Research
Urban morphology and typomorphology
Urban morphology and typomorphology aim to study how the form of our cities came about and transformed in a specific cultural context over time, to understand: a) the driving forces behind the changes; b) the persistent urban elements that represent socio-cultural identities of the communities. I study persistent spatial types and patterns in a cultural area at various scales for design interventions because of their robustness and responsiveness. They would be valuable for the local area to ensure a good fit between form and life, thus support place-making, collective identity, social cohesion and sustainability.
I am interested in receiving PhD applications in this research area, particularly focus on:
-urban morphology and culture;
-Chinese urbanism;
Urban design and design governance in planning
Urban design as public policy or the term 'design governance' is used to describe the the interconnected tools and mechanisms used to regulate for design quality during the planning process. It is recognised that such tools and mechanisms are different in different cultures. In the trend of globalisation, urban design principles and ‘best practice’ exemplars are travelling from one place to another. I examine how policies or principles from elsewhere are put to work by local actors, and how they are translated, contextualised and embedded, as well as what the impact is on the local areas.
I am interested in receiving PhD applications in this research area, particularly focus on:
-urban design in the planning system;
-transnational impact of urban design theory and principles;
-urban design in conservation and regeneration;
Public spaces
Public space and publicness have been at the centre of the debates in urban studies and design. I am interested in how, in different cultures, public spaces are produced, designed, used and managed, most importantly, how public space can respond to social justice, health equality, digital technology and climate change. For example, some of my previous work examines liveability of streets, community spaces for health aging and inequality in accessibility of green spaces in cities.
I am interested in receiving PhD applications in this research area, particularly focus on:
-data driving approaches to accessibility and other qualities of public space
-Public space or natural space for health and wellbeing
-public space and climate change
Research groups
Research grants
Arts4Us - Working together to scale up place based arts initiatives that support the mental health of children and young people
ARTS AND HUMANITIES RESEARCH COUNCIL
February 2024 - January 2027