Recently, the College of Architecture and Urban Planning (CAUP) of Tongji University received a letter from the management office of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Huangpu District, Shanghai, in which it thanked the research team of CAUP for their technical support and recommendations for an effective management of the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street.

The letter acknowledges that in 2020, the research team headed by WANG Yi, HUANG Linlin, LI Hua and other teachers assisted the management office of the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street on a pro bono basis to complete the "Archives and the Optimization Plan of the fifth facade of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street" located on the east of Nanjing Road after conducting an in-depth survey of the current condition of 63 buildings in the district. The team planned the research work scientifically and effectively and set up an analysis framework for the research results. From the results of the analysis, the team proposed targeted optimization and improvement strategies for each building. The work carried out by the research team was considered robust and meticulous. The research has produced systematic and professional results, which accurately focus on the existing problems and propose well-documented strategies. The final output for the Archives and the Optimization Plan of the fifth facade of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street consisted of a comprehensive plan with detailed tables and drawings for each building. These included a basic information table for management, an information table of the current condition of the fifth facade, a standard elevation drawing, an aerial view of the roof, a 3d model, a cadastral map of the fifth facade and the targeted optimization plan for different areas of the buildings. The research team’s plan effectively responds to the real need for urban management and includes clear illustrations and practical instructions. The diagram analysis of the research results and optimization plan of the district also provides a solution for the effective management of the fifth facade from a professional perspective, which greatly supports helps a lot for the management of public spaces along the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street.

The letter expresses gratitude to the three leading teachers as well as the students who participated in the research and hopes that more opportunities arise to strengthen the cooperation with Tongji University in order to combine theoretical research with sound urban management practices. The management office hoped that the level of dynamic and fine good management of the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street as an urban public space can be further improved, becoming a unique case of public space management which expresses Chinese characteristics whilst matching international standards.  

 The work on the Pedestrian Street clearly understood the basic needs of businesses and their problems; formulated guidelines for the optimization of the fifth facade to meet principles relating to timing of actions, feasibility, safety, distinctiveness, public good, utility provision and art; and compiled the "Archives and Optimization Plan of the fifth facade of the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street" to ensure sound urban management in the future. During the year, the urban management office of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and the research team of students and teachers, held regular fortnightly meetings, during which a strong and friendly rapport was built between the two parties. In the future, the research team will continue their work in related fields and try to do more to promote and improve governance in Shanghai.

Source: https://news.tongji.edu.cn/info/1003/76645.htm