Reconversion of Shikumen: Legal and Social aspects in a transforming China

Abstract

In the present paper, the historic lilong districts of Shanghai, and their Shikumen buildings, are taken as an example in the description of the phenomenon of transformation and redevelopment of the city of Shanghai and the way in which its history and community are influenced. Through the evaluation and analysis of various researches on the metamorphoses of these residential buildings enclosed in neighbourhoods, are examined the social aspect, in the representation of local communities from multiple points of view, and the normative aspect, in the study of the various legal and administrative regulations. Initially a historical-chronological picture is provided, subsequently continuing with a description divided by themes, and concluding with an expropriation case-study by lilong Shikumen.