Process Memory in Chinese Handmade Design

The objective of this study is the recovery and enhancement of the former residential area of West Guangfu Road situate of the Putuo district in Shanghai, making a reflection on the concept of a city on a human scale. The site envisages as its new use a system of structures characterized by peculiar “leaf” roofs that intersect with each other, creating an architecture that conforms to the natural environment and the intended use of the project. The new bridge breaks the architectural barriers of the previous one by creating a system of ramps connecting the project area and West Guangfu Road itself with the other side of the river where there is an additional urban park. The bridge branches off in two directions on the lot, one leading to the green area, while the other connects to the semi-covered hypogeum level used for the “tea experience”, an experience through the historical and cultural knowledge of Chinese tea with a space for tasting and a commercial area connected to it where there are stores and health services. From the underground level, one passes to the buildings at zero height, which have been given the use of a refreshment area with attached sanitary facilities. The garden in front has smaller pedestrian streets branching off to the right near the platform and to the left towards the currently uninhabited residential buildings, which will be set up as areas for Chinese handicrafts, taking up the various characteristic elements such as the existing fixtures.