Research on the regeneration strategies of Beiqiao waterfront street blocks
This design consultation project aims to, using design as an exploratory instrument, provide a vision for the regeneration of Beiqiao, Xiangcheng District, Suzhou. Working with experts from the industry, we have provided local government with a landscape-led urban design proposal and the relevant short- and long-term action plans. This real-world project, with a site of around 63.3 hectares, has been incorporated into a Year 3 urban design studio in order to nurture a project-based learning environment that can facilitate learning-by-doing and thereby improve students’ critical design thinking.
Funding Source: Planning and Construction Admin Bureau of Suzhou Xiangcheng Economic and Technological Development Zone
Research Team: Bing Chen (XJTLU UPD), Jun Xia (XJTLU CEN) and Cheng Zhang (XJTLU CEN), and Mr. Xiaoming Xu & Ms. Yang Zheng and others from Suzhou Out & In Design Co. Ltd.
Project Time Period: 22 July 2022 – 17 April 2023 [successful completion]
Applied Design Research of 3D printing technology in contemporary Vernacular Architecture
This experimental project aims to cope with the key challenges arising in the rural revitalization in Southwest China – meeting the local needs for a better living environment on one hand, and preserving the traditional building typology of Yi ethnic group and rural landscape on the other. This research-by-design project used contemporary construction techniques (e.g. 3D printing, prefabrication, earthquake-resistant rammed earth walls, etc.) to explore alternative design-build approaches for vernacular architecture in Leju Village, Kunming, Yunan Province. The multi-disciplinary design team consists of academic and researchers from Kunming University of Science and Technology and XJTLU, and technical experts from Nanjing KENYO Building Technology Co. Ltd. and Arup (Hong Kong). The research output won the ‘Gold Prize in Design Research (Paper)’ in the 18th Anniversary Asian Design Award & Asia Architecture and Urbanism Alliance, 2020.
Funding Source: XJTLU Research Development Fund (RDF-17-01-27), ‘Sustainable and Creative Village Research Network in SW China’ funded by AHRC (AH/R004129/1), and Technology Development Fund from industry.
Research Team: Bing Chen (XJTLU UPD), Nan Yang (XJTLU UPD), Prof. Wenfeng Bai & Mr. Jing Xiao (KUST)
Project Time Period: 20 April 2018 – 19 March 2019 [successful completion]
This live on-site project, which spanned from June 29 to July 6, 2024, aimed to provide a regeneration vision and design strategies to Huangtai Road Historic District, Qingdao. A total of 22 XJTLU students and a team of expert tutors from four departments at the Design School, Urban Planning and Design, Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Industrial Design, collaborated in this intensive period in Qingdao. The project’s significance was further enhanced by the participation of a variety of international institutions, such as Qingdao RIM Group and Qingdao Baiyang Zhuozheng, with partner institutes, including the International Laboratory of Architecture and Urban Design (Italy) and the University of Westminster (UK).
Funding Source: The Design School of XJTLU, and the Department of Urban Planning and Design
Research Team: Hyung Rae Cho and Yiwen Wang (XJTLU UPD), Yan Zhu (Independent Researcher), Giulio Verdini (University of Westminster, ILAUD), Cheng Zhang (XJTLU CEN), Emanuela Corti (XJTLU IND), Min Joo Baek (XJTLU ARC), Jacopo Benedetti (Tongji University), Shengkang Fu (the University of Westminster)
Project Time Period: 29 June 2024 – 6 July 2024
Picturing Contradiction and Practice of Urban Utopia in Seoul
This is a documentary video, which traces back to the history of compressed urbanisation of Seoul by exploring how Changsin-dong (a sewing village) has transformed. This practice-based research contributes to further discussion on the changing publicness and communality in human settlements of Korea with the legacies of developmentalism beyond the Western-centric frontier.
Funding Source: Humanities and Social Science Support Project (National Research Foundation of Korea) + University Innovation Support Project (University of Seoul)
Research Team: Kon KIM (University of Seoul), Won Ho CHEY (University of Seoul) in collaboration with Technische Universität Berlin (Prof. Jörg Stollmann and Dr. Dagmar Pelger)
Gated Communities and the Digital Polis: Rethinking Subjectivity, Reality, Exclusion, and Cooperation in an Urban Future.
This is an edited collection that offers a new theoretical framework of ‘digital polis’ as the grounds for a genuinely humanising urbanism by exploring the (re)production of power, knowledge, and space of both physically and virtually networked communities. This collection provides valuable insights into alternative orientation toward a counter-mapping of the digital cityscape in the active support of socially just and politically inclusive urban circumstances.
Funding Source: National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF-2019S1A5C2A02082683)
Research Team: Kon KIM (University of Seoul) and Heewon CHUNG (University of Seoul)
Understanding Reverse Migration: Young People’s Experiences and Community Building in Mokpo, Korea
In Korea, population decline is uneven, with metropolitan areas growing while non-metropolitan areas face declines. Experimental policies aim to promote the mobility of young people to non-metropolitan areas. In Mokpo, a port city, young migrants are drawn to opportunities in tourism. This research seeks to understand their motivations and experiences in building new communities and shaping new environments in the reverse migration process.
