Explore Brutalist buildings in Shanghai
Shanghai, often celebrated for its glitzy skyline and rapid modernization, holds architectural surprises hidden beneath its surface. Among the soaring glass skyscrapers and colonial-era buildings lies a grittier, more austere layer of urban design: brutalist architecture. The brutalist buildings in Shanghai, though overshadowed by more flamboyant styles, offer a compelling narrative of China’s mid-century architectural evolution.
From concrete office blocks to university buildings, Shanghai’s brutalist structures reflect not only global design movements but also local adaptations that emerged during a time of rapid political and economic change. This blog takes you on an immersive journey through the underrated brutalist landmarks of Shanghai—each telling a unique story of strength, form, and cultural transition.
What Defines Brutalism in Shanghai?
Brutalism in Shanghai, like in many other parts of the world, grew out of necessity and ideology. Characterized by rough concrete textures, geometric forms, and minimal decorative elements, this architectural style found relevance during China’s socialist construction era, particularly between the 1950s and 1980s.
In Shanghai, brutalist design was primarily influenced by Soviet modernism, and later by localized adaptations aligned with China’s socio-political climate. The results were buildings that prioritized utility, efficiency, and durability, while still integrating regional aesthetics. Brutalism here was not merely a style; it was an approach to building a modern city with limited resources but lofty ambitions.
Top Brutalist Buildings in Shanghai
1. Shanghai Library (Former Building on Huaihai Road)
Location: 1555 Huaihai Middle Road, Xuhui District
Year: Late 1950s
Although no longer the city’s main library, the original Shanghai Library building stands as a solid example of early socialist brutalism. With its block-like façade, exposed concrete, and stark symmetry, the building embodies a time when function dictated form. It was once among the largest public libraries in China, showcasing the importance placed on educational infrastructure.
2. Shanghai Exhibition Center
Location: 1000 Yan’an Middle Road
Year: 1955
Built in the Soviet neoclassical style with brutalist undertones, the Shanghai Exhibition Center may not immediately appear brutalist. However, its internal structures, use of large-scale concrete, and rigid axial symmetry reflect brutalist principles adapted to Chinese-Soviet aesthetics. It remains a central venue for major events and exhibitions, symbolizing Shanghai’s cultural diplomacy era.
3. Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall
Location: People’s Square
Year: 2000 (Inspired by earlier brutalist design forms)
While technically constructed later, the Urban Planning Hall’s aesthetic draws heavily from brutalist influences. Clean lines, sharp angles, and reinforced concrete surfaces dominate its exterior. Inside, its brutalist-inspired interior spaces emphasize form and functionality, offering a visual journey through Shanghai’s urban evolution.
4. Tongji University Architecture Building
Location: Tongji University Campus
Year: 1970s
As the birthplace of many of China’s leading architects, Tongji University houses one of Shanghai’s most respected brutalist academic buildings. This structure stands out for its repetitive modular windows, cantilevered platforms, and extensive use of raw concrete. Serving as an academic workspace and architectural inspiration, the building epitomizes the intellectual embrace of brutalist form.
5. Shanghai Indoor Stadium
Location: 1111 Caoxi North Road
Year: 1975
Among Shanghai’s earliest large-scale sporting facilities, the Shanghai Indoor Stadium represents a significant departure from traditional Chinese forms. With its dome-like structure supported by raw concrete ribs and tiered seating, it reflects a brutalist vision of community gathering spaces. Though slightly modernized, it retains much of its original architectural character.
6. Jinjiang Hotel Tower A (Old Wing)
Location: Maoming South Road
Year: 1970s
One of the few hospitality buildings in Shanghai with brutalist features, Jinjiang Hotel’s older tower uses pre-fabricated concrete panels and bold linearity. The building contrasts starkly with its Art Deco neighbor and offers a snapshot of Shanghai’s transitional architecture during China’s post-Mao economic opening.
7. Shanghai Film Studio Complex (Older Buildings)
Location: 595 Caoxi North Road
Year: Mid-1970s
These lesser-known studio buildings were designed to be utilitarian spaces for film production and editing. Their exposed beams, bulky forms, and stripped-down details exemplify brutalist values. While some structures have been renovated, many still retain their austere, purposeful character.
Brutalism and China’s Political Landscape
The emergence of brutalist buildings in Shanghai cannot be separated from the broader political and economic shifts occurring in mid-20th-century China. During the early decades of the People’s Republic, there was a push to build infrastructure rapidly and efficiently, using locally available materials like concrete.
Unlike the Western interpretation of brutalism, which often leaned toward artistic experimentation, China’s brutalist era was heavily regulated and ideologically driven. Architecture was seen as a means to manifest collective ideals. Monumentality, clarity, and strength were core values reflected in the built environment.
Public Opinion and Preservation Challenges
Brutalist buildings in Shanghai face an uncertain future. As the city races toward modernization, many older concrete structures are deemed outdated and unattractive. Their harsh forms contrast with the current urban aesthetic that favors glass, steel, and innovation.
However, there is a slowly growing appreciation among younger architects and historians. Social media platforms and niche walking tours are shedding light on these forgotten gems, calling for adaptive reuse rather than demolition.
The challenge lies in balancing modernization with cultural continuity. Adaptive reuse projects could transform brutalist buildings into co-working spaces, museums, or educational institutions—preserving their structure while revitalizing their function.
Global Influence and Local Interpretation
Shanghai’s brutalist architecture offers a unique perspective on how a global style can be localized. While influences from Soviet and European models are apparent, Chinese brutalism in Shanghai is distinct in its purpose-driven design and lack of ornamentation.
In many cases, the buildings serve dual functions: symbols of state power and facilitators of public service. Schools, libraries, sports halls, and government offices were all cast in similar concrete molds, reflecting the egalitarian ethos of the time.
Brutalism’s Quiet Resurgence in Shanghai
Interestingly, brutalism is making a subtle comeback in Shanghai’s contemporary architecture scene. Some modern architects are revisiting concrete as a medium for minimalist, sustainable design. While not strictly brutalist in ideology, these new structures echo its material and spatial language.
Buildings like the Long Museum West Bund and certain sections of the Power Station of Art incorporate raw concrete finishes and geometric layouts, reflecting brutalist influence in a modern context. This architectural echo suggests that the spirit of brutalism continues to influence Shanghai’s evolving skyline.
Conclusion
Brutalist buildings in Shanghai represent more than just a bygone architectural phase. They are physical records of the city’s rapid industrialization, socio-political changes, and shifting aesthetic priorities. While not always beautiful by conventional standards, these concrete giants command respect for their purpose, resilience, and raw honesty.
As Shanghai continues to redefine itself as a global metropolis, the preservation and thoughtful adaptation of its brutalist heritage could serve as a bridge between the past and the future. By uncovering and appreciating these underrated structures, we enrich our understanding of what makes a city truly remarkable.
So, the next time you walk through a quiet lane or pass a blocky concrete facade in Shanghai, take a moment. You might be standing before a piece of architectural history that helped shape modern China.
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