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[Erasmus Mobility] DSU & Shanghai University of Engineering Science

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ADCC Admin 2026-07-21 16:04

Dongseo University–Shanghai University of Engineering Science Korea–China Urban Regeneration Workshop

Korean and Chinese Students Explore Urban Regeneration Paradigms through Field Studies of Shanghai’s Historical and Cultural Spaces

Professor Liu of The College of Design at Dongseo University and three Korean students—Jaebin Lee, Youngjun Choi, and Yeeun Kang—visited Shanghai University of Engineering Science in China from July 14 to 17 for a four-day Korea–China joint urban regeneration workshop. 

Five students from Shanghai University of Engineering Science—Xue Yawen, Zhang Yiwen, Bao Xinyi, Zhang Shunxi, and Yang Guang—also participated in the workshop. Students from both countries jointly explored the historical value of urban spaces and ways of reinterpreting them from the perspective of young designers.

On the first day of the workshop, July 14, Dean Gu Yi from the Chinese side and Dean Jonggi Kim from the Korean side, along with Professors Xian Yan and Geng Lu of Shanghai University of Engineering Science, attended the opening session. They encouraged the participating students, supported the operation of the workshop, and highlighted the significance of continued exchange between the two

universities.

The workshop continued with a series of expert lectures focusing on representative urban regeneration cases in Shanghai. Professor Zhang Jian of Tongji University delivered a lecture titled “Why Shikumen Became the Prototype of Shanghai’s Living Space.” He compared and analyzed major cases including Zhangyuan, Xintiandi, and Tianzifang from the perspectives of urban regeneration models, culture, economy, and governance. Through these examples, the lecture examined in depth how urban spaces influence local communities and urban identity.

Professor Nie Sha of Shanghai University of Engineering Science introduced the history and development of Yuyuan Garden and the City God Temple of Shanghai. She explained how these traditional cultural heritage sites have been transformed into major urban attractions while maintaining their sustainability, drawing strong interest from the participants.

Two graduate students from Shanghai University of Engineering Science also gave presentations on topics including “Development of Shikumen Cultural Products,” sharing practical and academic approaches to combining traditional architectural resources with contemporary design content. Following the lecture session, Korean and Chinese students joined a welcome dinner, where they strengthened their relationships and exchanged ideas on the upcoming field studies and collaborative activities.

On July 15 and 16, participants conducted field studies at the major sites introduced during the lectures. They visited Zhangyuan, Xintiandi, Tianzifang, Yuyuan Garden, and the City God Temple of Shanghai, examining how tradition and modernity coexist within the city. At each site, students closely analyzed architectural elements, visitor circulation, commercial utilization, and preservation strategies.

Huang Siyun, a participant in the workshop, said, “It was a meaningful opportunity not only to communicate deeply with Korean students, but also to gain a deeper understanding of the history and spaces of Shanghai, the city in which we live.”
Dongseo University student Yeeun Kang said, “It was particularly meaningful to directly observe and experience urban regeneration cases in Shanghai that I had previously encountered only as theory in the classroom. Through the process of discussing and exchanging ideas with Chinese students, I was able to gain new design perspectives and insights into how we understand cities.”
Professor Liu, who led the workshop, said, “Urban regeneration goes beyond the technical work of preserving or renovating old buildings. It is a process of deeply understanding the history of a place, the lives of its people, and its cultural context.” He added, “I hope this workshop provided students from both countries with a valuable opportunity to exchange different cultural perspectives and broaden their understanding and insight into cities as future global designers.”
This program was conducted with the support of Dongseo University’s ANCHOR Project Group.