1. Changes and

Developments in

Shanghai

1.1 Buildings1.2 Transportation1.3 Infrastructure1.4 Schools1.5 Open Space and Recreation

An Introduction

There are two main reasons for urban growth. Firstly, rural-urban migration, or the migration of people from rural regions like Xinjiang to Shanghai. International migration also contributes to the increase in population size. Shanghai attracts many foreign investors with its booming economy and low labour cost. Secondly, mortality rate has decreased with advancement in medical science, better healthcare services, and improved sanitation conditions. Hence, rapid urban growth is a result of natural increase.

To cater for the growing population, and economic development, the city of Shanghai requires good urban planning.

The shikumen,石库门 , is a traditional home in Shanghai. The shikumen houses are located in estates, called longtangs, or back alleys. The shikumen style is unique to Shanghai.

1.1.1 Old Buildings

However, the 2-to-3-storey-tall shikumen buildings do not provide adequate housing, especially for the new migrants to Shanghai.

So, there is a need to evict the tenants of some of these buildings to give space for development of high-rise buildings.

1.1.2 From Old to New

This photograph shows some buildings in Hongqiao. It was taken on the highway.

1.1.3 Skyscrapers galore!

The development of skyscrapers and buildings have met the demands for housing from the rapidly increasing

population in Shanghai.

The buildings also have other uses. Skyscrapers in the Central Area

nucleates the offices and government buildings, maximizing

space.

The buildings not only served to improve the standards of living for the people living in Shanghai, but have also attracted more foreign

investors to use those skyscrapers, or develop more of them. Foreign investments contribute greatly to the economic growth in Shanghai,

providing many jobs.

This photograph (above) was taken in the city of Puxi, the west side of Shanghai. As you can see, there are many skyscrapers in the city, and many more are still under construction.

One building that stands out in this photo is that with a huge clock near the top. This building is under the list of historical buildings preserved by the government.

The below is a photo of the Shanghai Technological Center in Pudong, the east side of Shanghai. The architectural style of the building is very modern and futuristic.

1.1.4 The buildings

The Shanghai Municipal Government recognised the importance of the cultural and historical buildings in Shanghai. Many old buildings in

Shanghai are being preserved, adding a special flavour to the city landscape while preserving the

culture of Shanghai.

• Preservation of the traditional architectural style of shikumen• Keeping the history of Shanghai’s French concession alive• Serving as a shopping/commercial area, enhancing the quality of life of city dwellers• A recreational area where people can spend time strolling and admiring the beauty of the buildings• A revenue for jobs and a source of income• A buffer zone between the skyscrapers of Huai Hai Lu

XINTIANDI…

1.2.1 The Old and the New

The photos of an old tricycle and a modern motorcycle are highly contrasting, and show the development and changes of transportation in Shanghai.

The ownership of vehicles has been increasing in Shanghai.

The volume of traffic has also thus increased.

1.2.2 Transportation of Goods- Old

1.2.2 Transportation of Goods- New

The complex highway system in Shanghai is a very good transportation infrastructure that connects the

whole of Shanghai together in a spider-web-like network.

1.3.1 The Highway

1.3.2 The Shanghai Metro

The Shanghai Metro allows people to travel all over Shanghai without having to spend long periods of time in a car or a bus, shortening travel time and also

reducing costs of travel.

The complex network of the Shanghai Metro (which was shown on the previous slide) allows people to travel all over Shanghai without having to endure long periods of time in a

car or a bus.

The maglev, or magnetic levitation train, transports people arriving at the Pudong airport. It is the world’s fastest train, and is a symbol of the technological advancement in the transportation infrastructure of Shanghai.

The good facilities of a school and the efficiency and excellence of an education system is crucial to the future leaders of the country.

A little greenhouse.

There are many schools in Shanghai, among them are specialize schools. This school places an emphasis on the learning of the arts, and teaches her students to play the violin, the piano, to dance, to act, and to draw. The picture on the right was taken in a piano room.

Sports facilities

The location of this school, Qi Se Hua Elementary School, is right beside HuaiHai Lu, the shopping haven in Shanghai. It is thus highly accessible.

1.5.1 Parks and GardensThere are many beautiful parks that serve as recreational areas in the crowded city of Shanghai. The open space between buildings add to the beauty and ease the tension of the city.

