Urban Planning In China - Research Paper Example

Urban Planning in China Urban planning in China Historical evolution of the urban planning Widespread urbanization and high-density urban development characterize the current Urban Planning in China. Through the nation evolving history, the philosophies of urban planning and practices transformed due to supremacy and economic structural changes. Since the Peoples Republic of China was founded in 1949, it symbols the foundation of the three main historical stages. They included urban planning philosophies and practices that signify a divergent from the China’s traditional morphology for urban planning primarily categorized as a socialist, amalgam, and universal cities (Wei, 2015). In ancient China urban planning, China uses archaic philosophies and respective planning decisions with a weighty impact on both the spatial organization and culture of cities together with states of the distant past and present. Prehistory cities came up around 6000 years ago. The cities grew between 2800-2300 BC and saw a definite pattern of the city planning archetype. About 2000-1600 BC, Xia Dynasty recorded on the construction of cities as Shang Dynasty of about 1600-1046 BC presented the potential time of urban planning scheme in the Urban China (Wei, 2015). The archaeological data displays that the planning and design of the Xibo City (the capital of Shang Dynasty), embraced the zoning model that acquired the majestic place as the midpoint. Yin City (current Ayang City in Henan Province) formed an open layout ideal and hassled the cohesive planning with the neighboring areas. During 1066-1256 BC, Zhou Dynasty served as the prime of the slave culture of China. The formation of the ancient Chinese urban planning system occurred at the same time (Yimin, 2014). The Zhou Dynasty’s people summed up the past skills of construction and used them in the development of city management plans. It included the city structure model, methods of building, the construction facilities, and the system of operation, proposed system together with the Jintian grid system (a tenure land system). After the unification of China, Emperor Quin Shi Huang divided the state into four chief economic areas as he pressured regional planning. In 202 BC- 8 AD, the Western Han Dynasty in addition strengthened the local cities roles and town networks (Wong, 2013). Represented by the North Wei Dynasty(386-557 AD), Luo Capital, Chang’a City(Current City of Xi’an) and the 581-618 AD. Luoyang City in Sui Dynasty and the 618-907 AD, Tang Dynasty. The capital preparation stressed the net plan of city walls, grand scale, and square and, a firm outline of streets and tracks(Fang). During this time, the number of cities increased histrionically (Yimin, 2014). As per the representation by the Bianliang City (in 960-1127 AD, Song Dynasty capital and present city of Kaifeng in Henan Province). The building of towns destitute the limitation of traditional lane(Fangli) system, which stimulated the affluence of the productive economy. The exploration happened in the Lin’an City, 1127-1279 AD, Capital of Southern Song Dynasty. The central role of the city deviated from political to an economic ground (Yimin, 2014). After that, reforms and adjustment took place in both the economic and political fields because of current trends at that time. Urbanization became accelerated as the regional planning further improved. The defense of the city also pushed to an upper level with overall highlighting of the city layout (Yimin, 2014). Impact of the socio-economic and political forces in shaping the urban planning The growing economy of China, averaging more than 8% annually in the past decades improved the customary of living for most of its citizens. However, this economic development disadvantaged the natural environment. The demand for natural resources increased primarily for needs such food, land, water and energy. It led to clearing of most forests for settlement and farming. An increase in population increases with increase in waste disposals hence the general increase in water and air pollution endangering the human species (Koval, 2006). Apart from harming the natural environment, the pollution and environmental degradation in China also affects the social and economic well-being of the people of China. Most of these problems include people migration; poor health conditions; and social unrest. They all failed to assimilate environmental deliberations into development exertions effectively (Wong, 2013). Politically, this is because of the Chinese leadership failing to take keen measures in solving challenge facing the environment. They also result from both domestic and international pressures. The Chinese government, however, sees the need to advance the countrys environment state. The State Environmental Protection Administration and the government in the process established an extensive legal structure and administrative infrastructure to address the issue. The bureaucracy is, however, weak and poorly funded. With rescue from Beijing, the problem soon comes to rest (Wong, 2013). The Larger portion of the burden of protecting the environmental rests exterior of Beijing and the fundamental government apparatus. Local arrangement hence comes to a place with the wealthier regions that are under active mayors dealing with environmental issues only affecting