Funding Source: National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF-2022S1A5C2A02093521) + XJTLU Research Development Fund (RDF-23-02-062)
Research Team: Kon KIM (XJTLU) and Young-Hyeon CHEON (Creative Director)
Project Period: Apr 2023 ~ Now
Relevant Link: TBC
Luxiang II Village Community Garden, Suzhou, China
Luxiang II Village Neighbourhood is a demonstration project of upgrading of dilapidated neighbourhood of Wujiang District, Suzhou. Community garden project was introduced and led by a research team of Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University with collaboration with Tongji University and Clove School, a NGO on nature education for youth in Shanghai. The physical construction of the community garden was completed by the end of 2020, with a participatory planning and community empowerment approach. After three years’ development, the garden is maintained by a volunteer team of local residents and has become a niche for meeting, chatting, playing with appreciation to the nature and neighbours.
Luxiang II Village Neighborhood is a demonstration project for upgrading a dilapidated neighborhood in Wujiang District, Suzhou. The community garden project was initiated and led by a research team from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in collaboration with Tongji University and Clove School, an NGO focused on nature education for youth in Shanghai. Physical construction of the community garden was completed by the end of 2020, employing a participatory planning and community empowerment approach. After three years of development, the garden is maintained by a volunteer team of local residents and has become a gathering place for socializing, playing, and appreciating nature and neighbors.
The Role of Micro-landscape Regeneration in the Ecological and Green Integration Development of the Yangtze River Delta – Examination of the Benefits of Community Gardens on Ecological and Elderly Health Restoration
The project had closely observed a community garden project for three years and had a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of community garden on elderly’s health-related behaviours, mental health, social capital and perceived therapeutic environment as well as the changes in biodiversity. It has contributed to the methodological development of Chinese version of Method for Observing physical Activity and Wellbeing (MOHAWk) and OxCAP-MH. The study also has analysed the barriers that hinder the continuous development of community garden and summarised good experiences.
Funding Source: Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University Key Project (KSF-E-58)
Research Team: Dr Ying Chang(UPD) Dr Bing Chen(UPD) Dr Yi Zou(HES) Dr Bing Jiang(University of Hong Kong) Dr Jin Zhu (Suzhou University of Technology) Dr Lu Ye (Soochow University)
The International School Nido de Aguilas 2050 Plan
Nido was founded in 1934 in eastern Santiago. Its pristine location on the foothills of the Andes provided a setting that advanced a core principle of the school: creating a strong connection between learning and the environment. Over the years, however, the school grew organically with new buildings occupying any available land with little regard to the quality of public spaces, and impact on the site’s ecology. A beautiful ravine corridor was covered to create a large surface parking lot and drop-off area, a stark example of how Nido’s foundational principles were being undermined.
The campus plan is the culmination of a year-long process involving all voices within the Nido community—students, faculty, alumni, and parents. A series of community forums and interviews established the foundation of the work. In collaboration with Dupla, a local practice in Santiago, the design team translated the school’s vision to create an open and dynamic global learning community into an inspiring plan that captures Nido’s remarkable potential.
As Nido embarks on a new chapter, Sasaki’s vision for the campus leverages the school’s connection to nature and creates an environment that fosters 21st century interdisciplinary, collaborative learning across buildings and landscapes. In the heart of the campus, proposed academic buildings foster new forms of learning and are unified by an interconnected public realm armature. An expanded and reinvigorated central green—The Nest—establishes a vibrant new social and intellectual hub for the entire school.
A rigorous analysis informed strategies to regenerate the site’s ecology. A key priority was to integrate the core academic campus (which only occupies 20% of Nido’s land) with the larger 64-hectare site. A range of initiatives were established to restore the hillsides, prevent erosion and regenerate the ravine corridor as it traversed the campus. The participation of the school community in this work, and its integration in the academic curriculum was paramount, underpinning the notion of the campus and landscape as a living laboratory for learning.
Lastly, strategic areas along the edge of the campus are devoted to community housing development and an institute for continuing education, creating a hub of knowledge that strengthens Nido’s role in its district and Santiago as a whole.
Nido was founded in 1934 in eastern Santiago. Its pristine location on the foothills of the Andes provided a setting that advanced a core principle of the school: creating a strong connection between learning and the environment. However, over the years, the school grew organically with new buildings occupying any available land, little regard given to the quality of public spaces and impact on the site’s ecology. A beautiful ravine corridor was covered to create a large surface parking lot and drop-off area, starkly undermining Nido’s foundational principles.
The campus plan is the culmination of a year-long process involving all voices within the Nido community—students, faculty, alumni, and parents. A series of community forums and interviews established the foundation of the work. In collaboration with Dupla, a local practice in Santiago, the design team translated the school’s vision to create an open and dynamic global learning community into an inspiring plan that captures Nido’s remarkable potential.
As Nido embarks on a new chapter, Sasaki’s vision for the campus leverages the school’s connection to nature and creates an environment that fosters 21st-century interdisciplinary, collaborative learning across buildings and landscapes. In the heart of the campus, proposed academic buildings foster new forms of learning and are unified by an interconnected public realm armature. An expanded and reinvigorated central green—The Nest—establishes a vibrant new social and intellectual hub for the entire school.
A rigorous analysis informed strategies to regenerate the site’s ecology. A key priority was integrating the core academic campus (which occupies only 20% of Nido’s land) with the larger 64-hectare site. A range of initiatives was established to restore the hillsides, prevent erosion, and regenerate the ravine corridor as it traversed the campus. The participation of the school community in this work and its integration into the academic curriculum was paramount, underpinning the notion of the campus and landscape as a living laboratory for learning.
