The purpose of the symposium is to discuss variations of the concept of urban public space and multiplicities of public spatial practice that have emerged in the context of the Pearl River Delta’s rapid urban development in the last forty years. We are particularly interested in exploring characteristics that make the public space and socio-spatial practices in this region distinct from urban development in China and East Asia in general, as well as searching for research practices and points of view that are currently emerging or have been under-explored in this context.

The symposium brings together fourteen participants who will present different perspectives on this expansive theme from the fields of urbanism, architecture, planning, sociology, and politics both academics and professional practitioners. The talks will be informative in reporting on findings from current research and practice, and are aimed at constituting a series of provocations about the innovative ways of framing and conceptualizing public space in\of Pearl River Delta.

The full-day symposium will consist of two sessions and two panel discussions, followed by a roundtable discussion.

It will take place on Friday, September 29, 2017 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the University Center at 63 5th Avenue in room UL 102.