China City Planning Review (No.1, 2024)

♦Better Sub-Regional and Urban Development from the Perspective of the Belt and Road Initiative 

Author: Wang Xingping, Fang Yu, Zhao Min, Long Yunjun, Wang Dengtao, Sun Ting, Dipl.-Ing. Dita Leyh, Liu Jiaxian 

Translated & edited by Li Caige & Qian Fang / Proofread by Liang Sisi 

DOI: 10.20113/j.ccpr.20240102a 

Introduction: Themed “Better Sub-Regional and Urban Development from the Perspective of the Belt and Road Initiative,” the 2023 Annual Conference of the International Urban Planning Branch of the Urban Planning Society of China (UPSC) was successfully held in Kunming from Jun. 23 to 25, 2023. The conference, organized by the International Urban Planning Branch and hosted by the School of Architecture and Planning, Yunnan University, coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. Thus it aimed to share new insights and practices related to sub-regional cooperation, sustainable development, global industrial restructuring, urban vitality, cross-border cultural exchanges, and more, both in China and internationally. Furthermore, the conference presented in-depth research and analysis on the strategic advantages of the Belt and Road Initiative and held dialogues and case studies on high-quality sub-regional and urban development worldwide. The goal was to provide innovative perspectives for China to implement high-quality cross-border collaboration under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. The keynote speeches given at the conference have been collected by China City Planning Review and meticulously proofread by the respective speaker.

Full text is available at:<http://www.ccprjournal.com.cn/news/10275.htm>

♦Learning from Anting New Town, Shanghai: Cultural and Spatial Appropriation and Transformation of the Planned Structure 

Author: Harry den Hartog, Like Bijlsma, Ivan Nio

Edited by Li Min & Tang Yan

DOI: 10.20113/j.ccpr.20240103a

Abstract: In this paper we study planned and unplanned adjustment processes in master-planned communities and new towns by a first wave of residents, in which changes in lifestyles play a central role. How can unplanned transitions be stimulated and play a role in making a new town more attractive, sustainable, adjustable, and flexible in use? We apply this to the case of Anting New Town in Shanghai. We focus on both personal and collective adjustments and appropriation in housing, commercial, as well as public space. We explore methods of doing visual research by observation, in line with methods by Venturi and Boudon. By adding economic and socio-cultural drivers and institutional frameworks, which allow these alterations to happen, conclusions are made about the possible sustainability, adjustability, and flexibility of these planned structures. We analyze adjustments from different perspectives on the themes of urbanity and identity: ① architectural-morphological, ② functional-economical, and ③ socio-cultural. Following different approaches to studying the planned and unplanned city, we explain how the urbanity and identity of Anting have changed in various ways. Appropriation of building structures and urban spaces is a key element in this process of change. It is the outcome of a wider process of economic and socio-cultural change. 

Keywords: adaptability; appropriation; identity; master-planned communities; new towns; open city; personalization; public space

Full text is available at:<http://www.ccprjournal.com.cn/news/10276.htm>

♦Research on Evaluation of the Collaborative Development of Urban Science and Technology Innovation Corridors Driven by “Industry-City-Innovation”: Taking the Xiamen-Quanzhou Science and Technology Innovation Corridor as an Example 

Author: Zhang Ruoxi, Luo Yijing, Zhang Lemin, Wang Ruru, Wu Quhang 

Edited by Qian Fang / Proofread by Liu Jiayan 

DOI: 10.20113/j.ccpr.20240104a 

Abstract: Science and technology innovation corridors are important spatial carriers for the coordinated development of future urban agglomerations in China. Based on a coupling coordination evaluation method, this study builds an index system for the evaluation of collaborative development of the “industry-city-innovation” region, and conducts the index evaluation and coupling coordination evaluation on the “industry-city-innovation” in the Xiamen-Quanzhou Science and Technology Innovation Corridor, in the hope of exploring measurement and evaluation methods for the development level of science and technology industrial parks. Based on multidimensional quantitative evaluation, the study concludes that Xiamen and Quanzhou own a solid foundation for economic development and science and technology innovation. However, the difference in the innovation cultivation environment between the two cities is an apparent shortcoming in the construction of the science and technology innovation corridor. Moreover, according to the coupling coordination evaluation of the “industry-city-innovation” system, the result shows that the overall coupling coordination degree of Xiamen City is generally high. The various counties and districts along the Xiamen-Quanzhou Science and Technology Innovation Corridor are mainly affected by the coupling of “city innovation,” forming an obvious spatial agglomeration form. The influence of industrial elements is relatively weak. At the same time, the study uses the gray correlation analysis method to evaluate the factors influencing the coupling coordination degree. It is found that in terms of the degree of influence, city > industry > innovation, and the proportion of age population of labor force, the public service index, and the proportion of added value of the tertiary industry are key factors. Finally, considering the collaborative development with “industry-city-innovation” as the driving force, this study puts forward specific policy suggestions for the construction of the Xiamen-Quanzhou Science and Technology Innovation Corridor based on the coupling evaluation results, providing a reference for the future development of science and technology innovation corridors. 

