Discover the Untold Story of Improvised City Architecture and Governance in Shanghai from 1843 to 1937

Shanghai, a city known for its cutting-edge modernity, skyscrapers, and bustling streets, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The period between 1843 and 1937 witnessed a remarkable transformation in the city's architecture and governance, laying the foundation for its current stature as a global metropolis.

The Arrival of Foreign Influences

In 1843, with the signing of the Treaty of Nanking, Shanghai opened its doors to foreign powers, leading to a significant influx of Western traders, investors, and diplomats. This marked the beginning of an era of rapid urban development and an amalgamation of different architectural styles.

Improvised City: Architecture and Governance in Shanghai, 1843-1937

by Cole Roskam (Kindle Edition)

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The Western influences brought about a paradigm shift in Shanghai's urban planning and architecture. The cityscape transformed with the construction of impressive buildings, churches, and commercial establishments that showcased Victorian, Neo-Classical, Gothic, and Art Deco architectural styles.

The Birth of the Concession Areas

As foreign powers established concessions in Shanghai, these areas became zones of influence for their respective nations. Each concession had its own unique set of architectural guidelines, which resulted in a diverse and eclectic mix of buildings.

Walking through the French Concession, one can witness the charm of tree-lined streets, elegant mansions, and historical buildings that still stand today. The British Concession, on the other hand, boasted neoclassical architecture and wide roads, reflective of British imperial grandeur.

Shikumen Houses: The Quintessential Shanghai Architecture

Amidst the foreign architectural influences, Shanghai also had its unique architectural style known as the Shikumen houses. These traditional lane houses combined Western-style townhouses with Chinese courtyard houses, creating a distinct fusion of cultures.

The Shikumen houses were the backbone of Shanghai's urban fabric, providing affordable housing for the city's working-class population. They showcased artistic details, intricate carvings, and symmetrical layouts that reflect the city's cosmopolitan spirit. Today, these houses are cherished as cultural relics and reminders of Shanghai's past.

From Municipal Councils to the Chinese Republic

Alongside the architectural development, Shanghai also saw significant progress in governance during this period. The establishment of municipal councils and the rise of civic organizations brought about a more systematic and organized approach to urban planning and administration.

However, the turn of the 20th century marked a new era for Shanghai. With the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the birth of the Chinese Republic, nationalist sentiments led to the revitalization of Chinese culture and identity in the city. This was reflected in the revival of traditional Chinese architectural elements in public buildings, such as the Shanghai Museum.

The Legacy of Improvised Architecture and Governance

The period between 1843 and 1937 witnessed an era of improvisation, adaptation, and experimentation in Shanghai's architecture and governance. This laid the foundation for the city's remarkable growth and resilience in the face of challenges.

Shanghai's improvised architecture, a blend of various styles, reflects its open-mindedness and adaptability, which has made it an architectural marvel. The unique integration of Western and Chinese elements in the city's buildings tells a story of cultural exchange and harmonious coexistence.

Similarly, the governance systems implemented during this period, although initially driven by foreign powers, eventually paved the way for Shanghai's transition into a modern, self-governing city. The concepts of urban planning, administration, and civic participation developed in this era continue to shape the city's governance practices today.

In

Exploring the history of improvised city architecture and governance in Shanghai from 1843 to 1937 reveals a fascinating tale of transformation and evolution. From the arrival of foreign influences to the birth of the concession areas, from Shikumen houses to the rise of civic organizations, this era laid the groundwork for Shanghai's current status as a global powerhouse.

As you walk through the streets of Shanghai today, take a moment to appreciate the architectural wonders that stand as a testament to the city's colorful past. The legacy of improvised city architecture and governance is alive and thriving, reminding us of the vibrant history and cultural heritage that shapes this dynamic city.

Improvised City: Architecture and Governance in Shanghai, 1843-1937

by Cole Roskam (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	49427 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	363 pages

FREE

For nearly one hundred years, Shanghai was an international treaty port in which the extraterritorial rights of foreign governments shaped both architecture and infrastructure, and it merits examination as one of the most complex and influential urban environments of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Improvised City illuminates the interplay between the city’s commercial nature and the architectural forms and practices designed to manage it in Shanghai’s three municipalities: the International Settlement, the French Concession, and the Chinese city.

This book probes the relationship between architecture and extraterritoriality in ways that challenge standard narratives of Shanghai’s built environment, which are dominated by stylistic analyses of major landmarks. Instead, by considering a wider range of town halls, post offices, municipal offices, war memorials, water works, and consulates, Cole Roskam traces the cultural, economic, political, and spatial negotiations that shaped Shanghai’s growth.

Improvised City repositions Shanghai within architectural and urban transformations that reshaped the world over the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It responds to growing academic interest in the history of modern and contemporary Chinese architecture and urbanism; the ongoing, shifting relationship between sovereignty and space; and the variegated forms of urban exceptionality—such as special economic zones, tax-free trading spheres, and commercial enclaves—that continue to shape cities.