[finished] Thurs., Jan. 23, 2025: AGI Seminar “From Expansion to Redevelopment: A Comprehensive Analysis of Urban Land Dynamics in China” (online)

We invite researchers engaged in studies on Asia to present at our AGI Seminars. We look forward to your participation!

* This online seminar is free to attend, and the details are as follows:

Date and Time

Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm (JST)
*A question-and-answer session is scheduled at the end of the presentation.

Presenter

Shuhai Zhang, Assistant professor, School of Public Administration and Policy, Renmin University of China, China

Title

From Expansion to Redevelopment: A Comprehensive Analysis of Urban Land Dynamics in China

Abstract

Recent trends such as population decline, a slowdown in economic growth, and the decreasing efficiency of construction land have significantly challenged China’s traditional land growth model. This model, characterized by large-scale land expansion and the occupation of agricultural land and ecological preserves, has been typical over the past few decades. However, a gradual shift from land expansion to the redevelopment of existing land is now underway. Classic theories, such as the Urban Growth Machine and the Political Economy Perspective, which were developed during the era of land expansion, are increasingly inadequate in explaining and predicting contemporary land redevelopment practices. As such, it is essential to explore the mechanisms underlying land redevelopment in China and understand how power dynamics and political decisions influence such process. This lecture will begin with a comprehensive review of the research landscape on urban land development and redevelopment. Building on this foundation, we will propose a theoretical framework and present empirical studies of specific cases. Additionally, we will examine the latest trends in land redevelopment at the national level. This is a preliminary exploration for a national research initiative, aimed at contributing to both theoretical development and policy design in relation to land redevelopment.

Language

English presentation and material(s)

Presenter Biography

Dr. Shuhai Zhang serves as associate professor at the School of Public Administration and Policy, Renmin University of China. His research interests cover spatial planning, urban development and regeneration. He has chaired research projects funded by National Philosophy and Social Sciences Office, Ministry of Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources etc. He has published about 30 journal articles and 4 books.