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.
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.
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.
The upper levels are supported on large fluted columns (not unlike the shape of the
cauldron used at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games)
Today, the old slaughterhouse has been redeveloped as an arts and entertainment hub with exhibition spaces, cafes and restaurants among other uses.
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.
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