Shanghai has pulled off a remarkable feat by relocating an 85-year-old school using cutting-edge technology. The Lagena Primary School, which dates back to 1935, was moved to clear space for a new commercial and office complex. This isn't just any move; it's a testament to engineering ingenuity.
To accomplish this, engineers used what's called a "walking machine, " a novel method that involved nearly 200 mobile supports acting like robotic legs under the five-story building. These supports alternated lifting and moving the school, essentially making it "walk" to a new location. Lan, the chief technical supervisor from Shanghai Evolution Shift, explained that sensors controlled the movement, allowing for precise maneuvering.
Over the course of 18 days, the school was carefully rotated 21 degrees and shifted 62 meters (203 feet) to its new site. The relocation wrapped up on October 15, with plans for the building to become a hub for heritage protection and cultural education. It's the first time Shanghai has used the "walking machine" method for moving a historical structure, setting a new precedent for the city.
China's rapid urban development has often resulted in the demolition of historic buildings. But there's a growing push to preserve these architectural gems, leading cities to rethink their strategies. Shanghai has been active in relocating rather than demolishing several historic buildings.
During the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), many historic structures were lost under Mao Zedong's campaign against the "Four Olds." After his death, conservation efforts began to pick up steam, with the government granting protected status to many structures and enacting a heritage preservation law in the 1980s.
Still, urbanization poses ongoing threats to architectural heritage. Often, land sales prioritize development, resulting in the loss of historic sites. For instance, Beijing saw over 1,000 acres of historic alleys and courtyard homes disappear between 1990 and 2010.
In response to such criticism, cities like Nanjing and Beijing have devised long-term plans to safeguard historic sites. These include repurposing old buildings for modern use, such as turning a near-ruined temple in Beijing into a restaurant and gallery, or restoring a 1930s cinema in Nanjing.
Innovative Relocation Techniques
Shanghai has a track record of successfully relocating historic buildings. In 2003, the Shanghai Concert Hall was moved 66 meters (217 feet) to make room for an elevated highway. More recently, in 2018, a 90-year-old building in Hongkou district was relocated in what was then considered Shanghai’s most complex relocation project.
Traditional methods of relocating buildings, like sliding them on rails or towing them with vehicles, weren't suitable for the Lagena Primary School because of its T-shaped structure. The building's irregular shape and the need to navigate a curved path led to the development of the "walking machine" technology.
Lan noted that the project required extensive planning and testing before they settled on the "walking machine" as the best solution. Though he didn't disclose the cost, he pointed out that relocation is generally cheaper than demolishing and rebuilding.
Shanghai’s dedication to preserving its architectural heritage is clear from its innovative relocation techniques. The city's efforts provide a model for balancing modernization with the preservation of historical structures.
