Enveloped City
Shanghai Post Expo Riverfront Redevelopment
This project reimagines the post-expo site in Shanghai as a self-sustained, livable city where megastructures are softened by a new green topography. Challenging the dominance of monumental architecture, the proposal envisions a layered urban fabric: productive working zones below and vibrant living spaces above. Inspired by the contrast between the site's past prosperity and its current emptiness, the design integrates historical elements and urban memory into a new spatial identity. The proposal embraces human-scaled living, ecological connection, and new programs to transform the site from a symbolic showcase into a resilient everyday landscape.
Commerical, Educational, Ecological, Sports & Cultural and Residential (Axo from left to right)
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Location: Shanghai, China
Type: Academic
Year: 2019
Role: Sole Designer
Theme: Urban Design, Redevelopment
Institution: The University of Hong Kong
Supervised by: Prof. Yifeng Lin and Prof. Sarah Ouvray -
Reimagined the Shanghai World Expo site as a self-sustained, livable urban landscape rooted in ecological urbanism.
Challenged the dominance of mega-structures by proposing human-centered design that integrates residential and public space.
Created a layered green topography concept that redefines ground levels, blurring boundaries between work, living, and nature.
Embedded post-industrial relics and colonial-era layers into a cohesive narrative of urban transformation.
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Rhino / SketchUp: 3D urban modeling and concept testing
GIS (ArcGIS): Historical mapping and site analysis
Illustrator & Photoshop: Visual storytelling, section drawings, and speculative design visuals
InDesign: Final report compilation and graphic layout
Archival Research: Studied Expo histories and urban development patterns in Shanghai
