THE CULTURAL, ECONOMIC, AND POLITICAL HISTORY OF THE DANWEI HOUSING
Full Articles Available on ISSUU
Site: Yangpu, Shanghai
Instructor: Lawrence Chua
December, 2021
Paper for Architecture History II
Assignment titled “An Architectural History of My Home”
Full Articles Available on ISSUU
Site: Yangpu, Shanghai
Instructor: Lawrence Chua
December, 2021
Paper for Architecture History II
Assignment titled “An Architectural History of My Home”
The three articles explore the socio-political, architectural, and cultural evolution of Shanghai’s northern districts, focusing on the intersection of individualization, political influence, and historical memory.
1.The Disguised Intent: Individualization of Danwei Housing: This essay examines how residents of a public housing complex in Shanghai adapted their homes to meet modern needs amidst China’s transition from a planned to a market economy. Ad hoc renovations and the gradual erosion of standardized designs reflect economic growth and the shift towards individuality.
2.The Danwei System and the Influence of the Chinese Communist Party: This article delves into the “danwei” (work unit) system, detailing its role in shaping housing distribution and community life in Shanghai’s public housing. The architectural design reflects the Communist ideology of “appropriateness and economy” and the system’s socio-political hierarchy.
3.Rediscovering Northern Shanghai Commons: This essay critiques the neglect of northern Shanghai’s historical public spaces in popular culture, overshadowed by the modernity-focused narrative. It highlights the “Great Shanghai Plan” and the Chinese Renaissance architectural style as overlooked but pivotal aspects of the city’s history.
1.The Disguised Intent: Individualization of Danwei Housing: This essay examines how residents of a public housing complex in Shanghai adapted their homes to meet modern needs amidst China’s transition from a planned to a market economy. Ad hoc renovations and the gradual erosion of standardized designs reflect economic growth and the shift towards individuality.
2.The Danwei System and the Influence of the Chinese Communist Party: This article delves into the “danwei” (work unit) system, detailing its role in shaping housing distribution and community life in Shanghai’s public housing. The architectural design reflects the Communist ideology of “appropriateness and economy” and the system’s socio-political hierarchy.
3.Rediscovering Northern Shanghai Commons: This essay critiques the neglect of northern Shanghai’s historical public spaces in popular culture, overshadowed by the modernity-focused narrative. It highlights the “Great Shanghai Plan” and the Chinese Renaissance architectural style as overlooked but pivotal aspects of the city’s history.