Lastly, strategic areas along the edge of the campus are devoted to community housing development and an institute for continuing education, creating a hub of knowledge that strengthens Nido’s role in its district and Santiago as a whole.
Research Team: Xin Zhao, XJTLU, Dennis Pieprz(Sasaki), Victor, Eskinazi(Sasaki), Karen Mata Ortas(Sasaki)
Emotional Responses in Contrasting Urban Public Parks
This research project examines the emotional and restorative effects of two distinct types of urban public parks: naturalistic “Wild” parks and more manicured “Artificial” parks. The research aims to compare the restorative potential of these contrasting park designs, explore emotional trends experienced in these environments over time, and investigate how park characteristics influence visitor experiences. By analyzing the psychological impacts of different park types, this study provides valuable insights for urban planners, landscape architects, and policymakers. The findings contribute to our understanding of how park design can optimize both ecological benefits and human well-being in urban environments, informing future strategies for creating more effective and enjoyable public spaces in cities.
This research project examines the emotional and restorative effects of two distinct types of urban public parks: naturalistic ‘Wild’ parks and more manicured ‘Artificial’ parks. The research aims to compare the restorative potential of these contrasting park designs, explore emotional trends experienced in these environments over time, and investigate how park characteristics influence visitor experiences. By analyzing the psychological impacts of different park types, this study provides valuable insights for urban planners, landscape architects, and policymakers. The findings contribute to our understanding of how park design can optimize both ecological benefits and human well-being in urban environments, informing future strategies for creating more effective and enjoyable public spaces in cities.
Funding Source: University of Nebraska Lincoln，Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
Research Team: Xin Zhao(XJTLU UPD), Yujia Wang (UNL), Anne Schutte (UNL)
Project Time Period: Oct 2023 ~ Now
Wuhan Yangtze Riverfront Park
The Wuhan Yangtze Riverfront Park is a groundbreaking 503-hectare project that reimagines one of the world’s largest riverfront parks. Located in Wuhan, China, this innovative landscape embraces the Yangtze River’s dynamic flooding as an essential element of the public realm. The park celebrates Wuhan’s deep-rooted “river culture” while addressing the challenges of frequent flooding and urbanization pressures.
The project integrates landscape architecture, urban planning, and ecological design to create a socially inclusive and environmentally sensitive waterfront. It features adaptive designs that transform with changing water levels, ecological enhancements in the mudflats, repurposed industrial relics, and a floating promenade. The iconic Museum of the Yangtze stands at the confluence of two rivers. Through extensive public engagement, the design reflects the community’s vision for a waterfront that harmoniously blends urban life with natural river dynamics, providing recreational opportunities and improving the city’s flood resilience.
The Wuhan Yangtze Riverfront Park is a groundbreaking 503-hectare project that reimagines one of the world’s largest riverfront parks. Located in Wuhan, China, this innovative landscape embraces the Yangtze River’s dynamic flooding as an essential element of the public realm. The park celebrates Wuhan’s deep-rooted ‘river culture’ while addressing the challenges of frequent flooding and urbanization pressures.
The project integrates landscape architecture, urban planning, and ecological design to create a socially inclusive and environmentally sensitive waterfront. It features adaptive designs that transform with changing water levels, ecological enhancements in the mudflats, repurposed industrial relics, and a floating promenade. The iconic Museum of the Yangtze stands at the confluence of two rivers. Through extensive public engagement, the design reflects the community’s vision for a waterfront that harmoniously blends urban life with natural river dynamics, providing recreational opportunities, and improving the city’s flood resilience.
Research Team: Xin Zhao(XJTLU UPD), Tao Zhang(Sasaki), Muhan Cui(Sasaki), Xiaoran Du(Sasaki), Lanmuzhi Yang (Sasaki)
Small intervention, big impact: traffic calming analysis in Shuangta, Suzhou
This project tries to employ traffic calming intervention in Shuangta, a neighborhood with rich local features, such as water town, local food, traditional buildings, and so on. It aims to achieve safe and enjoyable streets for pedestrians, which would be expected a big positive impact on Shuangta neighborhood.
This project aims to employ traffic calming interventions in Shuangta, a neighborhood rich in local features such as water towns, local cuisine, and traditional buildings. It seeks to achieve safe and enjoyable streets for pedestrians, which is expected to have a significantly positive impact on the Shuangta neighborhood.
Funding Source: The external government project of ‘Safeguarding heritage and community of Shuangta area’
Research Team: Yanhui Lei (PI, XJTLU UPD), Yiwei Li (RA, XJTLU UPD postgraduate) and Chang Guan (RA, XJTLU UPD postgraduate)
Group diary in team assessment: the impact on peer evaluation practice in design studios
This project tries to employ group diary to promote student engagement in Learning and Teaching as teamwork is essential and challenging especially for studio-based design module across XJTLU and Tsinghua University. This research project aims to develop a pedagogic toolkit to maximise its benefit and ensure students’ active engagement in the studio group work. Please see the third image.
Funding Source: XJTLU EQA Funding
Research Team: Yanhui Lei (PI, XJTLU UPD), Bing Chen (CO-I, XJTLU UPD), Minjoo Baek (CO-I, XJTLU ARC), Jian Liu (CO-I, Tsinghua University), Chuhao Lai (RA, XJTLU UPD UG student) and Jinnan Li (RA, XJTLU UPD Postgraduate)
Project Time Period: Sep 2023 ~ Aug 2025
Presentation at the XJTLU Annual Transforming Education Conference 2024 – EdVenture: exploring innovative practices in Higher Education.
