Abstract
This paper gives a critical view on the incredible growth of Shanghai since the millennium. It focuses on the search for a new identity by this metropolis, both in its new town development as well as on the transformation and regeneration of downtown areas. By explaining the most important planning policies and trends with the help of recent key projects, and analysing how these projects developed over time, the context and challenges of Shanghai’s rapid urban transformation become clearer. Especially the challenges for urban preservation and quest for an identity in this continuously changing urban landscape will become more insightful. Based on these insights recommendations are given on how Shanghai can be exemplary, within China and internationally in terms of urban development, urban regeneration, and becoming a more future-proof city. The paper concludes with some trends and future perspectives.
Highlights
How to maintain identity in a period of drift construction and demolition? Since the 1980s, Shanghai has grown at an unprecedented scale and speed
One of several collateral effects of this tremendous building boom is that most new urban areas still lack any sense of place, history or identity
Early last century Venice Beach was built in Los Angeles, imitating (Li 2010) the watercourse of its Italian sample
Summary
How to maintain identity in a period of drift construction and demolition? Since the 1980s, Shanghai has grown at an unprecedented scale and speed. As a result within these xiaoqus and along its edges a continuation of the traditional informal street life can be found, especially in relocation areas where all housing units are occupied, and where there seems to be more need for community at the neighbourhood level.
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