Becoming Heritage: Collective Housing Complexes in the People's Republic of China

After World War II, the communist revolution in China led to significant changes in everyday living spaces. Collective housing complexes, initially influenced by standardized designs and prefabricated panel systems from the Soviet Union, replaced traditional courtyards as the dominant form of housing. However, due to technological limitations, regional differences, and economic constraints, collective housing never achieved complete standardization or prefabrication. The diverse use of materials and construction techniques, along with evolving floor plans, reflect the ongoing negotiation between internationalism and domestic traditions in China during the second half of the 20th century. Often described as "old, shabby, and small," some of these housing developments are gradually being recognized as part of the nation's heritage. This research aims to establish a framework for assessing the value of collective housing and explore its implications for future conservation.

Yimei Zhang, Master of Science in Historic Preservation, Master in City Planning, University of Pennsylvania
since 2024