The Prospects and Challenges of Socially Engaged Urban Planning and Architecture in Contemporary China

The paper explores the structural limitations of the current urban planning system and the emerging calls for socializing urban development policies in China, discussing the emergence of two models—a “public creativity” approach and a “change from within” approach—that urban planners and architects are increasingly using to challenge the dominant urban planning discourse, methodologies, and practices. The paper then illustrates the prospects and limitations of local engagements with social issues by planning professionals in Shenzhen that utilize these two approaches.