International sports competitions like the Shanghai Tennis Grand Masters are taking place in Shanghai.

1.5.2 Recreation and Sports

Recreational areas like parks and golf clubs enhance the quality of life. Sports facilities and activities like tennis provides the people with a chance to exercise and keep fit.

2. A COMPARSION BETWEEN THE OLD AND THE

NEW

2.1.1 On the Streets of Shanghai

This photograph shows a cobbler’s corner in a

longtang near Yuyuan, in old Shanghai.

Developers have changed this strip of land near Xintiandi to a shopping paradise, and a tall residential building.

2.1.1 Eating out

The ambience of the eateries are very contrasting, and it is obvious that is the one on the right that would

attract the potential customers walking by. The difference in hygiene levels are also highly evident.

2.1.2 Going to the Hairdresser’s

10 yuan per haircut in the longtang

At least 50 yuan per haircut near Huai Hai Lu

LAYOUT OF THE ESTATES

The layout of shikumen buildings in a longtang can be cramped and maze-like whereas the layout of various high-rise buildings in a modern residential estate is well-spaced due to good planning.

A dangerously steep stairway leads to this old building in the photograph (left) while an elevator brings the residents of this

high-rise building up to their apartments.

The elevator brings convenience, and even safety, to residents.

2.2.1 Convenience

2.2.2 Cleanliness

The doors to a shikumen home and to a high-rise apartment show the difference in

the cleanliness and living standards.

2.2.3 Hygiene

Living in this shikumen building would have required you to come down to the alley to get some tap water. It was not only unhygienic as the tap is

shared by many people, but it is also exposed to environmental factors like sunlight and rainwater, corroding the sink and tap. On the other hand, the

modern facilities in a high-rise apartment allows the resident some privacy in the daily washing up routine.

2.2.4 Electricity

Electrical appliances, such as the dishwasher shown in the photo on the right, takes away the need for manual labor. The living standards of the people are improved with a good electricity system or supply in the city of Shanghai.

2.2.5

STORAGE

There is ample space in modern apartments in tall buildings for proper

storage of food in refrigerators, cupboards and drawers. However, in the small shikumen home, storage

space is also limited.

2.2.6 Preparation of

food

Cooking during the olden days of Shanghai required charcoal and real fire.

Now, we use gas stoves.

The usage of gas stoves brings much convenience and hygiene (no more

ashes!) to the kitchen.

A room in a shikumen is cramped and dark. Sometimes, 8 people have to squeeze into one room of a shikumen building. As many as 10 families occupy one shikumen building that is two-t

o-three storeys high.

My room is bright and airy, and my 2-year-old apartment is one of 20 in this

10-storey-high building. There are

2 apartments per storey.

2.2.7 The Bedroom.

2.2.8 Other Facilities

Many newly developed estates are also homes to convenience stores, gyms, restaurants, swimming pools, suanas, and other recreational facilities.

The urban development has indeed improved the living standards of the people living in Shanghai.

In Shanghai, the volume of traffic has increased rapidly in recent years. Traffic congestion thus occurs frequently.

The number of cars on the roads are increasing, and the demand for transport is growing along with the population size. The road network is becoming increasingly inadequate, and peak hour traffic jams are common.

Traffic jams prolong travel time, and affect the efficiency of the workforce, which is proportionate to the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of a country.

Such traffic problems can be solved by better infrastructure like building

more bridges and tunnels, and adding a third-tier highway.

Also, measures like charging drivers for driving along congested roads

during certain times i.e. peak hours.

Car pooling could also be encouraged. Good driving etiquette and

observance of traffic rules would also help.

3.1.2 Inadequate Transport System

• Long waiting time for public transport like the public bus

• Taxis are more commonly used than buses and the Metro

• Buses and the trains are packed like sardines• Affects the efficiency of workforce, productivity of

country, and thus the income and total Gross Domestic Product

This can be solved by extending road and rail networks further. The public transport system should include more routes, and use more buses and trains to improve the efficiency and adequacy of the public transport system.

3.1.3

Safety Hazards

Vehicles transporting goods are sometimes not secured properly. The goods could fall from the highly-stacked piles they are placed into, and knock onto the next vehicle, resulting in accidents.

