Residential compound ahead of its time for convenience

Over the past decade, Shanghai and many other cities in China have been committed to creating 15-minute living circles, enabling residents to access basic public services such as elderly care, education and sports facilities, within a 15-minute walk from home.

Constructed more than 70 years ago, Caoyang New Village, which was the country's first residential compound built especially for industrial workers after the founding of New China, is a prototype of the 15-minute living circle concept, according to urban planners.

Located around the 167 buildings in the community that was established in 1952, there are public facilities, including a food market, a bank and a post office.

There is also a public bath house, a grocery store and a canteen set close by to bus stops.

The residential buildings had two floors at the beginning, but were later turned into three-story ones during renovations.

"Residents living at the edge of the community can reach the center within seven or eight minutes by walking. A primary school and a kindergarten are also centrally located," said Zhang Lei, deputy director of the administration of Caoyang Xincun subdistrict, adding that a community healthcare center and a cinema are also nearby.

"The scientific and rational layout of public facilities within the community provided a certain reference for the comprehensive construction of residential compounds across the country in the following decades," said Zhang.

"Due to its spacious and comfortable environment, good ventilation and lighting in the apartments, and the graceful appearance and practicality of the buildings, the entire design and plan of Caoyang has become a valuable lesson for university students in architecture majors in the city," she said.

The buildings, which had another story added in the 1970s, were built in synergy with the road network and a waterway to create a scenic and harmonious communal living area.

The residents treasure the waterway that encircles the neighborhood as it is an uncommon feature for a downtown area.

"Water adds a sense of romance and calmness. Residents here, young and old, enjoy spending time along the waterway," said Wang Yuzhen, a 54-year-old resident, who added that a refurbishment three years ago added a footpath along the river.

Zhang said residents in the three apartments on each floor of the buildings in Caoyang New Village used to share a bathroom and a kitchen. In 2011, the decades-old buildings were renovated, and independent bathrooms were added for each household.

In 2021, renovations went further. Residents now have their own kitchens within their apartments, and sports facilities were also added in alleyways.

"Throughout the decades, many of the descendants of the first batch of residents — model workers from different factories — are still living here. It shows that it's quite cozy and convenient to live in Caoyang," said Zhang.