In the crevices grows life.

Over the past 40 years, the historic area in central Shanghai inevitably greets the newcomers. Towers, podiums, and enclosed retail spaces sealed the pedestrians and the “lilong” Residence. These tumors are still growing in this sprawling metropolis, but we would need surgery at this moment in 2019.

This project explores how new developments replace the previous urban fabrics and the way to relink and release these typical suffocated spaces to the city. Three types of blocking are further investigated in the context. The design provides a spongy softened boundary for the buildings and blocks, creating crevices for communal activities and interaction with streets.