Zehao Chen

It’s a flight number that summarizes the majority of my teenage life. Representing my nomadic lifestyle traveling back and forth between UK and China. In this project I delve into the idea of change, how the different cultures impacted me; going back to my home country that no longer seems familiar. Being surprised by the amount of change taken place since my absence. Addressing to my mental and emotional journey throughout these nine years with the lack of sense of belonging. Looking at how I have change, my home town have changed and how my identity changed between the two differing environments. I studied how architecture in Shanghai has changed over time as the different architecture with its strong presence shapes a unique experience and becomes deeply rooted in my memory. I am intrigued by how modern Shanghai has been influenced by the Western ideal with its Westernized architecture. Where I also looked into the subtle changes that is happening in Shanghai that are overlooked for example the disappearing of drying racks. All of these marked a unique era in which their trace began to fade unnoticeably in modern society.