The Transition from Housing Demolition to Conservation and Renovation in Shanghai: Challenges and Countermeasures

Abstract

In the past few decades, a considerable number of old houses have been demolished in China’s urban redevelopment projects, which led to the disappearance of some historic buildings and the relocation of the original residents. Recently, the strategy of housing demolition (HD) in Chinese cities has been replaced by housing conservation and renovation (HCR). However, the transition from HD to HCR is not carried out well. This study aims to explore the key challenges in HCR practice by using a mixed method. Based on the field investigations in pilot projects and semistructured interviews, current HCR practices in Shanghai are summarized, and the four key challenges are identified as: (1) funding shortages; (2) an underdeveloped regulatory environment; (3) a psychological gap between the government and residents; and (4) a lack of stakeholders’ involvement. Targeted measures are proposed to mitigate the challenges. The findings and suggestions here could provide valuable references for the government when making decisions on sustainable housing conservation and renovation, and may promote urban renewal practices in China and other developing countries.

Sustainable redevelopment of urban areas: Assessment of key barriers for the reconstruction of old residential buildings

“…The reconstruction process will typically involve a thorough assessment of the building's structural integrity and the development of a plan to safely and efficiently demolish and rebuild the new structure (Shi et al, 2019).…”

“…The reconstruction of old residential buildings refers to site compensation and clearance, demolishing and rebuilding an existing residential building that is no longer in good structural condition and poses a potential collapse risk (Li et al, 2021; Park, 2016). The reconstruction process will typically involve a thorough assessment of the building's structural integrity and the development of a plan to safely and efficiently demolish and rebuild the new structure (Shi et al, 2019).…”

“…The reconstruction of old residential buildings is necessary for many reasons. Such projects can help revitalize urban areas, create more efficient land use, and promote economic growth by attracting new businesses and residents (Li et al, 2021; Shi et al, 2019). Old buildings are often in prime locations, but their outdated structures and systems can hinder their potential (Yoon & Yu, 2019).…”

Renovation programs in old and inefficient neighborhoods of cities with case studies

“…The term of urban renovation has been used widely in the literature with a common concept that the worn-out urban neighborhoods are the outcome of long time use of buildings, which have been built by previous generations and the present inhabitants cannot afford to renew them (Liu et al 2021). Additionally, scholars believe that cities need renovation plans since their land-uce policies, less investment in rebuilding projects, and incompetent management increase damage there (Shi et al 2019).…”

Demolition-Based Urban Regeneration from a Post-Socialist Perspective: Case Study of a Neighborhood in Novi Sad, Serbia

“…Meanwhile, on the other side of the post-socialist world map, the governments of Chinese cities have taken the demolition approach to the extremes, opting for the Pruitt-Igoe model to deal with a persistent urban land shortage and the lack of housing to meet contemporary demands [57]. Their extensive regeneration projects in many cases have resulted in class change, causing damage to the social urban landscape [58].…”