Manager: ‘Do it once, you grasp the basic theory’
Print Edition
Chen Luwei, a senior engineer with more than two decades of experience, said working on the Shanghai Disneyland has certainly been a dramatic departure from the norm in the construction industry.
Chen, 44, a project manager with the Shanghai Construction Group, is responsible for two key projects at the new resort: the bridges on the inner lake and the Metro Line Disney station.
The Metro station, Chen said, is the largest he has ever worked on, and the bridges present a whole new architectural concept for him.
There will be three bridges on the lake, one structured along conventional lines and two hanging bridges. The latter pair will be anchored to piers on the ground only at either end and will arch over the lake. All three bridges are expected to be prime viewing spots for evening fireworks shows.
“When people walk out onto the hanging bridges, they may feel a tad insecure at first because of the slight swaying, but the bridges will be absolutely safe,” said Chen. “The balance of the bridges is the key point for the project.”
Graduated from Shanghai Tongji University with a degree in civil engineering, Chen has worked on his share of major projects around China, including the Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai. But there’s always something new to be learned, he admitted.
“We’ve never done anything like hanging bridges before,” he said. “So we had to go overseas to see how engineers from other countries did it. I visited France to see the hanging bridge over the Seine. It was very impressive.”
Chen said he has never been afraid of trying something new.
“Do it once, and you grasp the basic theory,” he said. “Then it becomes easier when you do the next time. When there are problems, there are always solutions if you keep a good mindset.”
The new Disney Metro station was also a challenge.
It is very close to the inner lake of the resort, and it will serve both the first and second phases of the theme park. Passengers will take Metro Line 11 to the Luoshan Road station, and then transfer to the Disney Metro Line to reach the station — which will be the biggest station in Shanghai, at a length of 220 meters.
Construction started in March 2012. The station was expected to be completed in mid-2014. Because of extended negotiations between the Chinese and the US teams over final construction plans, the construction team has had to carry out its work according to a digital blueprint.
“The process of construction was often ahead of final decisions on design,” he said. “So we had to go to the designers’ office, sit down and discuss the design with them. That is not very common in my work, but that’s understandable. And, after all, construction was proceeding on schedule.”
Although Chen has been working for Shanghai Disneyland for more than four years, he showed a bit of embarrassment when asked about what he liked most about Disneyland, as if he believes Disney is something belonging to children.
He said he once took his 14-year-old son to Hong Kong Disneyland, where the best personal impression he recalls is Grizzly Gulch.
“The environment was beautiful, and the mine car rollercoaster was exciting,” he said, somewhat shyly. “But I think children would like it much better than I do.”
Chen said after Shanghai Disney Resort opens, he will definitely take his family.
“It’s great that we can enjoy the same good environment, the same good services and the same entertaining rides here in Shanghai,” he said. “My son will be stoked.”
Who were the first Disney cartoon characters that you ever became aware of?
A: Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. I watched TV with my son when he was little and got to know the characters.
What was your first experience in a Disneyland?
A: I went to Hong Kong Disneyland with my family several years ago. It was a happy memory. The whole place was artistic and active. We enjoyed ourselves a lot.
What’s your idea of happiness?
A: I think happiness means feeling comfortable. No matter what choices you make, if you feel comfortable and have peace of mind, then you are happy.
Which virtue do you admire most?
A: A placid mindset. I like people who can keep calm no matter what happens or whatever difficulties they face. I always remind myself to keep calm.
How would you describe yourself?
A: I am a person who doesn’t try to show off. I don’t like to project myself. I just do my work in a down-to-earth way.
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