Instagrammability of Suzhou as Oversea Destination: Data-Mining User Generated Contents on International Social Media
This research aims to unveil the perceptions of Chinese historic cities as tourist destinations from the viewpoints of international visitors and social media users, with a focus on assisting less advantaged Chinese cities to tap into the potential of international social media for promoting inbound tourism. Specifically, the study analyzes user comments about Suzhou from five major platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TripAdvisor) spanning four years before the pandemic (2016-2019). To boost Suzhou’s competitiveness in China’s inbound tourism market, the project also examines user-generated content from five other Chinese cities (Chengdu, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Qingdao, and Xiamen) for comparative analysis. By understanding how international visitors perceive Suzhou through social media, this research seeks to provide insights to empower less advantaged Chinese cities to strategically utilize international social media platforms for tourism promotion. Ultimately, the findings will contribute to enhancing the overall understanding of destination image dynamics and aiding in the development of effective promotional strategies for Chinese inbound tourism.
This research aims to unveil the perceptions of Chinese historic cities as tourist destinations from the viewpoints of international visitors and social media users, with a focus on assisting less advantaged Chinese cities to tap into the potential of international social media for promoting inbound tourism. Specifically, the study analyzes user comments about Suzhou from five major platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TripAdvisor) spanning four years before the pandemic (2016-2019). To boost Suzhou’s competitiveness in China’s inbound tourism market, the project also examines user-generated content from five other Chinese cities (Chengdu, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Qingdao, and Xiamen) for comparative analysis. By understanding how international visitors perceive Suzhou through social media, this research seeks to provide insights to empower less advantaged Chinese cities to strategically utilize international social media platforms for tourism promotion. Ultimately, the findings will contribute to enhancing the overall understanding of destination image dynamics and aiding in the development of effective promotional strategies for Chinese inbound tourism.
Funding Source: XJTLU Key Programme Special Fund—Exploratory Research Programme (KSF-E-56), co-funded by Suzhou Finance Bureau, Science and Technology Bureau of Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou Dushu Lake Science and Education Innovation Zone Management Committee)
Research Team: Yiwen Wang, Hyung-chul Chung, Joon Sik Kim, Anna Vichnevetskaia, Gao Du (Department of Urban Planning and Design, Design School, XJTLU), Paul Crag (School of Advanced Technology, XJTLU), Rudong Wang (Suzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism), Andrew Manley (Bath University), Sérgio Moro (ISCTE-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa), Ricardo Ramos (Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra)
Project Period: January 2020 ~ March 2024
Perceptions and Experiences of Overseas Visitors in Suzhou: Survey, Implications and Policy Recommendations
Funding Source: 2022 Suzhou Cultural and Tourism Research Programme—Major Project (WL2022LX014), funded by Suzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism.
Research Team: Yiwen Wang, Qiantao Zhang, Beixi Sun, Yiyi Kou (Department of Urban Planning and Design, Design School, XJTLU), Andrew Manley (Bath University)
Project Period: Dec 2022 ~ April 2023
Perceptions and Experiences of Overseas Visitors in Suzhou: Survey, Implications and Policy Recommendations
Funding Source: Suzhou National Historic City (Gusu) Branch Office, Suzhou Natural Resources and Planning Bureau
Research Team: Yiping Dong (Department of Architecture, Design School, XJTLU), Yiwen Wang (Department of Urban Planning and Design, Design School, XJTLU)
Research on the regeneration strategies of Beiqiao waterfront street blocks
This design consultation project aims to, using design as an exploratory instrument, provide a vision for the regeneration of Beiqiao, Xiangcheng District, Suzhou. Working with experts from the industry, we have provided local government with a landscape-led urban design proposal and the relevant short- and long-term action plans. This real-world project, with a site of around 63.3 hectares, has been incorporated into a Year 3 urban design studio in order to nurture a project-based learning environment that can facilitate learning-by-doing and thereby improve students’ critical design thinking.
Funding Source: Planning and Construction Admin Bureau of Suzhou Xiangcheng Economic and Technological Development Zone
Research Team: Bing Chen (XJTLU UPD), Jun Xia (XJTLU CEN) and Cheng Zhang (XJTLU CEN), and Mr. Xiaoming Xu & Ms. Yang Zheng and others from Suzhou Out & In Design Co. Ltd.
Project Time Period: 22 July 2022 – 17 April 2023 [successful completion]
Relevant Links: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/jAuppiKllkly0OzLgJMsbg
Applied Design Research of 3D printing technology in contemporary Vernacular Architecture
This experimental project aims to cope with the key challenges arising in the rural revitalization in Southwest China – meeting the local needs for a better living environment on one hand, and preserving the traditional building typology of Yi ethnic group and rural landscape on the other. This research-by-design project used contemporary construction techniques (e.g. 3D printing, prefabrication, earthquake-resistant rammed earth walls, etc.) to explore alternative design-build approaches for vernacular architecture in Leju Village, Kunming, Yunan Province. The multi-disciplinary design team consists of academic and researchers from Kunming University of Science and Technology and XJTLU, and technical experts from Nanjing KENYO Building Technology Co. Ltd. and Arup (Hong Kong). The research output won the ‘Gold Prize in Design Research (Paper)’ in the 18th Anniversary Asian Design Award & Asia Architecture and Urbanism Alliance, 2020.
