With strong support from the Luwan District Government, Luwan Overseas Friendship Association, and Luwan District Planning Bureau, the "Urban Sustainable Development Research Project," jointly organized by Dr. Shan Wenhui (member of the Luwan Overseas Friendship Association and Director of Fudan University's Urban Research Center), Fudan University Nordic Centre, the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Sweden, and the Royal Institute of Art in Stockholm, was held at Fudan University from March 3 to 7, 2008. This week-long project focused on in-depth research and discussion regarding sustainable development in southern Luwan District.
The project is part of an annual Sino-Swedish course on sustainable urban development planning. It aims to explore urban sustainability through case studies of Chinese and Swedish cities, providing academic support for improving urban forms and structural upgrades.
This year's research focused on southern Luwan District in Shanghai, an area rich in cultural heritage and adjacent to the 2010 World Expo site. With the approaching Expo, how to strategically revitalize this area became a key concern for both the Luwan District Government and local communities.
The project brought together experts including Dr. Shan Wenhui; Professors Karolina, Göran Cars, and Bergman from KTH; Professor Henrietta from the Royal Institute of Art in Stockholm; and renowned Swedish architect Mr. Stellan. Under their guidance, Ph.D. students from China and Sweden analyzed the spatial, economic, and social attributes of southern Luwan, identified development opportunities and challenges, and proposed urban renewal concepts based on sustainability principles during the project presentation on March 7.
Excerpted from Shanghai Overseas Chinese Affairs