Keywords: science and technology innovation corridor; collaborative development; industry-city-innovation; coupling coordination degree; Xiamen-Quanzhou

Full text is available at:<http://www.ccprjournal.com.cn/news/10277.htm>

♦Parent-Friendly City: Urban Design as a Solution to the Aging Population Problem 

Author: Stella Christie, Lyu Jinyun, Gao Yang

Edited by Liu Jinxin & Mao Qizhi

DOI: 10.20113/j.ccpr.20240105a 

Abstract: Caregivers, i.e., parents, grandparents, and anyone caring for children, make up the majority of users in many urban centers around the world, including in China. Yet urban design and planning rarely consider specific needs of caregivers. This can result in a negative perception among people that cities are unfriendly places to raise children. Such negative perception is among the major contributors to the aging population problem, as parents and parents-to-be feel reluctant to give birth and raise more than one or even any children. Using an interdisciplinary approach, i.e., cognitive science, psychology, behavioral economics, and urban studies, this paper examines a new city model of “parent-friendly city,” where urban design serves the needs of caregivers, effectively creating a perception that cities are friendly places for raising children. First, we identify that caregivers’ needs are characterized by two major factors: ① provision: parents want to provide for their children, such as providing places for play and learning, and ② restoration: parents want to restore things that they lack due to childcare responsibilities, such as lack of rest and interaction with other adults. Second, we offer cognitive-based design principles that can work powerfully and effectively to fill both needs. Third, using real case studies from cities in China and around the world, we illustrate how these design principles work, even reversing caregivers’ perception from negative to positive. Ultimately, thoughtful urban design can support parents in raising children, making cities into partners in parenthood. 

Keywords: urban planning; child-friendly city; cognitive science; aging population; parenthood

Full text is available at:<http://www.ccprjournal.com.cn/news/10278.htm>

♦An Evaluation Index of Urban Morphological Maturity Based on Multi-Source Data: The Case of Five New Towns and a Historic Area in Shanghai 

Author: Qiang Dan, Li Hengjia, Zhou Zihao, Ye Yu 

Translated by Li Min / Proofread by Liu Jian

DOI: 10.20113/j.ccpr.20240106a

Abstract: In China, in recent years it has become a prevailing trend to promote the spatial maturity and high-quality transformation of new towns, yet there are few quantitative methods to evaluate their urban morphological maturity. From the perspective of quantitative urban morphology, this paper integrates street view data and cutting-edge analytical techniques into classic urban morphological study and develops a quantitative index for evaluating urban morphological maturity that fits Chinese cities by adjusting the indicators in line with the unique characteristics of the built environment of Chinese cities. Focusing on five new towns, as well as a historic area, of Shanghai, the paper evaluates their urban morphological maturity with this quantitative index and verifies its validity by comparing the evaluation result with that of expert consensus. It then proposes some design guidelines that may provide robust support for the regeneration of these new towns. Given its reliance on the multi-source data of open access and ready availability, this index holds promise for evaluating the urban morphological maturity of other new towns, to provide support for urban form improvement from both holistic and detailed perspectives. 

Keywords: quantitative urban morphology; maturity; multi-source data; new town; urban design

Full text is available at:<http://www.ccprjournal.com.cn/news/10279.htm>

♦Analysis on the Characteristics and Driving Factors of Urban Spatial Expansion of Early-Developing Regions in Western China: A Case Study of Shaanxi Province 

Author: Lü Yuan, Zhang Yinxia, Cui Yan, Liu Dong, Luo Lin, Zhou Xiaoyuan 

Translated by Liu Jinxin / Proofread by Tang Yan

DOI: 10.20113/j.ccpr.20240107a

Abstract: Compared with the stock-land exploitation of developed regions in eastern China, the development path in the western regions still relies on land expansion. Among them, Shaanxi stands out as an early-developing region with the highest comprehensive social and economic development level in the west, presenting a more significant and typical phenomenon of urban expansion. This paper utilizes remote sensing image data and socio-economic statistical data, employing mathematical and statistical analysis methods to examine the types and patterns of urban spatial expansion in Shaanxi over multiple years. It also summarizes the laws of expansion and subsequently delves into the driving factors of the spatial expansion. The result shows that the important driving factors of urban expansion in Shaanxi include natural geographical conditions, the economic development basis, the development of new towns and new areas, the drive of large-scale projects, and the guidance of urban and rural planning. The differences in driving factors between the east and west can be explained by the stages of regional development and the effects of administrative boundaries. This research aims to provide localized insights into the rational regulation of urban spatial evolution and efficient land use in similar regions and late-developing regions in western China. 

Keywords: characteristics of spatial expansion; driving factors; early-developing region in western China; Shaanxi

Full text is available at:<http://www.ccprjournal.com.cn/news/10280.htm>

♦Research on Digital Management and Control of Urban Design in Zhuhai 

Author: Zhou Zuojiang 

Translated by Li Caige / Proofread by Liu Jiayan 

DOI: 10.20113/j.ccpr.20240108a 

Abstract: With China’s urbanization entering a stage of high-quality development, refined urban governance has become an important part in the modernization of governance capacity, in which urban design plays a major role. This paper briefly reviews the background of urban design digitalization and discusses the issues that need to be addressed in digital management and control of urban design in China. On this basis, the paper summarizes the practice of digital management and control of urban design in Zhuhai in three aspects: building a rule base for digital management and control, developing a 3D quantitative analysis method for urban space from the macro, meso, and micro perspectives, and establishing a digital urban design management platform and storing 2D and 3D urban design schemes in the database according to unified standards, so as to realize the standardized management, intelligent review, and scientific decision-making of urban design. 

Keywords: urban design; digital management and control; high-quality space; Zhuhai

Full text is available at:<http://www.ccprjournal.com.cn/news/10281.htm>