“Home away from home” is more than just a saying here at the Shanghai Electric Media Park. It’s the story of the Shanghai Electric Factory Employee Dormitory. This dormitory stands as a testament to Shanghai’s industrial history and its commitment to its workers.
Let’s dive into the story of this building. The Shanghai Electric Factory Employee Dormitory is located in Jing’an District. It is specifically at 2, Lane 1094, West Beijing Road. This building is not just any structure. It’s recognized as an outstanding historical building in Shanghai.
Dating back to 1910, the Shanghai Electric Factory Employee Dormitory has witnessed significant changes. It is part of the Nanjing West Road historical and cultural district. Once, it offered a haven for workers seeking affordable housing. Shanghai Electric understood the pressures its young talents faced. They strived to provide a platform that addressed both spiritual and material needs.
In the past, finding affordable housing was a major challenge in Shanghai. Shanghai Electric recognized this and initiated housing projects. One such project was talent apartments for young employees. Though the talent apartments were in the works, existing dormitories were remodeled. These renovations brought a brand-new look and tangible comfort to the residents.
The two three-story dormitory buildings were originally built in the 1960s. They were located inside the Shanghai Electric Industrial Park. Over time, the structures and facilities aged. In 2016, leaders at Shanghai Generator Works decided to renovate the buildings. This decision was based on field research and employee feedback. The renovation started in August 2016 and lasted a year.
In September 2017, about 100 employees moved into the newly renovated dormitories. The external walls were made of trendy glass curtain walls. Each dormitory unit covered around 20 square meters. Units on the ground floor accommodated three people each. Upstairs units were mostly for two people. A standard dormitory unit for two had a bedroom with two single beds. It also had a living room with desks and chairs. Each dormitory came with a TV, air conditioner, ceiling fan and network cables.
Employees who preferred to cook had access to shared kitchens. Each building had two rooms designed as shared kitchens. These kitchens were equipped with six induction cookers. Bathhouses in the buildings had a year-round hot water supply. Quality personnel were employed as security and cleaning staff.
Living in the dormitories offered significant savings. Employees saved on rent and transportation costs. They also had more leisure time after work. The dormitories guaranteed employee attendance. Shift employees had more rest time, which allowed them to work efficiently and safely. The employee turnover rate was also lower.
Today, the Shanghai Electric Factory Employee Dormitory stands as a reminder of Shanghai’s industrial past. It also shows the city’s ongoing efforts to provide for its workforce. The dormitory is now part of the Shanghai Electric Media Park. This transformation includes office and commercial spaces. The renovation retains the original layout and greenery of the campus. It is a harmonious urban architectural cluster.
As you stand here, remember the stories of the workers. Their lives were shaped within these walls. The Shanghai Electric Factory Employee Dormitory is a symbol of home, community, and progress.