The World Cities Series stems from the vital need to consider our urban environment in the early part of the twenty-first century. This series offers you a detailed and intelligent analysis of the state of the world's most prominent cities and their visions of the future. Each book is full of comprehensive essays, illustrations and architectural projects. Shanghai offers a captivating overview of one of the world's most fascinating cities. Documenting its historical development as well as its future promise, Alan Balfour and Zheng Shiling present insights from leading politicians, planners and architects. The book details the dynamics behind the city's phenomenal growth, the impact on its infrastructure and built environment, as well as the subtleties of dealing with existing cultural restrictions. - The latest volume in the Academy World Cities series. - An all encompassing view on this amazingly complex city. - The book's four sections cover Shanghai's past, present, future, and how it might have been. - Each section is lavishly illustrated and includes contributions from prominent players in the life of Shanghai.