△ Street view © Chen Yang
Amid the bustling streets, the Hall of the Red Revolution stands as a symbol of history and remembrance.
Nearly a century ago, Gu Zhenghong, a 20-year-old worker at a Japanese textile factory in Shanghai, sparked the May 30th Movement through his untimely death. Today, the Gu Zhenghong Memorial Hall, located at 300 Macau Road, Putuo District, Shanghai, has undergone renovation and expansion ahead of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, presenting a revitalized space to the public.
△ Square Sculpture © Chen Yang
Although the original building and site were modest in size, the recent renovation and expansion remain compact. The design thoughtfully addresses the unique site conditions through a variety of comprehensive renovation strategies.
△ Aerial view © Chen Yang
The addition of a new two-story exhibition hall extends southward on an extremely narrow site, while preserving a small square facing the street. This design enhances the solemn atmosphere appropriate for the memorial and creates a necessary buffer between the building and the bustling urban environment. Importantly, this limited yet significant southern square now hosts relocated outdoor exhibits—including martyr statues, red flags, and themed sculptures—organizing them into a ceremonial space aligned on an east-west axis. This area serves as a gathering place for various activities before visitors enter the museum.
△ Landscape schematic diagram © Endless Design Studio
△ First floor plan © Endless Design Studio
Integrating landscape elements into the architectural layout is a key aspect of the design. A narrow passage leading to the martyrdom site on the east side of the original museum has been incorporated into the visitor route, creating a seamless flow through the outdoor areas, exhibition spaces within the museum, and the martyrdom site itself. The northbound path gradually narrows while the southbound passage widens, guiding visitors through a thoughtful psychological transition that connects the theme of the Red Revolution with contemporary urban life.
△ Outdoor staircase © Chen Yang
△ Martyrdom Memorial Hall © Chen Yang
△ Skylight © Chen Yang
△ Interior © Chen Yang
The new building features a staggered composition of cubic volumes clad in weather-resistant steel plates. The structure incorporates setbacks and overhangs on all four sides, enhancing both stability and visual dynamism. The rusty red finish metaphorically reflects the resilience, struggles, and heroism of the Chinese workers’ movement under the Party’s leadership.
△ Cantilevered block combination © Chen Yang
△ Weather-resistant steel plate © Chen Yang
The square’s pavement combines three types of stone with subtle variations in color and texture, emphasizing a ceremonial feel while symbolizing the red flower. On the west side of the square, a simple rest area surrounds a preserved magnolia tree, blending the red theme with everyday urban life. Public spaces that serve the community remain an enduring theme for the city.
△ Rest Area © Chen Yang
△ Night view © Chen Yang
Technical Drawings
△ General layout plan © Endless Design Studio
△ Second floor plan © Endless Design Studio
△ East elevation view © Endless Design Studio
△ South elevation view © Endless Design Studio
Project Information
Project Name: Expansion of Gu Zhenghong Memorial Hall
Design Team: Endless Design Studio
Design Unit: Shanghai Zhongsen Architecture and Engineering Design Consulting Co., Ltd
Building Area: 200 square meters
Design Period: May 2020
Completion Date: June 2021
Design Guidance: Zhang Nan and Zhang Xiaoyuan
Design Team Members: Xie Jinrong, Chang Runze, Chen Shuting, Xiong Zhenlin, Chai Yuye, Wang Shuyan (Intern)
Landscape Project: Zhang Huijie and Guan Tianyi
Architectural Project: Liao Zijun and Tao Hailong
Structural Specialists: Li Xinhua, Bin Bing, Liu Liguang
Water Supply and Drainage Specialists: Ling Jie, Liu Ye
Electrical Specialists: Yu Fuqi, Zhao Wenpeng
HVAC Specialists: Xue Xiaofeng and Zhang Yuxing
General Plan Project: Yan Mercedes Benz and Ma Yanxin
Client: Gu Zhenghong Memorial Hall, Putuo District, Shanghai
Construction Company: Shanghai Construction Fifth Construction Group Co., Ltd
Photography: Chen Yang
Photographer’s Website: whyseeimage.com
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up