Funding Source: XJTLU Research Development Fund (RDF-17-01-27), ‘Sustainable and Creative Village Research Network in SW China’ funded by AHRC (AH/R004129/1), and Technology Development Fund from industry.
Research Team: Bing Chen (XJTLU UPD), Nan Yang (XJTLU UPD), Prof. Wenfeng Bai & Mr. Jing Xiao (KUST)
Project Time Period: 20 April 2018 – 19 March 2019 [successful completion]
Relevant Links: https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/news/2021/03/xjtluwinsasiandesignaward
The 2024 Interdisciplinary Design Workshop
This live on-site project, which spanned from June 29 to July 6, 2024, aimed to provide a regeneration vision and design strategies to Huangtai Road Historic District, Qingdao. A total of 22 XJTLU students and a team of expert tutors from four departments at the Design School, Urban Planning and Design, Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Industrial Design, collaborated in this intensive period in Qingdao. The project’s significance was further enhanced by the participation of a variety of international institutions, such as Qingdao RIM Group and Qingdao Baiyang Zhuozheng, with partner institutes, including the International Laboratory of Architecture and Urban Design (Italy) and the University of Westminster (UK).
Funding Source: The Design School of XJTLU, and the Department of Urban Planning and Design
Research Team: Hyung Rae Cho and Yiwen Wang (XJTLU UPD), Yan Zhu (Independent Researcher), Giulio Verdini (University of Westminster, ILAUD), Cheng Zhang (XJTLU CEN), Emanuela Corti (XJTLU IND), Min Joo Baek (XJTLU ARC), Jacopo Benedetti (Tongji University), Shengkang Fu (the University of Westminster)
Project Time Period: 29 June 2024 – 6 July 2024
Picturing Contradiction and Practice of Urban Utopia in Seoul
This is a documentary video, which traces back to the history of compressed urbanisation of Seoul by exploring how Changsin-dong (a sewing village) has transformed. This practice-based research contributes to further discussion on the changing publicness and communality in human settlements of Korea with the legacies of developmentalism beyond the Western-centric frontier.
Funding Source: Humanities and Social Science Support Project (National Research Foundation of Korea) + University Innovation Support Project (University of Seoul)
Research Team: Kon KIM (University of Seoul), Won Ho CHEY (University of Seoul) in collaboration with Technische Universität Berlin (Prof. Jörg Stollmann and Dr. Dagmar Pelger)
Project Period: Nov, 2022 ~ Feb, 2023
Relevant Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywSmpqvAZjY&t=37s
Gated Communities and the Digital Polis: Rethinking Subjectivity, Reality, Exclusion, and Cooperation in an Urban Future.
This is an edited collection that offers a new theoretical framework of ‘digital polis’ as the grounds for a genuinely humanising urbanism by exploring the (re)production of power, knowledge, and space of both physically and virtually networked communities. This collection provides valuable insights into alternative orientation toward a counter-mapping of the digital cityscape in the active support of socially just and politically inclusive urban circumstances.
Funding Source: National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF-2019S1A5C2A02082683)
Research Team: Kon KIM (University of Seoul) and Heewon CHUNG (University of Seoul)
Project Period: Feb, 2022 ~ Mar, 2023
Relevant Link: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-19-9685-6
Understanding Reverse Migration: Young People’s Experiences and Community Building in Mokpo, Korea
In Korea, population decline is uneven, with metropolitan areas growing while non-metropolitan areas face declines. Experimental policies aim to promote the mobility of young people to non-metropolitan areas. In Mokpo, a port city, young migrants are drawn to opportunities in tourism. This research seeks to understand their motivations and experiences in building new communities and shaping new environments in the reverse migration process.
Funding Source: National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF-2022S1A5C2A02093521) + XJTLU Research Development Fund (RDF-23-02-062)
Research Team: Kon KIM (XJTLU) and Young-Hyeon CHEON (Creative Director)
Project Period: Apr 2023 ~ Now
Relevant Link: TBC
Luxiang II Village Community Garden, Suzhou, China
Luxiang II Village Neighbourhood is a demonstration project of upgrading of dilapidated neighbourhood of Wujiang District, Suzhou. Community garden project was introduced and led by a research team of Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University with collaboration with Tongji University and Clove School, a NGO on nature education for youth in Shanghai. The physical construction of the community garden was completed by the end of 2020, with a participatory planning and community empowerment approach. After three years’ development, the garden is maintained by a volunteer team of local residents and has become a niche for meeting, chatting, playing with appreciation to the nature and neighbours.
Luxiang II Village Neighborhood is a demonstration project for upgrading a dilapidated neighborhood in Wujiang District, Suzhou. The community garden project was initiated and led by a research team from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in collaboration with Tongji University and Clove School, an NGO focused on nature education for youth in Shanghai. Physical construction of the community garden was completed by the end of 2020, employing a participatory planning and community empowerment approach. After three years of development, the garden is maintained by a volunteer team of local residents and has become a gathering place for socializing, playing, and appreciating nature and neighbors.
Funding Source: Songling Street, Wujiang District, Suzhou.
