Historical study and strategies for the revitalization of the former International Export Company buildings in Nanjing

ABSTRACT With the relocation of the former International Export Company 4 years ago, its building group, which includes not only the earliest existing modern food industry buildings imported from Western countries but also the earliest large-scale reinforced concrete buildings in good condition domestically, has now ceased the functions of food processing and cold storage since first establishment in 1912. This earliest foreign-funded factory with a history of over 100 years in Nanjing will be transformed into a landmark complex integrating commerce, culture and tourism according to the requirements of regional development. As a main member of the design team, as well as a participant in the project ‘Research on reinforced concrete building protection technology in early modern China’ supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China, I have the ability to provide a comprehensive evaluation and research on this industrial architectural heritage from the different perspectives of architectural history and regeneration in this paper. Given the significance of this historic building group in modern China, this research will fill a gap in relevant historical study, offering a typical case study of modern industrial buildings and their utilization in China.