Tiancheng Ren
About Me
With a bachelor's degree in architecture, I used to practise architectural design in Shenzhen. During that period, I discovered many unique features showing Shenzhen as a young city standing on the frontline of China’s Reform and Open-up movement. But there are also voices criticising Shenzhen as a ‘culture desert’. So, I decided to delve into its urban history to build a story explaining how Shenzhen developed in terms of urban planning, urban economics, and sociology.
Personal Interest
I am currently interested in urban research related to Shenzhen and China’s Reform and Open-up movement. Especially in the development of land policy, economic bases, the built environment, and Chinese domestic migration during China’s Open-up movement.
Project Title
The development of residential areas in Shenzhen: A reflection on Shenzhen’s identity in terms of the economy, migration, and the built environment
Project Description
The present research undertakes an examination of the evolution of residential areas in Shenzhen, with a specific focus on the three distinct types: 1) Commercial gated neighbourhoods; 2) Urban villages; 3) Factory dormitories. Within each classification, the investigation delves into the interconnections among the changes of the built environment, Chinese domestic migration, and the economic contexts. More specifically, the data of my analysis covers the related land policy, the economic bases, the layout of the buildings, and the stories of migrant residents within the selected sites. The study aims to show a broader picture of Shenzhen's narrative in terms of urban planning, urban economics, and sociology in the aftermath of China's Opening-up movement.
Supervisors
Qualifications
BArch in Architecture, Yantai University (China)
MA in Architecture and Urbanism, Manchester School of Architecture
Conference Papers and Publications
Chinese Modernity and Everydayness: Newcastle University, 2022. Titled: The Great construction and Mortgage slave,the benefits and social concerns of modern Chinese real estate