Shanghai Architecture Internships

 

Historically, traditional Chinese architecture built centuries ago stood out for its elegant appearance and environmental friendliness. Tourists are beyond amazement when they wander through Suzhou’s classic gardens or Shanghai’s old neighborhoods. However, traditional Chinese architecture has not been able to sustain China’s fast growing economy and expanding need to house its huge population. China’s urbanization rate has not slowed down since the country’s urban population first surpassed its rural population in 2012. The growing urban population has pushed for an urgent need to develop greener and more efficient buildings. Besides the demand to design and build conventional buildings for both residential and commercial purposes, China’s rising status on the world stage also created a market for high-end architectural projects, including sustainable or “green” architecture. The lack of quality domestic firms gives foreign architecture companies a chance to tap into the huge Chinese market.

There is a reason so many architects are working in Shanghai- it offers many opportunities to work well above one's level. For many architecture interns in China, the decision to come here is based on the fact that they can begin working in a more senior position than they would be in their home country almost immediately, and create things that they would simply never have the opportunity to build back home. Whether simply a fan of good architecture or a working architect, you will absolutely love what this city has to offer. Shanghai has the most diverse architectural landscapes in the world, but what you probably really want to know about are the jobs. Well..

Shanghai has some of the world's most eclectic architecture, including one of its largest collections of Art Deco buildings, which were mainly constructed in the early 1900s. While building in the west slowed during the Great Depression, Shanghai's healthy economy propelled a building boom that lasted well into the 1940s. Of course, history tends to repeat itself, and while the rest of the world slowed during Global Financial Crisis, Shanghai continued to build right through it. Shanghai's skyline is now a fantasy of modern skyscrapers towering over historic architecture including Neo Classical and Art Deco masterpieces on the Bund and traditional Chinese Architecture such as Yuyuan Garden, built in the 16th century. Shanghai's commercial and residential buildings showcase cutting edge interior design concepts and attract attention from around the world.

Construction and development isn't showing many signs of slowing- McKinsey & Company predicts China will build 50,000 skyscrapers in the next two decades, the equivalent of 10 New York Cities. One of those new skyscrapers is Shanghai Tower, part of a new generation of ultra-tall buildings that will debut this decade as Chinese cities try to one-up each other on the world's tallest buildings list. In Shanghai, aspiring architects get the opportunity to stand among giants and gain experience while learning how to navigate a confusing industry landscape and vague regulations. An experience like this is sure to strengthen anyone's background in many ways.

You'll find Shanghai to be an unparalleled source of architectural inspiration. Being able to stroll through a leafy street in the Former French Concession before crossing the HuanPu river to the cyberpunk landscape of ultra-modern Pudong will have that effect on people. Some buildings we recommend checking out while you are in Shanghai, whether you are an architect or not, are:

Shanghai Tower- Currently under construction, this will be the world's second tallest building (after Dubai's Burj Khalifa) when it is completed in 2014.

Broadway Mansions- Once one of the tallest buildings in Shanghai, Broadway Mansions now operates a hotel and offers visitors a glimpse into Shanghai's storied Art Deco past.

Jing'An Temple- Jing'An Temple was first built in 247 AD, but it was moved from another location in Shanghai to its current location during the Song Dynasty, in 1216. After a second life as a plastic factory during the Cultural Revolution, it was re-built in 1983.

Moller Villa- This is our personal favorite building in Shanghai. Moller Villa was completed as the personal residence of Swedish tycoon David Moller in 1936. Built in a Norweigan style, this now-hotel is straight out of a Hans Andersen fairytale. You can read the whole story behind the Moller Villa here.