十里洋场“造梦机”：近代上海百货公司与南京路的景观

Core Concept - The article discusses the transformation of Nanjing Road in early 20th century Shanghai, driven by the rise of four major Chinese department stores: Sincere, Wing On, Sun Sun, and Taikoo. These stores acted as "dream machines," creating a collective fantasy of modernity through strategic capital operations, architectural practices, and cultural coding [1][2]. Group 1: Department Stores as "Dream Machines" - The focus on department stores is justified as they are pivotal in understanding Shanghai's modernity and urban culture, integrating capital, goods, space, and desires [1][2]. - The metaphor of "dream machines" highlights how department stores manufactured and showcased the dream of modernity, transforming abstract concepts into tangible goods and experiences [2]. Group 2: Spatial Positioning and Commercial Restructuring - Before the emergence of department stores, Nanjing Road was already a commercial hub, but its core was concentrated in the eastern section. The arrival of department stores shifted this focus westward, creating a new commercial geography [2][4]. - The founders of Sincere and Wing On strategically positioned their stores in a prime location, leading to a competitive landscape that established a high-density "scenic consumption belt" along Nanjing Road [4][5]. Group 3: Architectural Aesthetics and Modernization - The architectural styles of the four department stores, characterized by eclecticism, symbolized power and modernity, reshaping the urban skyline and breaking traditional spatial scales [6][10]. - The illumination of these buildings at night transformed Nanjing Road into a vibrant "city that never sleeps," enhancing the consumerist atmosphere [6][10]. Group 4: Consumer Practices and Urban Experience - The department stores transcended mere shopping, offering a multifaceted modern lifestyle experience, including dining, entertainment, and accommodation, thus becoming essential public spaces in Shanghai [10][11]. - The marketing of fashion and lifestyle products in these stores played a crucial role in shaping modern identities, linking consumption with social status and personal identity [11][12]. Group 5: Legacy and Contemporary Impact - The legacy of these department stores continues to influence the character of modern Shanghai, with contemporary shopping venues still reflecting the consumerist and modernist ethos established during that era [13].