This book focuses on observing and understanding the urban planning and relevant development
patterns applied to the creation of urban districts against the backdrop of the current rapid
urbanization and transformation of Shanghai on its way to becoming a world city. Based on a
review of the four stages of city evolution a series of case studies on typical urban
districts through the city's building history to date points out key issues in connection with
current developments. Three rapidly developing districts in Shanghai are studied with regard to
alternative urban planning and design solutions and further opinions from other perspectives
including city government real estate development and professional education reveal
challenges in the practical implementation of changes. This book indeed provides an approach to
in-depth observation and understanding of urban planning and current development patterns at
the medium scale of Chinese urbanization for those from academic professional investment
public administration and related circles who would like to join the urban transformation
process. Associate Professor Yongjie Sha and Professor Jiang Wu work at Tongji University. Yan
Ji is an architect and urban designer in Shanghai. Sara Li Ting Chan and Wei Qi Lim work in
Singapore as architect and planner in government service.
