Social congestion in Shanghai : an urban housing project designed on its sections

Abstract

The new housing developments of Shanghai rely on high-rise building, demolishing the prevailing low-rise high-density housing, known as Lilong housing, built in the early 20th century, and known as Lilong housing. The high-rise building, a symbol of modern living providing open view, better sanitation facilities, and higher building density, is usually considered to be a positive architectural revolution. The Lilong housing, despite its tranquil appearance sustained over a century, also experienced a revolution, caused by densification resulting from population explosion and poor maintenance of the buildings. Living in extremely tight space, often less than 6 square meters per person, Lilong residents had to find flexible ways of living by modifying and using space in creative ways. The residents built subtle social connections through the intense contacts of their shared lives. People who have moved from Lilong to high-rise when asked to compare their changed lifestyle, usually appreciate the good privacy, generous space, and full facilities in high-rise housing. However, most of them also dislike being isolated and lament their loss of the "big warm family" of old Lilong (Hammond, 2006, p.41). Believing that a good design should bring people together I am searching for an alternative way to develop hyper-dense urban housing to support communal culture while also actively responding to various modern trends.