Memory in the Making: Architectural Palimpsests and Contemporary Design Strategies on Shanghai's Riverfronts

Abstract

This article focuses on the potential value of pre-existing structures in the urban regeneration process of the Huangpu and Suzhou rivers in Shanghai, investigating how recent architectural interventions designed by local architects improve public spaces and con-solidate historical identity. Two strategies are employed: the adaptive reuse of fragments of abandoned industrial infrastruc-ture, and the reconstruction of old buildings to resemble the past.  The employed methodology includes the analysis of the transformation of four buildings and their adjacent public spaces, observing changes in form and patterns of use. The physical and social transformation of the environments is studied through historical documentation, plans and photographs. Local and Western perspectives intersect through critical observations and constructive dialogue, introducing voices and viewpoints of architects. The case studies reveal a resistance to historical erasure in Shanghai's urban landscape. The 'fear of history' de-scribed by Tafuri has been overcome, and new architectures are produced that preserve and reuse what already exists. These projects embody Ricoeur's concept of 'fair memory', recovering forgotten narratives while meeting contemporary needs. By mediating between the past and the future, these interventions enrich the city's fabric and redefine architects' roles as custodi-ans of memory, steering clear of nostalgia and oblivion.