Transforming an area that had once bore the brunt of industrialization, the Xuhui Riverside Public Open Space converts industrial elements seamlessly to buoyant art pieces for the public to enjoy and re-urbanize the area. These art works include a vibrantly painted crane, an old locomotive and a support wall converted to a rock climb among others.
As part of the plan to develop the banks of the Huangpu river that winds through Shanghai, more areas like the Bund and the promenade at Pudong were decided, one of which was to be near the World Expo center. This area in Xuhui district was an old industrial zone with little population in its surrounding areas so the municipality decided to gentrify the area by developing housing units, commercial buildings and business centers along with public spaces so the ever-expanding Shanghai population would start moving in.
International design bids were called forth by the local Government in 2008 and the project was ultimately awarded to British firm PDRc’s Peter Verity, an architect with a penchant for combining the old innovatively with more ecology friendly elements and rehabilitating urban spaces. This resulted in the Xuhui Riverside promenades pseudo-industrial green vibe, much differentiated from anything the other riverside paths in the city had to offer. The infrastructure, transport and buildings were built with low-energy consumption and low carbon footprint producing practices in mind. In fact, the project was so well received as a model development with an energy efficient and environmental positive approach that Peter Verity was acknowledged with presentation of the Shanghai Expo Achievement Award by the Chinese Government.
The 11kms long area has facilities like sitting spaces and restrooms and is free access to all, including pets. This makes it a popular retreat for animal lovers to come play/ stretch with their domesticated companions. Vendors dot the area selling trinkets, food and souvenirs. Other activities that can be witnessed during weekends and pleasant weather days at the Shanghai Corniche are cycling along the riverfront, flying kites by novices and enthusiasts alike, enjoying picnics in the green areas/ public spaces with family and friends or just simply strolling along the water with a great atmosphere and even better view of the Bund across the Huangpu river and the iconic skyline that provides a backdrop to it. This provides a wonderful photo op for selfies and memories! Sometimes visitors can even glimpse wedding photo shoots taking place in full ceremonial garb.
Having a dedicated running track is a welcome outlet for health aficionados whereas the thoughtfully built basketball court attracts many a youngster. There is a rock-climbing wall, great fun if ‘different’ is your buzz word and of course getting an actual taste for the skill required to master the activity. Bicycles are available in the area as well, though bikes are not allowed due to it being a pedestrian only zone. A number of exhibits and art installations cross paths with pedestrians when walking down the promenade including some museums and dedicated exhibition halls.