Reframing Shanghai’s streets as public space

A lasting influence

Rapid urbanization and economic growth in Shanghai have transformed streets into mere transport corridors, prioritizing the movement of people and goods over their livability. This shift diminished the human scale of streets, leading to a decline in public life across Shanghai. To counter this effect and in parity with the Shanghai Master Plan (2016-2040) and the City of Shanghai, Gehl was asked to conceptualize the streetscape with a people-first approach. And so, the Shanghai Street Design Guideline was developed, the first of its kind in China.

The Shanghai Street Design Guidelines are based on the simple principle of a street as a vibrant public space rather than mere infrastructure. It refers to the streetscape as both a concept and a design. Conceptually, the guidelines position streets as more than mobility corridors, emphasizing their role in public life, health, cultural and social exchange, and sustainable lifestyles. In design, the guide rejects one-size-fits-all solutions, offering customizable options based on street type, spatial dynamics, and diverse traffic needs.

The guidelines received the 2017 Shanghai Excellent Urban and Rural Planning and Design Award 1st Prize, and the 2017 National Planning Document Award 5th Prize. It also inspired 20 other major Chinese cities to adopt guidelines of their own, addressing many of the same principles and concepts.