their area while other areas are lagging much behind. The government however encouraged non-governmental organizations to come in and help where they can (Koval, 2006). As it stands, the process of urban planning still experiences loopholes in effectively abolishing the problem. The unclear approach dealing with these environmental challenges and the weak government policy brings out the fact that the Chinese people still stand a chance to suffer from the same challenges over time. They hence cannot enjoy certain rights. They include the right to clean air, to clean water, to be part of the decision-making process concerning industrial development (Wong, 2013). On the other hand, the Chinese government enhances existing efforts to endorse the Environmental governance and the Rule of Law. The State Departments Democracy, Rule of Law and Human Rights included the environment as a primary objective for backing up in China. The American Embassy in Beijing did drop its economic burden in arrears to support the environmental control in China. The United States assisted with the task by other organizations that include the American Bar Association and the Woodrow Wilson Center; they established a vital base in the area. With the long-term solution, they provide to the citizen of China training and education on dealing with such issues to fortify both the legal and NGO sectors in the country. Hence, it reveals a positive impact of political involvement (In Chen & Zhou, 2009). Planning response for transportation in Beijing China Transportation challenges drive the China’s urban transport policy. The local authorities in, therefore, localize this system to manage transportation crisis in particular cities. Beijing is the capital city of China, business, and transportation hub. It has a sophisticated transport system comprising of the road, air, and bicycle railroads. The city also has a large population living with many registered cars on the roads. The result is widespread traffic congestion in the city. Usually, the city is gridlocked, and the situation seems to be on the rise (Wang, Zhang, Cao & Liu, 2012). Traffic problems in Beijing result from rapid urbanization, increasing inhabitant earnings and the national policy that encourages automobile ownership among the citizens as a strategy for promoting economic growth. These complications lead to serious problems affecting urban growth, quality of urban life and the overall economic development, for instance, longer time in commuting. Hence, the government through the relevant authorities works to combat the congestion and provide better transportation systems for the city (Xue, 2014). The Beijing Municipal Committee of Transportation performs most of the planning and implementation of transportation interventions. The committee undertakes national guidelines, laws and policies, regulations and codes for the development of transportation sector. In addition, the body has mandates of inspecting and supervising the implementation of major infrastructural projects to decongest the city (Chinese Law & Government, 2008). In collaboration with stakeholders, the committee facilitated the drafting of the Beijing Transportation and Development Framework (Xue, 2014). The blueprint aims to decongest and meet increasing traffic challenges. The outline has provisions for improving road facilities through expansion and development of rapid transit avenues. Particular focus is the development of light rail, subways, magnetic levitation, and rapid bus transits to meet the expanding population. The programs are also in line with meeting the large population expected during the 2016 Olympics in Beijing. In addition, Beijing Municipal Council strategies for transportation include modernizing the current transport infrastructure. In regards to the plan, the Beijing authorities intend to customize the plan and develop capacity building and supply based transport strategy. The pattern shall increase rail and road capacity to accommodate the supply and commuter demands of the populations living in and around Beijing. In addition, the strategy is a step towards modernizing the urban road network and alleviating the traffic congestion. The programs also include constructing more roads, railway lines, and transit systems to ease the challenges (Wang, Zhang, Cao & Liu, 2012). The municipal council forms and implements various measures for transportation planning. The public transport policies prioritize specific concerns affecting the transport industry. Notable priorities include land use and public transport facility, the right of way, investment priority and financial priority. In addition, the policies also give specifications for the construction of suburban bus preferential ways, the development of bicycle and walking demonstration zones in Western Zhongguancun (Xue, 2014). In an effort to increase, diversify the city transportation frameworks, Beijing planners also emphasize on formulation policies such as rail transit cheap fare and rail transit low fares policy. As a result, the city has made major milestones as observed in the development of subways, rapid bus transit systems, expressways, and light rail plans. In addition, the City of Beijing development strategies also promotes non-motorized methods and traditional bus systems (Xue, 2014). Most importantly, the plans consider the difference in the incomes