Following an international competition, David Chipperfield Architects Shanghai has been selected as the lead architect to restore and develop Zhangyuan, a historic Lilong community in the centre of the city. A Lilong (or Longtang) is an alleyway community, typical of early twentieth century Shanghai.

Zhangyuan contains a rich series of different Shikumen typologies (buildings that combine Western and Chinese elements) from different time periods and of varying materials and ornamentation. It is perhaps the best preserved ‘Shikumen Museum’ in Shanghai. The project will see the restoration of the historic buildings and several new interventions that will allow visitors a new layer of experience and understanding of Shanghai’s unique Shikumen architecture.