Review of Haarmann, Anke, Shanghai (Urban Public) Space

The rapid development of China in recent years is having dramatic, transforming consequences on both the social and physical features of its cities. Existing metropolises are growing and new cities are emerging. Among developing Chinese cities, Shanghai has taken a preeminent position. The book Shanghai (Urban Public) Space represents both an artistic and academic approach to understanding the processes of transformation that are happening in the cityscape. The content of the book derives from the exhibition and conference of the same name and touches on some important topics: concepts of public and private, migration, displacement, separation, and neighborhoods as part of the changing cityscape. The book is divided in two parts: the first is a collection of essays on various topics that address the current state of the city, and is followed by visual material in second part of the book