Scenarios about 'lilong housing'
Lilong housing refers to a distinctive architectural style and community arrangement that emerged in Shanghai during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, combining Western row houses with traditional Chinese courtyard residences. These densely packed alleyway neighborhoods became the dominant housing form during Shanghai's rapid urbanization under semi-colonial influences. Lilong communities represented a unique urban cultural identity with their characteristic shikumen gateways, creating microcosms of daily life that reflected China's transition between traditional and modern society.
What If Shanghai Preserved More of Its Historical Architecture?
Exploring the alternate timeline where Shanghai prioritized architectural preservation over rapid development, creating a dramatically different urban landscape that balances modernity with heritage.