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Invisible Community: Study of Spontaneous Settlement in the Dinghaiqiao Area of Shanghai

Project details

Student Fanyu Gao
Programme
Year 1

While Shanghai's industrial history often highlights factories as crucial symbols of the city's development, another facet exists, the 'other Shanghai', represented by spontaneous settlements and their residents. Despite their close ties to the workers' movement, this aspect remains largely absent in the professional history of architecture. Nevertheless, it stands as an integral driving force behind Shanghai's industrial prosperity and merits recognition and preservation.

Through the study of the spontaneous settlement of Dinghaiqiao, this project attempts to reveal the interdependence and companionship between factories and spontaneous settlements. It also sheds light on the self-sufficient community spirit and culture of the Dinghaiqiao community, as well as the unique lifestyles that have developed in response to the longstanding deficiencies in public facilities. Building upon this study, the planning of the Dinghaiqiao community seeks to reorganise the relationship between spontaneous settlements and factories in the new era, preserving its community culture and way of life.

Dinghai Road and Dinghaigang Road are renovated by the removal of some buildings at the junction and in front of the brewery and the transformation of the intersection into a community square to host a fashion designer bazaar.

Community Plaza Design

Dinghai Road and Dinghaigang Road are renovated by the removal of some buildings at the junction and in front of the brewery and the transformation of the intersection into a community square to host a fashion designer bazaar.

The distribution of spontaneous settlements in Shanghai in the historical record and the resulting concepts of the 'upper' and 'lower' corner.

Upper Corner, Lower Corner

The distribution of spontaneous settlements in Shanghai in the historical record and the resulting concepts of the 'upper' and 'lower' corner.

(Source: Figures from Shanghai Observer by Lai Xinlin)

The lively atmosphere and daily life of the residents of Dinghai Road.

Aerial View of Spontaneous Settlement at Dinghai Road

(Source: Figures from Shanghai Observer by Lai Xinlin)


The lively atmosphere and daily life of the residents of Dinghai Road.

(Source: Figures from Modengshanghai)

The soon-to-be-demolished Dinghaiqiao neighbourhood starkly contrasts the completed One East Bund high-rise not far behind it.

The Marketplace Underneath the Tall Building

(Source: Figures from Modengshanghai)


The soon-to-be-demolished Dinghaiqiao neighbourhood starkly contrasts the completed One East Bund high-rise not far behind it.

A new overall layout for the Dinghaiqiao community.

Dinghaiqiao Community Design Masterplan

A new overall layout for the Dinghaiqiao community.

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26 September – 6 October
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