Research Team: Dr Ying Chang(UPD) Dr Bing Chen(UPD) Dr Yiping Dong(ARC) Dr Yi Zou(HES)
Project Period: June 2020
Relevant Link:
• Local School News
• XJTLU News
• Suzhou Daily News
• Community Garden Suzhou Forum News
The Role of Micro-landscape Regeneration in the Ecological and Green Integration Development of the Yangtze River Delta – Examination of the Benefits of Community Gardens on Ecological and Elderly Health Restoration
The project had closely observed a community garden project for three years and had a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of community garden on elderly’s health-related behaviours, mental health, social capital and perceived therapeutic environment as well as the changes in biodiversity. It has contributed to the methodological development of Chinese version of Method for Observing physical Activity and Wellbeing (MOHAWk) and OxCAP-MH. The study also has analysed the barriers that hinder the continuous development of community garden and summarised good experiences.
Funding Source: Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University Key Project (KSF-E-58)
Research Team: Dr Ying Chang(UPD) Dr Bing Chen(UPD) Dr Yi Zou(HES) Dr Bing Jiang(University of Hong Kong) Dr Jin Zhu (Suzhou University of Technology) Dr Lu Ye (Soochow University)
Project Period: Jan 2020
Relevant Link:
• Chen S, Chang Y, Benton JS, Chen B, Hu H, Lu J. Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health-Related Behaviours in Community Gardens in China: An Evaluation of a Natural Experiment. Land. 2024 Jul 12;13(7):1047.
• Ying Chang, Siyu Chen and Jing Lu (2024) Method for Observing physical Activity and Wellbeing (MOHAWk) Instruction Manual (Simplified Chinese version). Open Science Framework.
The International School Nido de Aguilas 2050 Plan
Nido was founded in 1934 in eastern Santiago. Its pristine location on the foothills of the Andes provided a setting that advanced a core principle of the school: creating a strong connection between learning and the environment. Over the years, however, the school grew organically with new buildings occupying any available land with little regard to the quality of public spaces, and impact on the site’s ecology. A beautiful ravine corridor was covered to create a large surface parking lot and drop-off area, a stark example of how Nido’s foundational principles were being undermined.
The campus plan is the culmination of a year-long process involving all voices within the Nido community—students, faculty, alumni, and parents. A series of community forums and interviews established the foundation of the work. In collaboration with Dupla, a local practice in Santiago, the design team translated the school’s vision to create an open and dynamic global learning community into an inspiring plan that captures Nido’s remarkable potential.
As Nido embarks on a new chapter, Sasaki’s vision for the campus leverages the school’s connection to nature and creates an environment that fosters 21st century interdisciplinary, collaborative learning across buildings and landscapes. In the heart of the campus, proposed academic buildings foster new forms of learning and are unified by an interconnected public realm armature. An expanded and reinvigorated central green—The Nest—establishes a vibrant new social and intellectual hub for the entire school.
A rigorous analysis informed strategies to regenerate the site’s ecology. A key priority was to integrate the core academic campus (which only occupies 20% of Nido’s land) with the larger 64-hectare site. A range of initiatives were established to restore the hillsides, prevent erosion and regenerate the ravine corridor as it traversed the campus. The participation of the school community in this work, and its integration in the academic curriculum was paramount, underpinning the notion of the campus and landscape as a living laboratory for learning.
Lastly, strategic areas along the edge of the campus are devoted to community housing development and an institute for continuing education, creating a hub of knowledge that strengthens Nido’s role in its district and Santiago as a whole.
Nido was founded in 1934 in eastern Santiago. Its pristine location on the foothills of the Andes provided a setting that advanced a core principle of the school: creating a strong connection between learning and the environment. However, over the years, the school grew organically with new buildings occupying any available land, little regard given to the quality of public spaces and impact on the site’s ecology. A beautiful ravine corridor was covered to create a large surface parking lot and drop-off area, starkly undermining Nido’s foundational principles.
The campus plan is the culmination of a year-long process involving all voices within the Nido community—students, faculty, alumni, and parents. A series of community forums and interviews established the foundation of the work. In collaboration with Dupla, a local practice in Santiago, the design team translated the school’s vision to create an open and dynamic global learning community into an inspiring plan that captures Nido’s remarkable potential.
As Nido embarks on a new chapter, Sasaki’s vision for the campus leverages the school’s connection to nature and creates an environment that fosters 21st-century interdisciplinary, collaborative learning across buildings and landscapes. In the heart of the campus, proposed academic buildings foster new forms of learning and are unified by an interconnected public realm armature. An expanded and reinvigorated central green—The Nest—establishes a vibrant new social and intellectual hub for the entire school.
A rigorous analysis informed strategies to regenerate the site’s ecology. A key priority was integrating the core academic campus (which occupies only 20% of Nido’s land) with the larger 64-hectare site. A range of initiatives was established to restore the hillsides, prevent erosion, and regenerate the ravine corridor as it traversed the campus. The participation of the school community in this work and its integration into the academic curriculum was paramount, underpinning the notion of the campus and landscape as a living laboratory for learning.
Lastly, strategic areas along the edge of the campus are devoted to community housing development and an institute for continuing education, creating a hub of knowledge that strengthens Nido’s role in its district and Santiago as a whole.
Research Team: Xin Zhao, XJTLU, Dennis Pieprz(Sasaki), Victor, Eskinazi(Sasaki), Karen Mata Ortas(Sasaki)
Project Time Period: Dec 2021 ~ Oct 2022
Relevant Link: The International School Nido de Aguilas 2050 Plan
Emotional Responses in Contrasting Urban Public Parks
This research project examines the emotional and restorative effects of two distinct types of urban public parks: naturalistic “Wild” parks and more manicured “Artificial” parks. The research aims to compare the restorative potential of these contrasting park designs, explore emotional trends experienced in these environments over time, and investigate how park characteristics influence visitor experiences. By analyzing the psychological impacts of different park types, this study provides valuable insights for urban planners, landscape architects, and policymakers. The findings contribute to our understanding of how park design can optimize both ecological benefits and human well-being in urban environments, informing future strategies for creating more effective and enjoyable public spaces in cities.
