Amsterdam Meets Shenzhen

28/03/2017

Shenzhen boasts huge potential for future development, ready to outstrip major cities like Beijing and Shanghai as shown by recent data. Barry Wilson was invited to Shenzhen University, sharing his views about Shenzhen's rise and relevant urbanisation issues with students from the University of Amsterdam and Shenzhen University. 

Image: BWPI

Image: BWPI

The presentation of March 28th outlined the following:

• Overview of China environmental policy in the 5 year plan;
• Urbanisation Trends
• Development of the PRD (9+2) mega city; Regional growth and infrastructure.
• Shenzhen Trends including: Qianhai FTZ; Real Estate; Silicon Valley and the sustainable transport revolution.

Image: BWPI

​After the presentation, a round-table discussion was held, covering issues like urban village, construction waste recycling related to rapid life change in Shenzhen. 

​The Amsterdam team is led by Marco Bontje, Assistant professor in urban geography at the Department of Geography, Planning and International Development Studies of the University of Amsterdam, and Ching-Wen Yang, PhD candidate in urban planning group at the Department of Geography, Planning and International Development Studies of the University of Amsterdam. The 9 students from the University of Amsterdam will undertake a 6-week study mission to conduct in-depth research for their dissertations.

The Shenzhen team consists of students from Public Administration Department of Shenzhen University. Participants had an exciting exchange of ideas about hot social issues and possible solutions. 

Special thanks go to Assistant Professor Liu Xiao and Dr. Zhang of Public Administration Department as well as Professor Yang of Urban Planning Department of Shenzhen University for organizing this event. 

"Shenzhen Transformed!" Presentation by Barry Wilson Image: BWPI

Amsterdam Student List:
​
Human geography

Aimee van Ham
Karen de Geus
Luc Platvoet
Katharina Jeannette Vlaanderen

Urban and Regional planning
​
Michael Becheanu
Michiel Mees
Bianca de Bats
Laura van Dulm
Qianyun Liu

2017/03/20
Salon:
Public Bikes, Problem or Solution？
​
2017/02/08 
Publication:
TEDx Talk – Video Release

2016/11/29
Salon:
REACT, IT'S HAPPENING

2016/10/18
Visit:
Farrells 25 Years in China Architectural Exhibition

Department of Human Geography, Planning and International Development Studies

As part of the master programs in University of Amsterdam, it focuses on spatial development, planning and organisation, the relationship between people and the environment, the transformation of political, social, cultural and economic processes in low-income countries and how processes of governance can affect inequalities and poverty at various levels of scale, social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, economics and law.

The disciplines within the GPIO department are characterised by:

• a spatial perspective;
• an interdisciplinary orientation;
• a focus on urban issues, globalisation and environmental justice;
• a tradition of diversity in terms of research methods;
• involvement in the societal debate.

​Public Administration Department of Shenzhen University

Established in 1987, the public administration department of Shenzhen University has been committed to research and development in various areas ranging from ethics, politics to statistics, management.  With a strong talent pool, it plays an important role in serving various government institutions and social organizations. Combing theoretical basis and practical experiments, it produces a number of able students who can qualify in various fields every year.