Abstract

In the current wave of Chinese urban renewal, “Removing Boundaries” has become a dominant strategy. There is a palpable urgency to tear down walls and partitions in cities, fueled by the belief that spatial exclusion and urban placelessness will vanish once physical barriers are removed. But is this rush to deconstruct truly the path to creating a more livable environment overall?
This seminar argues that the “boundary” – exemplified by walls – is not merely a physical obstruction but a profound cultural archetype with deep-seated continuity in the Chinese urban tradition. Drawing upon research into Shanghai’s spatial evolution and design practices, this study moves beyond a reductive understanding of boundaries. By decoding how they act as regulators of spatial order, it re-examines the unique resilience of the Chinese city and uncover the “spontaneous” characteristic that thrives behind the boundaries we are so quick to destroy.

Speaker Bio

Huichao Luo is a visiting student at Harvard University’s CAMLab and a PhD candidate in Architecture at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. She holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Architecture from the University of New South Wales. Her research focuses on boundary and spatial theory, colonial urbanism, spatial governance, and urban morphology.

Event Information

• Free and open to the public
• June 5th (Friday)
• 12:00 – 1:30 PM ET
• This is an in-person event.

Please note

Advanced RSVP required.
The event will be conducted in English.