A research laboratory for the protection of local historical buildings was established at Shanghai University yesterday.

The lab will focus on traditional building repairs and explore ways new technology can help protect and maintain historical structures.

The lab, a joint project by the university and local technology company Baohu, will take over the evaluation, research and repairs for historical buildings. It will be a leading research institute within five years with an international training center on heritage architecture.

A seminar was held yesterday for urban planning officials and architecture experts. A large number of local historical buildings require both traditional and modern techniques and materials to maintain the historical ambience of the city, said Wang Xunguo, deputy director of the Shanghai Urban Planning and Natural Resources Bureau.

The city has 44 listed historical and cultural conservation zones, along with 250 historical neighborhoods and 394 protected streets. The government plans to protect about 90 percent of remaining old neighborhoods downtown. About 7.3 million square meters of space 50 years or older will be preserved.