An 85-year-old primary school in Shanghai has been relocated with a cutting-edge technique called the “walking machine.” The Lagena Primary School, originally constructed in 1935, moved to make room for a new commercial and office complex. This relocation, completed on October 15, is the first instance of this technology being used in Shanghai to shift a historic building.
The process was intricate. Nearly 200 mobile supports were fastened under the five-story structure, acting like robotic legs. These supports were split into two groups, alternately rising and falling in a way that resembled human walking. Control was maintained through sensors, which managed the building's movement, allowing it to be rotated 21 degrees and moved 62 meters (203 feet) to its new position over 18 days.
Project supervisor Lan explained the unique challenges posed by the building's T-shape, which traditional methods couldn't address. The structure needed both rotation and a curved path, necessitating this new method's development. Lan's company, Shanghai Evolution Shift, created the technology back in 2018.
China's breakneck modernization has often resulted in historic buildings being demolished, raising alarms over the erosion of architectural heritage. However, there’s been a growing push towards preservation, with some cities adopting advanced technologies to relocate rather than demolish old structures. This shift stems partly from the central government's heightened focus on safeguarding historical buildings.
Shanghai has been at the forefront of these preservation efforts. The city has a track record of relocating old buildings, such as the Shanghai Concert Hall in 2003 and a 90-year-old building in the Hongkou district in 2018. These projects underscore the city's commitment to preserving its architectural legacy while still accommodating urban growth.
Lan emphasized that relocation is not the first option but is better than demolition. He noted that companies and developers must navigate a maze of regulations to relocate a monument, requiring approvals from various government levels. Despite the hurdles, Lan believes that relocating buildings is a viable way to preserve historical structures.
Shanghai's approach to heritage preservation has drawn both praise and criticism. While some commend the city's efforts to breathe new life into old buildings, others voice concerns about the methods used in redevelopments. Nonetheless, the survival of 1930s buildings in the Bund district and 19th-century “shikumen” houses in Xintiandi are examples of successful preservation efforts.
The relocation of the Lagena Primary School underscores the potential of new technologies in preserving architectural heritage. As cities continue to modernize, innovative solutions like the “walking machine” may become essential in balancing development with preservation.
