Master thesis (architecture) by
Christoph-Matthias Kügler
Matthias Jäger

Supervised by
Univ.-Prof. Klaus K. Loenhart
Institute of Architecture and Landscape
Graz University of Technology, 2013

Information and download
http://aeue.eu

Model photography
Simon Oberhofer & Alexander Krischner

We pose the task of designing a scenario for the area along the river Suzhou that responds to the current social, functional and ecological problems in Shanghai. The aim is to re-establish the river as a meaningful, cultural landscape around it and to transform it into a sustainable habitat. According to our guiding ideas: holistic approach, mutuality, independence, gradual transformation and locality. The environment along the river has lost its importance for inland shipping and industry. Suzhou is no longer the 'stinking river', but was rebuilt in recent years in an extremely dense, inner-city residential area. Vacant warehouses, factory buildings from the 19th century and, for Shanghai, so typical lilong settlements were abandoned in the last twenty years in order to create luxurious high-rise housing estates place. Consequences of this change are many unresolved issues in relation to social, functional and environmental problems that accompany these developments. In our opinion it was 'forgotten' on the river because instead of being a lifeline and identity founder of this urban area it is a kind of 'decoration' of the residential areas. In the eyes of the Chinese people, it is a meaningless space. Even if in the last few years a rethinking has taken place, it seems to be a wasteland, waiting for a creative approach. We therefore see the river as a possibility space. For us, the key to the solutions of all the problems concerning this area is the river itself, the decision to design something on the river, in floating form, is based on the concept bring the Suzhou back to the people.