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.