of the people living in the city. Hence, the proposed systems are affordable and very accessible to every person. They are also expansive and cover longer distances, links residential areas and give the residents a variety to make decisions. Planning tools Urban planning is a comprehensive process that requires the application of relevant tools. The tools guide and check the progress of the development plans. They take a logical pattern starting with the plan preparation through to the monitoring and evaluation of the projects designs. The Beijing urban planning system takes a definite process and involves the participation of different actors. Plan preparation Plan preparation is a consultative process to identify the issues of concerns. It incorporates different actors to identify and form strategies for contemporary and emerging issues in a particular area. Therefore, it constitutes the first step and an important planning process. During the process, the participants also outline the goals for the proposed interventions and consider alternatives (Chrysoulakis, Castro, & Moors, 2015). Zoning Planning for public utilities such as transportation in Beijing considers zoning. The zoning helps in the development of specific projects according to the areas, the nature of activities and environmental concerns. The metropolitan area of Beijing is zoned as the central business district, residential areas. The areas help in designing appropriate responses. In addition, the zoning in regards to environmental stress, ecological, natural resource potentials and socioeconomic development potentials helps in achieving a sustainable infrastructural system. Zoning also assists in the monitoring and formulation of evaluation frameworks. In addition, the municipal committee enforces land use plans through overlay zoning, planned unit development, performance zoning, purchase, and transfer of development rights concerning the public utilities (Tumlin, 2012). Implementation plans The implantation plans consider they types of goals and established zones. The programs address factors such as efficiency and cost of the proposed projects. It also explores alternatives to set a standard goal. Evaluation of alternatives Implementation plans for urban utilities usually have several alternatives. The tools help to establish best approaches and accessible methods to address the transport or land use challenges. The council committee of Beijing oversees the process and selects the best strategies. Adoption and monitoring of the plans The adopted plan becomes a legal statement for the challenge. Therefore, it forms a crucial component of the process and requires the approval of the public and City Council. After which, the planners implement, and monitor the response plans. Normally, the plan is subject to change depending on the goals and efficiency (Tumlin, 2012). Geographic information systems The tool assists planners in mapping project locations and monitoring their progress. It also keeps coordinates thereby explaining the specific geographic areas. The provisions facilitate monitoring of the interventions. Environmental impact assessment and auditing Urban projects entail the modification of the natural environment. However, the developments should have minimal damage for physical, social, and economical environment. Environmental Impact assessment tools help to identify adverse effects of the proposed projects. After which, it helps identify appropriate alternatives to minimize adverse effects on the environment. The device also becomes handy in checking the impacts of ongoing projects on the environment (Chrysoulakis, Castro, & Moors, 2015). References Chrysoulakis, N., Castro, E. A., & Moors, E. J. (2015). Understanding urban metabolism : a tool for urban planning. New York: Abingdon, Oxon. In Chen, X., & Zhou, Z. (2009). Shanghai rising: State power and local transformations in a global megacity. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press. Koval, J. P. (2006). The new Chicago: A social and cultural analysis. Philadelphia: Temple University Press. Special Plan for Construction and Management of Transportation. (2008). Chinese Law & Government, 41(4), 62-74. Tumlin, J. (2012). Sustainable transportation planning: Tools for creating vibrant, healthy, and resilient communities. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley. Wang, Y, G., Zhang C. B., Cao Y., & Liu B. (2012). Access for Performance of Transportation Planning and Operations: Case Study in Beijing Metropolitan Region. Journal Of Applied Research And Technology, (4), 491. Wei, Y. D. (2015). Zone Fever, Project Fever: Development Policy, Economic Transition, and Urban Expansion in China. Geographical Review, 105(2), 156-177. doi:10.1111/j.1931-0846.2014.12063.x Wong, S. (2013). The planning connection between Clarence Stein and Liang Sicheng in Republican China. Planning Perspectives, 28(3), 421-439. doi:10.1080/02665433.2013.737715 Xue, L. (2014, August 18). The making of a livable city: Inspiration for a sustainable, healthy Beijing. Retrieved April 16, 2015, from TheCityFix: http://thecityfix.com/blog/inspiration-sustainable-healthy-beijing-car-ownership-air-quality-people-oriented-active-transport-lulu-xue/ Yimin, H. (2014). Chinese Urban History Studies Face the Twenty-First Century. Chinese Studies In History, 47(3), 73-99. doi:10.2753/CSH0009-4633470304 Read More