The speed of urban development in Shanghai means that the city has undergone an incredible transformation in a very short period. It has turned from a city to a megapolis now, and it will change still further in the future. Therefore, the question is not whether the old Shanghai should transform or not, but how this change will be undertaken. The brief required the demolition of sections of the Lilong area in old Shanghai, and to rebuild a mix-used development with the total floor area of 2000m2.
The site is opposite Pudong district and enclosed by modern and tall buildings, the proposal is to demolish the entrance of the site, and to provide a dialogue between the new Shanghai and the old, and to be a transition between the modern towers and the traditional local architecture. The north side of the building is an urban landmark: 7 storeys high tapering to the south to blend with the existing local houses.
Design inspired by traditional Asian boat building techniques.
