VIRTUAL Barcelona
Abstract
In my research, I offer a unique perspective on urban identity, cultural futures, and community pasts through the study of Shanghai’s “Penghu settlements”. Originally located on the periphery of downtown, these settlements, characterized by shanties and shacks, posed consistent challenges for authorities due to their dilapidated appearance and management issues. Since 1992, changes in policies and large-scale urban renewal have led to the demolition of nearly 4 million square meters of Penghu settlements, relocating millions of residents to new suburban homes, improving living conditions but also causing unsettling sentiments. Today, Penghu settlements have almost disappeared under the pressure of gentrification. Former residents now traverse the city to return to familiar urban grounds downtown for work, healthcare, and errands. While benefiting from rapid development, they also yearn for their former downtown life. Utilizing in-depth interviews, photography, and film documentation, my research records and analyzes the ground realities and living conditions of resettled residents in the post-demolition era across four major neighborhoods. The paper delves into the gains and losses in the demolition and relocation process, as expressed by the resettled residents. I reflect on the fairness and sustainability of urban development prioritizing economic interests over the well-being of marginalized individuals and communities, discussing the meaning of a “livable city” in the contemporary Chinese context. Unlike Shikumen and lane houses, Penghu settlements have received limited scholarly attention, yet understanding the dynamics of their disappearance provides broader insights into the interrelation between belonging, urban history, social and economic forces, and planning initiatives in contemporary Chinese cities.
Qian Zhuang is an Assistant Professor of practice at School of Film and TV Arts, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. Qian received her MFA in Film Production from the University of Texas at Austin. Her research interests include documentary filmmaking, film studies, independent filmmaking, etc. While teaching in XJTLU, Qian also works as a documentary editor, director, and producer. From Oscar winner to emerging independent filmmakers, she has collaborated with directors from various backgrounds working on feature documentaries that were been screened in many international film festivals.