Chinese megablock urbanism : an enquiry into the conceptualization and interpretation of urbanization practice in China

Abstract

This thesis examines the rapid urbanization in China and questions whether a distinct mega-scale urban typology is emerging. The pace of China's urbanization is unprecedented in human history, with the urban population rising from 17.9% in 1978 to 58.5% in 2017 (National Bureau of Statistics of China, 2018). To facilitate this rapid transition, "scale" as one of the new tools and models of urban development has become indispensable. With a system based on state ownership and territoriality, the basic elements of Chinese urban models have been the creation of collective housing on publicly owned land. From the "neighborhood unit" (邻里单位) and "work unit" (单位大院), to contemporary "commodity housing" (商品房) (Lu, 2006), these practices have gradually shaped Chinese cities of "Socialism with Chinese Characteristics" into what this study terms 'megablock' urban development. This thesis provides a conceptual and interpretive inquiry into this distinct phenomenon of block morphology arising from China's rapid urban growth. Existing scholarship on Chinese urbanization has yet to provide a clear perspective on megablock development, both regarding its unprecedented context and spatial impacts. This research aims to address key issues pertaining to the megablock phenomenon: its effects on urban morphology and its spatial characteristics as an urban phenomenon. The study begins by reviewing relevant urbanism theories to construct a theoretical framework of key factors of radicalness, intensity, morphology, accessibility, and livability, with extended variables. Accordingly assessed by scale, density, shape, connectivity, and proximity as measurements. From research framework, fifty international cases and fifty Chinese cases are selected for comparative morphological analysis. Analytical methods involving morphological measurements of spatial characteristics and statistical performance corresponding to the identified factors are applied to assess 100 cases. Additionally, two detailed case studies of Clifford Estate and Zhujiang New Town in Guangzhou supplement the research. Through this comprehensive approach combining literature review, comparative analysis, morphological assessment and in-depth case studies, this research provides an interpretive perspective on the phenomenon of Chinese Megablock Urbanism (CMU). From the massive case study, the analysis results disclose that the scale of Chinese blocks is larger than the compared group, both overall and in subclassifications. Other factors in comparison reveal diversification of morphological characteristics, supplemented by detailed case studies. Aimed at elucidating the connections between planning intentions and the eventual morphological outcomes of megablock development, the analysis developed systematic approaches to understanding and implementing megablock urbanization, with greater focus on morphological study and assessment of urban forms. The study contributes an interpretive perspective to comprehending the megablock phenomenon and its distinct urban logic in the Chinese context. Further research can build on this foundation to deepen morphological knowledge and establish integrated frameworks for developing the block urbanism of Chinese cities, for urban design and related practices.