Abstract

This thesis examines the phenomenon of urban abandonment in China through the lens of "lanweilou" (unfinished housing), inspired by the documentary :Ji
("Dwelling in the Unfinished Buildings"). The documentary captures the plight of over 300 homeowners and approximately 1000 individuals dwelling in incomplete urban housing and prolonged uncertainty. By examining the systemic failures that led to the abandonment of residential constructions, this study delves into the everyday resistance and coping strategies of those residing in the incomplete urban residence, seeking to uncover the circumstances leading to their occupancy, the reasons behind the abandonment of residential constructions, and the broader implications for Chinese urbanism.
This research aims to contribute to the discourse on Chinese urbanism by drawing from southern urbanism theories on understanding urban abandonment in China and the various forms of everyday resistance employed by residents in response to their precarious living conditions. By developing a lanwei housing spectrum, offering critical insights into the multifaceted implications of incomplete urbanization. The narratives presented in the documentary serve as a starting point for a profound exploration of the everydayness within the grand narrative of China's urbanization. In the aftermath of COVID-induced economic stagnation and the housing bubble burst in China, the severity of this crisis deepens, raising critical questions about the sustainability of current urban development practices and the future of urbanization in China. Through this exploration, the thesis seeks to shed light on the complexities of urban abandonment and the social, economic, and political dynamics that shape the urban landscape in contemporary China.
Key words: urban abandonment, everyday resistance, squatting, lanweilou, unfinished housing spectrum, Chinese urbanism.