Restored, replaced and lost...

Architectural preservation – or rather a distinct lack of – is coming under fire this week in both Shanghai and Beijing. First, the New York Times reports on the sad loss of Beijing's 24, Beizongbu Hutong, otherwise known as the historic home of perhaps China's most renowned and influential architects, Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin. The pair studied at the University of Pennsylvania in the US, before returning to China in 1928 to rally the government to preserve Beijing's characteristic hutongs and impressive imperial architecture.

It's a cruel irony and one that's not helped by the blasé attitude of the government-affiliated real estate company responsible for the recent razing – despite the structure being awarded historic landmark status in 2009:

"A replica will be built," one official unapologetically told the state news media.

The demolition hasn't gone unnoticed, with Xinhua also describing the 'cultural wounding' such a decision brings about. More on that one here, and thanks to China Rhyming for alerting us to the sad loss.

It's not just Beijing, but also Shanghai that's under fire too – coincidentally also because of their "reconstructions". Local government has backed the restoration of the city's biggest Shikumen – or stone gate – neighborhood, a 25,000sqm area on Jianguo Lu.

Built in the 1930s, the buildings were found to be suffering from structural damage and rot and so, in 2008 restoration began. Now however, as the project approaches its unveiling, critics are branding the buildings as 'fake'. From Shanghai Daily:

A news report by local TV station broadcast yesterday said its investigation showed most of the original buildings were razed and replaced. A clip showed underground car parks and elevators in the restored lane.

"Obliterating historic structures and building new ones does not constitute preservation," said a nearby resident.

Indeed it does not, and quick to defend the 800 million yuan project, "a district government insider told Shanghai Daily that many original materials - including 40,000 pieces of brickwork - had been used in the new structures".

The whole development is poised to become 'the next Xintiandi'. We'll reserve judgment until we see it ourselves, although it doesn't sound promising...