Vanishing Shanghai: On Gentrification, Community and Identity

“Vanishing Shanghai”, a photographic narrative by Hisham Youssef, serves as a visual lament for disappearing heritage amidst the relentless march of progress. His photography is a commentary on the fading tapestry of Shanghai’s cultural heritage in the face of urban development. The photographs, more elegy than celebration, capture the quiet disappearance of historic neighborhoods, traditions, and communities, being swept away by the tide of modernization. They further urge us to confront the cost of progress and the fragility of cultural identity in the wake of urban transformation. Each photograph tells a story of what once was, inviting contemplation on the irreplaceable value of the disappearing past.

A native of Egypt, Hisham Youssef is a design professional with over 30 years of experience, at leading international design firms, including Rafael Viñoly Architects and Gensler. He has lived and worked in the USA, Asia Pacific, Australia, and the Middle East. Hisham completed his undergraduate studies at Harvard University, and later received his Master of Architecture from Columbia University. He is a licensed architect in NY State, and a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). He has been based in Shanghai since 2011, and Associate Professor at Soochow University School of Architecture since 2017.

Opening Reception and Talk:

Date: 25 Mar 2024

Time: 1700—1900

SDE3, Level 1 Exhibition and Crit space (Opening: 17:00)

Photography Exhibition:

SDE3, Level 1 Exhibition and Crit space

Open daily

25 – 31 Mar 2024

1000—1900