square, consists of many galleries in the two to three story buildings. There is a big open space upon entrance with two buildings to the sides and one up ahead. With frequent exhibitions, galleries and events, the enjoyment of tourist and the Chinese is available. The reusing of these factories for commercialization, specifically as an art district, reaps benefits because of the consistent renters. This creates a community that is self-aware of their surroundings, as they must interact with each other, the community and the environment.

Sustainable? Yes: Because it is secluded, it doesn’t disrupt the lives of the people around the area due to tourism. Due to gentrification, there is a keen awareness of keeping the area clean. Real estate prices are high and artist are consistent renters making it a tight community. Has promoted the development of the area as a lot of tourist go there by increasing bike paths, parks, etc.

ANCIENT WATER TOWN OF ZHUJIAJIAO

“CULTURAL HERITAGE” & ZHUJIAJIAO As a means of sustainable development, Shanghai hopes to create an eco-city. Through the accessibility of transportation, creation of affordable housing and tax exemptions for businesses, the government hopes to reduce the high population density in the core center of Shanghai and hope to promote private investment, commercialization and tourism. The specific area I observed lies in the Qing Pu District. Like the particular identities of the other new towns, the Qing Pu government has focused on the preservation of Zhujiajiao. Through the preservation of the ancient water town, the government relies on tourism development for economic growth and urban development. Hartog, Henry den. Shanghai New Towns: Searching for Community and Identity in sprawling metropolis. Rotterdam: 010 Publishing, 2010.

What did the Project do? Once it was added to the “One City, Nine Towns” Project, provided an increase in public funding. From 2001-2007, Zhujiajiao used it funds to enhance public infrastructure and further renovate historical buildings. The project was able to complete the construction of a wastewater pipeline, an underground electrical and telecommunication cables, a cruise route from Dian Shan Hu and Zhujiajiao and a mall. The effects of the economic benefits reaped from tourism, increased the prices of rent by about twenty times and created many employment opportunities.  

SUSTAINBLE? No: Economic Development has helped increase the standard of living for people, however it has disrupted the lives of the local people. Tourist swarm all the time to see the Buddhist Temples and eat traditional food. The result of environmental degradation is noted by the people as there are no laws that regulate the businesses waste and no waste management system. No innovation as people are stuck with the economic opportunities of blue collar work.