Many old vehicles emitting black gas are seen

travelling along the roads of Shanghai. The black gas could temporarily block the vision of the driver of the next vehicle, endangering

the safety of many.

Water pollution can be seen in the canals of Shanghai. Litter carelessly strewn by the increasing population pollutes the water. And industrial waste further damages the water system. Thankfully, wastewater treatment in industrial zones will be improved with all effluents collected by sewage networks. By 2006, the wastewater treatment plants and wastewater collection systems will be completed in the 78 reserved zones.

Air pollution often causes the sky in Shanghai to be hazy. The sun is rarely seen clearly, and the air in the city is far from fresh and pure.

Air pollution in Shanghai is caused by the emission of gases from the industries and other such sources that have come about with the urbanization and development of Shanghai.

Air pollution control will be improved with effective air pollutant emission reduction. By 2008 district heating systems will be developed in all possible industrial zones. By 2010, all industrial zones will turn into smoke and dust control areas.

3.2.2.1 EVERYONE COULD PLAY A PART.

A great source of air pollution in cities, are the vehicles on the road that increases exhaust emissions such as carbon monoxide and

sulphur dioxide. Vehicles also contribute dust particles to the air, which could lead to respiratory problems for the elderly and those

prone to asthma.

Electrically powered vehicles such as this one would reduce the emissions of exhaust gas.

The presence of domestic and industrial wastes spoil the beauty of the city, and become eyesores.

It also increases the risk of diseases from poor hygiene.

The development of farmland into skyscrapers, especially common in Pudong, is also a form of land pollution that comes along with the increasing population and the urbanization of the city.

3.2.4 Noise pollution

Noise pollution from the traffic, industrial or construction activities can make urban living unpleasant. High noise level can lead to hearing problems and cause stress.

3.3 Hygiene

3.3.1 Disposal of Rubbish

This rubbish chute is located right opposite a convenience store in a shikumen estate. Bad urban planning has allowed that to happen. Germs and bacteria coul

d infect passers-by.

3.3.2 SanitationThis public toilet is placed right beside a garden which also grows plants like the green pea t

o be eaten by the grower.

There is a foul smell around the toilet, but residents of this shikumen estate live oblivious to

it.

This public toilet could result in the spreading of fatal diseas

es.

This public toilet is actually a result of poor urban planning in these settlements, where there is inadequate space in most

houses to build a toilet.

There have been stories of several inconsiderate vendors who collect old

bottles and then fill them up with drinks from half-consumed cans.

They then sell it to the next unknowing buyer.

3.3.3 Bad

Hygiene Practices

Bad hygiene practices of the Shanghainese is a result of rapid urbanization with which the people have not been

able to catch up with.

That could be solved by educating the public, and encouraging the people to

have good hygiene practices.

The government could also improving on public toilets and other such facilities, and giving more space for them

in urban planning.

3.4.1 OvercrowdingAn overcrowded city creates tension in a person, and does

not give relief to the eye.

A city with good urban planning would have a well-balanced plot ratio.

The city center should be less dense with buildings, and dotted with more greenery.

3.4.2 Eyesores

Too many billboards present in the city scar the landscape of the Shanghai city.

3.4.3 SlumsIn these dilapidated houses, there are inadequate public services like water and electricity, with no proper sanitation and sewage system. Diseases like tuberculosis can arise and spread easily, especially with the cramped conditions of these buildings. These slums are also fire hazards.

The slums are still present in Shanghai due to bad urban planning. The people living in these slums have not been relocated to proper houses.

Solutions to such housing problems include

• Granting housing subsidies,

• Providing low-cost housing to relocate slum dwellers, or

• Improving the living conditions of slums and squatter settlements

The solution to these problems in the city landscape can be solved with better urban planning.

AS SHANGHAI ADVANCES INTO THE FUTURE, IT WILL REQUIRE BETTER URBAN PLANNING TO DEVELOP AND BLOOM INTO A

WORLD-CLASS CITY…

Bibliography Bunnett, R B. “Interactive Geography: Secondary 4.” Singapore, SNP Pan

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Pictures and information from Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall.

18 October 2005.

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Wang, Jian Shou. “Pudong Airport Maglev in Depth” November 2005. <http://home.wangjianshuo.com/archives/20030809_pudong_airport_maglev_in_depth.htm>