Injecting vigor into old communities

More than 50 years ago, Yuyuan Road was known as the place that many famous personalities such as scientist Qian Xuesen, writers Fu Lei and Shi Zhecun, pianist Gu Shengying and actress Lydia Shum, called home.

But the neighborhood lost its luster over time as society underwent major changes. It was not until 2015, when a creative company was commissioned to renovate the old buildings along this road, that it regained its prominence.

"We walked the streets every day to seek inspiration. We had many discussions about how to add new elements to the old community while preserving its cultural and historical value," says Fang Wen, general manager of Chuangyi Creative Inc, the company responsible for the design and renewal of Yuyuan Road.