Shikumen

Revive Shikumen is an exhibition design project that explores the question: How can Shikumen become unique hubs that invigorate meaningful development in different neighborhoods in Shanghai?

Through spatial storytelling, light, and material strategies, the exhibition reimagines Shikumen as a bridge between cultural memory and contemporary urban life, positioning it as a catalyst for community, identity, and future growth.

Inside Exhibition - Capella Hotel

Let’s create a new vision of Shikumen

Used Twinmotion and Unreal Engine

Outside Exhibition - Capella Hotel Courtyard

How can we keep the same feeling of Shikumen? Keep the memories, share the memories

Made with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

First Site

Capella Hotel, Shanghai JianYeLi

Inside-Outside Space

Shikumen had been rebuilt; they have a unique water tower. Now become light Tower

Back to 1850s
Respecting history while blending tradition with modernity, Shikumen can radiate new charm, preserving its past while injecting the vitality of the present era.
Build on the Past

What’s your first impression of Shikumen?
Discover Shikumen’s traditional materials and patterns, blending history with modern restoration. Touch the past, envision the future, and see how old and new unite.
Design Urban city together

How might Shikumen anchor entirely new neighborhoods?
Co-design Shikumen’s future with others. Explore how to integrate its heritage into modern Shanghai. Step up, envision, and add your Shikumen to the city’s urban plan.
RGB Courtyard

Can we keep its original look while adding new touches to make it shine again?
Day Time

Let’s preserve Shikumen’s iconic red bricks, black doors, narrow alleys, and traditional details while reimagining courtyards as shared green spaces. Together, we can co-design its future and weave its heritage into modern Shanghai.
Day Time
Night Time

Interactive Experience

Made in TouchDesigner

Exploration of RGB Courtyard

Look at the image with the RGB plastic sheet (used Photoshop)

The colors represent different times of Shikumen.

Second Site

Zhang Yuan, Shanghai

Outside Space

It used to have Shikumen buildings, but now they have been moved, leaving a big empty space. But there are still Shikumen Buildings around.

Street Light

There’s 5 minutes walk distance from the Capella Hotel (first site) to Zhang Yuan (second site)

Used Indesign, Photoshop

On the way to Zhang Yuan, there are street lights leading the audience.

Used Sketchup and Twinmotion

Projection Mapping on Old Shikumen

French Influence

In the 1850s, the French arrived in Shanghai, establishing the French Concession. This era left its mark on Shikumen, blending French architectural styles with local traditions.
Community Life

Shikumen was once a vibrant residential space, where neighbors shared close-knit bonds and daily stories. Step into the past and experience the warmth of community life.
Future Vision

Shikumen evolves, becoming an integral part of modern Shanghai’s urban planning. Discover how its historic charm is preserved while seamlessly integrating into the city’s future.