The Shanghai Old Town Master Plan calls for the respectful revitalization of one of Shanghai’s most historic districts. Old Town is situated at the ancient center of the city, which was once surrounded by a defensive wall. SOM's plan protects the historic character and intimate scale of the area's streetscapes, buildings, and urban forms. Through a series of thoughtful design interventions, the plan fosters new, transit-oriented development, while avoiding the detrimental effects of recent urbanization—the wider streets and massive structures that have at times diminished the cityscape.
The master plan preserves low, dense structures and historic-scaled public spaces inside the ancient city center, while proposing taller buildings in specific locations to create a sense of arrival. Higher-density zones outside the historic walled area will fulfill the district’s development potential and provide contrast to the lower density of Old Town.
The proposed mixed-use development includes plans for housing, commercial, retail, hospitality, and cultural sites. The plan seeks to attract new industries to Old Town that will stimulate economic growth, diversity, and innovation, and also strengthen connections to surrounding areas.
Shanghai Old Town Master Plan
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Project Facts
Location: Shanghai, China
Design Completion: 2016
Site Area: 161 hectares
Project Area: 3,550,000 m2
Service: Urban Design + Planning
News
Awards
2019
Spark Spaces: GoldSpark Awards2019
Charter AwardCongress for the New Urbanism2019
Urban Design AwardAIA – California Council2019
Honor Award for DesignAIA – California Council2018
Regeneration & Masterplanning AwardMIPIM/Architectural Review2018
Overall Winner AwardMIPIM/Architectural ReviewSee Also...

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