Time rupture in urban heritage: based on the case of shanghai

Abstract

There is a rupture between the past symbolized by urban heritage and the modernity symbolized by urban development. This paper aims to discuss the urban heritage and its protection from the perspective of time, and puts forward the concept of time rupture. A ‘time rupture’ refers to a fault in the expression of time in urban heritage and a discontinuity of people’s sense of time. Based on a case study of Shanghai’s urban heritage, including Xintiandi, Hailun Road and Old City historical area, this paper finds manifestations of time rupture: the fading of local uniqueness, a discontinuity in the urban landscape and an alienation of the man–land relationship. Using a literature review, discourse analysis and on-site observation, this research reveals the specific problems of urban heritage protection in Shanghai. After reflection and discussion on the concept of time rupture, this paper argues that time rupture provides new possibilities for urban heritage and inspiration for urban weaving, which are concluded based on forms of past, narration timeline and heritage images.