Analysis on the Shikumen Evolution Based on the Influences of Social Life: Zhang Garden Case Study in Shanghai

This thesis is an architectural conservation research on Zhang Garden lane’s community life in an anthropological approach, foucsed on the social and urbanisation issues of this particular neighbourhood. Zhang Garden is a Shikumen settlement, well known in Shanghai’s history and recognized as Historical Heritage by Shanghai’s Government. This settlement is object of many surrounding renewing projects that are increasing the value of the land and the consequent economic interest on it by commercial activities. To understand this, the field survey and the anthropological approach have been the base of this thesis, followed by the application of street analysis with limited theories and materials in English. In some cases usually residents are forced to move out and change location, losing their community and neighborhood life style. A possible solution to the urban issues spotted is in this thesis is a visual proposal for the future urban developement of Zhang Garden, having the aim to host residents - who want or will have to move - that must provide to conserve the social relations and community sense, while maintaining “eye-contact” with the Shikumen. That brings to the question: How can lane’s life style fit into a contemporary urbanisation process? The main goal of this research is to define which are the elements that define and influence the social relations and daily life in Zhang Garden’s lanes, and how to apply them into a contemporary urbanisation process. Key Words: Zhang Garden, Lane, Neighborhood life, Conservation, Green in architecture.