Wednesday, February 20, 2013

1933, Shanghai

1933, Shanghai

On Monday I mentioned 1933, a former slaughterhouse in Shanghai. When I was preparing to visit Shanghai I made contact with MeckleyChina, a flickr user which an amazing collection of photos of Asian Art Deco and Modern Architecture. It turned out he had lived in Shanghai for several years and was able to give me some fantastic tips including a tip-off about the 1933 building which is a little bit outside the central area of Shanghai in the Hongkou district. As soon as I saw some pictures of it I knew I had to see it for myself and I am so happy that I did.

1933, Shanghai

You probably won't be surprised to learn that the building dates from 1933 but perhaps it is a little surprising that it was designed by an English architect, C H Stableford. The façade is a mass of concrete with circular and square shapes over the large vertical windows all supported by columns that have a hint of Egyptian styling to my eye.

1933, Shanghai

Inside there is a spiral cattle path giving access to the levels via numerous ramps leading to a large circular structure at the core of the building, no doubt where the slaughtering activities took place.

1933, Shanghai

The upper levels are supported on large fluted columns (not unlike the shape of the cauldron used at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games)

1933, Shanghai

Today, the old slaughterhouse has been redeveloped as an arts and entertainment hub with exhibition spaces, cafes and restaurants among other uses.

1933, Shanghai

Thank you so much for the tip-off John, and when I go back to Shanghai I will definitely go back to the old 1933 slaughterhouse.

Posted by David Thompson
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14 comments:

  1. AnonymousFebruary 20, 2013 at 7:27 PM

    Have you ever seen an Australian abattoir? I can assure you, they look nothing like this building.

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    1. David ThompsonFebruary 21, 2013 at 2:38 AM

      I've never had that pleasure Andrew and I'm not sure that I want to.

      Delete
  2. HarikliaFebruary 20, 2013 at 7:53 PM

    Arts and entertainment building – so much nicer than a slaughterhouse!

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  3. MissRosannaFebruary 20, 2013 at 10:28 PM

    I dream of visiting Shangai one day...would love to make it to the World Congress there in 2015

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    1. David ThompsonFebruary 21, 2013 at 2:42 AM

      Sounds like you have a goal MissRosanna. While we were in Shanghai, we met up with Patrick who is involved planning the Congress. He has some great ideas for presentations and what he might show us.

      Delete
    2. MissRosannaFebruary 22, 2013 at 3:56 PM

      It's definitely on the travel agenda...will see closer to the time. Would be pretty awesome! Loving the pics...

      Delete
    3. David ThompsonFebruary 22, 2013 at 5:24 PM

      Thanks. It will be awesome!

      Delete
  4. Emm in LondonFebruary 21, 2013 at 6:57 AM

    Wow, that is quite exquisite. I really love that facade with the circles and squares. I find it a little... cynical that such a beautiful building was used as a slaughterhouse. It has a much better use now.

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    Replies
    1. David ThompsonFebruary 21, 2013 at 8:35 AM

      I know what you mean Emm but as a meat eater I can not be cynical. Abattoirs (and butchers) are part of the process that allows me to buy meat but as purely functional buildings can't they also be beautiful.

      Delete
  5. HelsFebruary 22, 2013 at 9:38 PM

    Those square and circular shapes have been repeated over and over again, almost like a giant mesh fire screen. This is not very Deco in my experience, but then what else is it?

    The large concrete structures are quite brutal; the facade is clearly not.

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    1. David ThompsonFebruary 23, 2013 at 8:56 AM

      I'm sure there is someone out there who can classify all the aspects of this building in architecture terms for us but I try to stay clear of these technical discussions because I'm not qualified to identify and articulate the differences.

      Delete
  6. AnonymousMarch 3, 2013 at 10:59 PM

    There are a number of art deco slaughter houses in rural Argentina, designed by Francisco Salamone. These, and other monumental deco public works by him, are covered in an article in the Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts No 18 (special Argentina Issue which emerged in 1992). Sadly, most of them seemed abandoned at that time and as the locations are well off the beaten track, it is difficult to know the present status of them. Worth searching out the article, however.

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    Replies
    1. David ThompsonMarch 4, 2013 at 9:08 PM

      Thanks for the pointer, I've seen photos of some of Salamone's structures, especially the cemetery at Azul but heaven't made it in person … yet!

      Delete

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