This research project examines the emotional and restorative effects of two distinct types of urban public parks: naturalistic ‘Wild’ parks and more manicured ‘Artificial’ parks. The research aims to compare the restorative potential of these contrasting park designs, explore emotional trends experienced in these environments over time, and investigate how park characteristics influence visitor experiences. By analyzing the psychological impacts of different park types, this study provides valuable insights for urban planners, landscape architects, and policymakers. The findings contribute to our understanding of how park design can optimize both ecological benefits and human well-being in urban environments, informing future strategies for creating more effective and enjoyable public spaces in cities.
Funding Source: University of Nebraska Lincoln，Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
Research Team: Xin Zhao(XJTLU UPD), Yujia Wang (UNL), Anne Schutte (UNL)
Project Time Period: Oct 2023 ~ Now
Wuhan Yangtze Riverfront Park
The Wuhan Yangtze Riverfront Park is a groundbreaking 503-hectare project that reimagines one of the world’s largest riverfront parks. Located in Wuhan, China, this innovative landscape embraces the Yangtze River’s dynamic flooding as an essential element of the public realm. The park celebrates Wuhan’s deep-rooted “river culture” while addressing the challenges of frequent flooding and urbanization pressures.
The project integrates landscape architecture, urban planning, and ecological design to create a socially inclusive and environmentally sensitive waterfront. It features adaptive designs that transform with changing water levels, ecological enhancements in the mudflats, repurposed industrial relics, and a floating promenade. The iconic Museum of the Yangtze stands at the confluence of two rivers. Through extensive public engagement, the design reflects the community’s vision for a waterfront that harmoniously blends urban life with natural river dynamics, providing recreational opportunities and improving the city’s flood resilience.
The Wuhan Yangtze Riverfront Park is a groundbreaking 503-hectare project that reimagines one of the world’s largest riverfront parks. Located in Wuhan, China, this innovative landscape embraces the Yangtze River’s dynamic flooding as an essential element of the public realm. The park celebrates Wuhan’s deep-rooted ‘river culture’ while addressing the challenges of frequent flooding and urbanization pressures.
The project integrates landscape architecture, urban planning, and ecological design to create a socially inclusive and environmentally sensitive waterfront. It features adaptive designs that transform with changing water levels, ecological enhancements in the mudflats, repurposed industrial relics, and a floating promenade. The iconic Museum of the Yangtze stands at the confluence of two rivers. Through extensive public engagement, the design reflects the community’s vision for a waterfront that harmoniously blends urban life with natural river dynamics, providing recreational opportunities, and improving the city’s flood resilience.
Research Team: Xin Zhao(XJTLU UPD), Tao Zhang(Sasaki), Muhan Cui(Sasaki), Xiaoran Du(Sasaki), Lanmuzhi Yang (Sasaki)
Project Time Period: May 2017 ~ Dec 2018
Relevant Link: Wuhan Yangtze Riverfront Park
Small intervention, big impact: traffic calming analysis in Shuangta, Suzhou
This project tries to employ traffic calming intervention in Shuangta, a neighborhood with rich local features, such as water town, local food, traditional buildings, and so on. It aims to achieve safe and enjoyable streets for pedestrians, which would be expected a big positive impact on Shuangta neighborhood.
This project aims to employ traffic calming interventions in Shuangta, a neighborhood rich in local features such as water towns, local cuisine, and traditional buildings. It seeks to achieve safe and enjoyable streets for pedestrians, which is expected to have a significantly positive impact on the Shuangta neighborhood.
Funding Source: The external government project of ‘Safeguarding heritage and community of Shuangta area’
Research Team: Yanhui Lei (PI, XJTLU UPD), Yiwei Li (RA, XJTLU UPD postgraduate) and Chang Guan (RA, XJTLU UPD postgraduate)
Project Time Period: Sep 2022 ~ Oct 2024
Relevant Link:
探索街巷交通宁静化方案
双塔街坊认养，伴随成长计划：双塔居民座谈会
Group diary in team assessment: the impact on peer evaluation practice in design studios
This project tries to employ group diary to promote student engagement in Learning and Teaching as teamwork is essential and challenging especially for studio-based design module across XJTLU and Tsinghua University. This research project aims to develop a pedagogic toolkit to maximise its benefit and ensure students’ active engagement in the studio group work. Please see the third image.
Funding Source: XJTLU EQA Funding
Research Team: Yanhui Lei (PI, XJTLU UPD), Bing Chen (CO-I, XJTLU UPD), Minjoo Baek (CO-I, XJTLU ARC), Jian Liu (CO-I, Tsinghua University), Chuhao Lai (RA, XJTLU UPD UG student) and Jinnan Li (RA, XJTLU UPD Postgraduate)
Project Time Period: Sep 2023 ~ Aug 2025
Presentation at the XJTLU Annual Transforming Education Conference 2024 – EdVenture: exploring innovative practices in Higher Education.
