Lao Shanghai Shikumen

Author: Lou Chenghao / Xue Shunsheng (editors)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-12-01
Features: Shikumen residential buildings are a distinctive feature of Shanghai's local architecture, vividly reflecting the era and regional characteristics of the buildings. Walking into a Shikumen lane, one would never mistake it for a Siheyuan in Beijing's chessboard-like neighborhoods or a small alley dwelling in Suzhou. Instead, one is immediately struck by the strong Shanghai flavor of the 1920s and 1930s. With the development of urban construction in Shanghai, Shikumen residential buildings are gradually disappearing, being replaced by new residential complexes. However, people have not forgotten the important role of Shikumen in Shanghai's architectural history, especially for middle-aged and elderly individuals who have lived alongside them for decades or even more than half a century, who hold a special affection for them. Shanghai natives working in other places feel a deep sense of familiarity when they encounter Shikumen buildings, while those living overseas cherish their past lives in these residences.
Shikumen in Shanghai was originally a type of modern Shanghai residential architecture. Due to its vast quantity and widespread presence, it has almost become a symbol of Shanghai's local residential style, with "Shikumen" becoming synonymous with Shikumen residential buildings.
Shikumen in Shanghai is a record of modern architectural history, where the fusion of Chinese and Western architectural concepts and styles is embodied in residential buildings constructed with red or gray bricks. Shikumen in Shanghai is a history of perseverance, where revolutionary figures and writers lived in modest spaces while remaining devoted to the people and the nation. Shikumen in Shanghai is a history of Shanghai life, where the living conditions and local customs of the general populace are concentrated here.
Shikumen residential buildings are a distinctive feature of Shanghai's local architecture, vividly reflecting the era and regional characteristics of the buildings. Walking into a Shikumen lane, one would never mistake it for a Siheyuan in Beijing's chessboard-like neighborhoods or a small alley dwelling in Suzhou. Instead, one is immediately struck by the strong Shanghai flavor of the 1920s and 1930s. With the development of urban construction in Shanghai, Shikumen residential buildings are gradually disappearing, being replaced by new residential complexes. However, people have not forgotten the important role of Shikumen in Shanghai's architectural history, especially for middle-aged and elderly individuals who have lived alongside them for decades or even more than half a century, who hold a special affection for them. Shanghai natives working in other places feel a deep sense of familiarity when they encounter Shikumen buildings, while those living overseas cherish their past lives in these residences.
Shikumen in Shanghai was originally a type of modern Shanghai residential architecture. Due to its vast quantity and widespread presence, it has almost become a symbol of Shanghai's local residential style, with "Shikumen" becoming synonymous with Shikumen residential buildings.
Shikumen in Shanghai is a record of modern architectural history, where the fusion of Chinese and Western architectural concepts and styles is embodied in residential buildings constructed with red or gray bricks. Shikumen in Shanghai is a history of perseverance, where revolutionary figures and writers lived in modest spaces while remaining devoted to the people and the nation. Shikumen in Shanghai is a history of Shanghai life, where the living conditions and local customs of the general populace are concentrated here.