裕华新村

Nestled amidst the bustling city of Shanghai, Ronghua New Village stands as a quiet testament to a bygone era. Ronghua New Village whispers stories of a time when life moved at a slower pace, a time of close-knit communities and shared experiences. Built between 1938 and 1941, Ronghua New Village was an investment by the Ronghua Bank of Shanghai. Its design, a collaborative effort of architects Xu Jingzhi, Yang Runjun, and Li Huaibo from the Xingye Architectural Firm, reflects the modern residential ideals of the time, echoing the style of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The village comprises 36 houses, creating a garden lane residence. Sixteen larger houses with four-sloped roofs are arranged in a “field” pattern in the eastern part. Twenty smaller houses, each with two-sloped roofs, line up in the western section. Each house, regardless of size, boasts its own private garden. Imagine strolling through the lanes of Ronghua New Village. The exterior walls, painted with cement and adorned with Tai Shan bricks, exude a sense of timeless elegance. The roofs, covered with red flat tiles, provide a splash of color against the backdrop of the city. Low courtyard walls, approximately two meters high, offer privacy while maintaining a sense of community. The houses feature round windows, a unique touch that adds to their charm. Chimneys rise from the rooftops, a reminder of cozy evenings spent indoors. Inside the homes, the main bedrooms are south-facing, maximizing natural light. The kitchens, bathrooms, and small courtyards are located on the north side. Some houses even have garages, a sign of luxury in those times. Ronghua New Village’s design incorporated modern amenities, including well-equipped kitchens and bathrooms. Special passageways and restrooms were thoughtfully included for domestic staff. The village is easily accessible from Fumin Road, with a main entrance seven meters wide and side lanes five meters wide. The narrower lanes of the two-sloped roof houses add to the intimate atmosphere. Before the 1980s, Fumin Road was a vibrant hub of local life, offering a variety of affordable food and goods. Imagine bustling food stalls, barbershops, and small shops lining the street, catering to the daily needs of the community. Ronghua New Village was more than just a collection of houses. It was a gateway to a network of interconnected lanes and roads, connecting residents to various parts of the city. Back gates in the village led to Changle Road and Changle New Village, with further connections to Changshu Road and neighboring areas. These hidden passageways facilitated the movement of people, fostering a strong sense of community and making daily life convenient. Children would gather in the lanes to play games, their laughter echoing through the air. The proximity of a public library, a primary school, and a kindergarten further enriched the community. Ronghua New Village, with its rich history and architectural charm, offers a glimpse into the vibrant past of Shanghai. It serves as a reminder of a time when community thrived, where neighbors knew each other, and life revolved around the simple pleasures of daily interactions.