Giving the people exactly what they want

RESIDENTS are having their say on “micro-renovation” projects in neighborhoods around the Jiangning Road subdistrict in Jing’an District.

Micro-renovation focuses on subtle changes to old neighborhoods in downtown areas, improving living conditions without destroying their charm.

Jiangning Road, home to several old neighborhoods, is ideal for the program.

The subdistrict has invited residents, social groups and design workshops to come up with micro-renovation ideas.

Since August, nearly 20 design plans have been received, related to open-air spaces, public facilities and parks.

Ten were recognized as both brilliant and feasible on Tuesday evening at the opening ceremony of Jiangning Road cultural festival and are likely to be implemented.

One of the winners, Ji Wenyuan, does not have a design background but is confident about her plan. “I’m not a professional designer but I know exactly what residents want,” she told Shanghai Daily.

“My design may not be good looking, but it is energetic and sustainable.”

Ji has designed a new bike shed for a neighborhood on Lane 1335, Xinzha Road.

The old bike shed had a number of problems. The plastic cover meant nearby families had to live with less natural light.

Bikes were often randomly parked. On rainy days it was often flooded. Plus, it was infested with mosquitoes and flies.

She has proposed replacing the plastic with clear glass, upgrading the drainage system, installing pest-repellent plants and dividing the shed into two zones, one for pedal bikes and another for e-bikes.

Ji also invited residents to paint the walls of the shed.

Other successful designs include mini roadside gardens, art in an industrial park and public seating in a plaza.