Shanghai has witnessed an engineering marvel as an 85-year-old primary school was relocated using cutting-edge technology. The Lagena Primary School, originally built in 1935, was moved to make way for a new commercial complex, marking a significant step in the city's efforts to preserve its architectural heritage.
Engineers employed a novel method known as the “walking machine” to transport the five-story building. Nearly 200 mobile supports, functioning as robotic legs, were attached beneath the structure. These supports, divided into two groups, alternately lifted and moved the building forward, mimicking a human stride. Sensors were used to control the movement, explained Lan, the chief technical supervisor from Shanghai Evolution Shift, the company behind this innovative technology.
The relocation, completed on October 15, involved rotating the building 21 degrees and moving it 62 meters (203 feet) over 18 days. The school is set to become a center for heritage protection and cultural education. This project marks the first use of the “walking machine” method in Shanghai for relocating a historical building, according to a government statement.
China's rapid modernization has often led to the demolition of historic structures to make way for new developments. However, there is a growing concern about the loss of architectural heritage, prompting cities to adopt preservation campaigns. These efforts sometimes involve relocating buildings instead of demolishing them, as seen in Shanghai's recent project.
The destruction of historic buildings in China can be traced back to the Cultural Revolution under Communist Party leader Mao Zedong, during which many structures were destroyed. Since Mao's death in 1976, there has been a renewed focus on architectural conservation, with the government granting protected status to numerous structures and passing a heritage preservation law in the 1980s.
Despite these efforts, urbanization continues to threaten historic architecture, with land sales often prioritizing development over conservation. In Beijing, for example, more than 1,000 acres of historic alleys and courtyard homes were destroyed between 1990 and 2010.
In response, cities like Nanjing and Beijing have developed long-term plans to protect their remaining historic sites. These plans include transforming old buildings for modern use, such as converting a near-ruined temple in Beijing into a restaurant and gallery, or restoring a 1930s cinema in Nanjing.
Shanghai has been at the forefront of heritage preservation, with successful examples like the Bund district's 1930s buildings and the Xintiandi neighborhood's 19th-century “shikumen” houses. The city also has a history of relocating old buildings, such as the 1930-built Shanghai Concert Hall, which was moved 66 meters (217 feet) in 2003, and the Zhengguanghe Building, relocated 38 meters (125 feet) in 2013.
The Lagena Primary School posed unique challenges due to its T-shaped structure, which made traditional relocation methods unsuitable. The building needed to be rotated and follow a curved path, requiring the development of the “walking machine” technology. Lan noted that this method is a viable option for preserving historical buildings, despite the costs involved.
“Relocation is not the first choice, but better than demolition, ” Lan stated. He emphasized the importance of preserving historical buildings, noting that the central government is increasingly prioritizing their protection. The success of this project demonstrates the potential for innovative solutions in heritage conservation.
