As more of Beijing's neighborhoods are smashed in the name of progress, those of us who live in them can do nothing. Many of the residents prefer to live in modern flats provided by developers. 

Why wouldn't they?

These apartments are warmed in the winter – with free municipal heating – by the coal which fills the city's skies. They have private toilets and hot showers and other luxuries which are rare in the hutongs, Beijing's old courtyard homes.

In the meantime, as the wrecking ball does its work, I do mine: I photograph shadows of the elegance which was, and may not be for much longer.

Shadows of Heritage, Beijing: I

Cyanotype on handmade mulberry paper edition variee, Artists Proof, 12 x 24 inches