Land use deviations from the plan: a GIS based analysis of urban development in Shenzhen

P. Hao, R. Sliuzas, Q. Zhan, S.C.M. Geertman

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

    Abstract

    Many Chinese cities have experienced enormous spatial changes since economic reforms started in 1978. Although frequent revisions of development plans have been made in an effort to keep pace with city development, there is often a disjunction between the plan and the built form of the city. Planning often seems to follow, rather than to lead, the patterns of city development. We argue that an improved understanding of the disjunction between the plan and the built form of the city is essential for planners, to strengthen their skills and confidence in making more realistic and responsive development plans. We define Non-Conforming Land Use (NCLU) as those land use whose functions differ from the ones specified in the latest development plan. The city of Shenzhen is taken as a case to study the urban development. Industrial and residential land, which overran plans most, are analyzed in relation to social, economic and spatial factors. Our analysis reveals that the land use pattern of Shenzhen is significantly shaped by NCLU. While some NCLU reflect appropriate response to local demands, others entail environmental degradation or the increased vulnerability of local population. Some suggestions are provided for improving the responsiveness of urban planning and management systems to cope with large scale non-conforming development.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of the 11th international conference on Computers in Urban Planning and Urban Management, 16-18 June 1009, Hong Kong, CUPUM 20th anniversary
    EditorsA.G.O. Yeh, F. Zhang
    Place of PublicationHong Kong
    PublisherUniversity of Hong Kong
    Number of pages11
    ISBN (Print)978-962-7589-0
    Publication statusPublished - 2009

    Keywords

    • non-conforming development
    • land use
    • GIS
    • urban growth

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