Another Shenzhen: Towards an Urban Regeneration Model for Intercultural Integration

Shenzhen has long been seen as the ‘World Factory’ and a ‘Cultural Desert’. However in the era of knowledge based development, it is urgent to explore new strategies on urban regeneration in the perspective of intercultural integration. The migration of multiple sub ethic groups in the history as well as the migrant workers from nationwide since the reform and opening policy contributes to the multi-cultural society of Shenzhen. As Shenzhen is transforming from manufacturing industries to more service-oriented industries, the urban villages and industrial parks in peripheral Shenzhen got great potential for revitalization and innovation in socio-spatial, as well as planning approach. This thesis research focuses on reclaiming the cultural values in public spaces, which facilitate social learning between different groups. With the tool of participatory design, new governance model and partnership will be introduced between community based organizations and other actors. In short, it is a Shenzhen in transforming; it is a Shenzhen of cultural integration clusters (communities) as a mirror image of the fancy one.Architecture and The Built EnvironmentUrbanis