Instagrammability of Suzhou as Oversea Destination: Data-Mining User Generated Contents on International Social Media
This research aims to unveil the perceptions of Chinese historic cities as tourist destinations from the viewpoints of international visitors and social media users, with a focus on assisting less advantaged Chinese cities to tap into the potential of international social media for promoting inbound tourism. Specifically, the study analyzes user comments about Suzhou from five major platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TripAdvisor) spanning four years before the pandemic (2016-2019). To boost Suzhou’s competitiveness in China’s inbound tourism market, the project also examines user-generated content from five other Chinese cities (Chengdu, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Qingdao, and Xiamen) for comparative analysis. By understanding how international visitors perceive Suzhou through social media, this research seeks to provide insights to empower less advantaged Chinese cities to strategically utilize international social media platforms for tourism promotion. Ultimately, the findings will contribute to enhancing the overall understanding of destination image dynamics and aiding in the development of effective promotional strategies for Chinese inbound tourism.
This research aims to unveil the perceptions of Chinese historic cities as tourist destinations from the viewpoints of international visitors and social media users, with a focus on assisting less advantaged Chinese cities to tap into the potential of international social media for promoting inbound tourism. Specifically, the study analyzes user comments about Suzhou from five major platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TripAdvisor) spanning four years before the pandemic (2016-2019). To boost Suzhou’s competitiveness in China’s inbound tourism market, the project also examines user-generated content from five other Chinese cities (Chengdu, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Qingdao, and Xiamen) for comparative analysis. By understanding how international visitors perceive Suzhou through social media, this research seeks to provide insights to empower less advantaged Chinese cities to strategically utilize international social media platforms for tourism promotion. Ultimately, the findings will contribute to enhancing the overall understanding of destination image dynamics and aiding in the development of effective promotional strategies for Chinese inbound tourism.
Funding Source: XJTLU Key Programme Special Fund—Exploratory Research Programme (KSF-E-56), co-funded by Suzhou Finance Bureau, Science and Technology Bureau of Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou Dushu Lake Science and Education Innovation Zone Management Committee)
Research Team: Yiwen Wang, Hyung-chul Chung, Joon Sik Kim, Anna Vichnevetskaia, Gao Du (Department of Urban Planning and Design, Design School, XJTLU), Paul Crag (School of Advanced Technology, XJTLU), Rudong Wang (Suzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism), Andrew Manley (Bath University), Sérgio Moro (ISCTE-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa), Ricardo Ramos (Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra)
Project Period: January 2020 ~ March 2024
Perceptions and Experiences of Overseas Visitors in Suzhou: Survey, Implications and Policy Recommendations
Funding Source: 2022 Suzhou Cultural and Tourism Research Programme—Major Project (WL2022LX014), funded by Suzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism.
Research Team: Yiwen Wang, Qiantao Zhang, Beixi Sun, Yiyi Kou (Department of Urban Planning and Design, Design School, XJTLU), Andrew Manley (Bath University)
Project Period: Dec 2022 ~ April 2023
Perceptions and Experiences of Overseas Visitors in Suzhou: Survey, Implications and Policy Recommendations
Funding Source: Suzhou National Historic City (Gusu) Branch Office, Suzhou Natural Resources and Planning Bureau
Research Team: Yiping Dong (Department of Architecture, Design School, XJTLU), Yiwen Wang (Department of Urban Planning and Design, Design School, XJTLU)
Project Period: June 2022 ~ Nov 2022
Relevant Link:
[news] Shuangta Project Student Competition OPEN!! ‘Think Globally, Act Locally’ Place-based Innovation and Designs (双塔项目学生竞赛报名) 20/12/2022
[news] Upcoming Exhibition News (by DES), Safeguarding Heritage and Community of Shuangta Area Exhibition (展览预告 | “双塔街坊认养，伴随成长计划”) 24/03/2023
[news] Exhibition Opening News (by DES), New ideas for the regeneration of the ancient city of Suzhou? XJTLU Shuangta Exhibition launched in Gusu (苏州古城更新新思路？西浦“双塔计划”在姑苏开展) 31/03/2023
[news] Social Media News (by Yinlibo, 引力播)， “Shuangta Project” as a new path for ancient town conservation (“双塔计划”为古城保护提供新思路) 25/03/2023
[news] Local government visited Exhibition (by DES), The Deputy Party Secretary, Gusu District Mayor, and the Director of Shuang Area visited Shuangta Exhibition (姑苏区委副书记、区政府区长及双塔街道主任参观双塔计划展览) 05/04/2023
[news] Charrette News (by Yun Ye, Director of Dinghui Temple Community Center), Promoting the in-depth interaction between heritage site and community life—dialogue with local residents, focus on the community, with care from DES, XJTLU (推进遗产地与社区生活深入互动–对话居民，聚焦社区，西交利物浦大学设计学院走进双塔街道) 02/04/2023
[news] Charrette News (by Gusu Evening News), XJTLU and Shuangta local residents work together—exploring traffic calming design intervention for Shuangta Community (高校师生与当地居民共同出谋划策—探索街巷交通宁静化方案) 04/04/2023
[news] Charrette News (by DES), Safeguarding Heritage and Community of Shuangta Area: charrette with Shuangta residents (双塔街坊认养，伴随成长计划：双塔居民座谈会) 05/04/2023
[news] Exhibition Closing & Award Ceremony News (by DES), Shuangta Exhibition Closing & Award Ceremony (“双塔街坊认养，伴随成长计划”展览闭幕) Announcement of the results of the Design School Student Competition 2023 ‘Think Globally, Act Locally’ Awards Winners. 20/04/2023