Ziwei Cheng

Research project: Original Copies: Simulacra Cities in Contemporary Chinese Urbanism

Abstract

Simulacra cities in China are urban spaces that faithfully recreate European cities, raising questions about authenticity, originality, and copying. This research aims to explore the evolution of simulacra cities since 2000 by investigating three principal research questions. It seeks to understand how authenticity is defined in contemporary urban spaces in China and the varied roles of simulacra cities. It aims to examine the relationship between simulacra cities and the history of Chinese art, architecture, and urbanism in terms of notions of copying, truth, and originality. Finally, the research investigates the perceived impact of simulacra cities on the communities and inhabitants' everyday life. The research methodology combines an analysis of primary and secondary sources documenting the inception and reception histories of simulacra cities, as well as research into the complex notions of authenticity in the history of art, architecture, and urbanism in China. The research will focus on three simulacra European cities on the outskirts of Shanghai, using archival and ethnographic research to explore lived experiences, perceptions, and memories of adaptations to urban transformations.