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Research subject
Thesis title: The role of mega transport infrastructure projects in balancing ‘global-local’ needs under the process of glocalization
Primary supervisor: Professor Harry Dimitriou
Secondary supervisor: Dr John Ward
Starting date: September 2014
Research Question
Do mega transport infrastructure projects (MTIPs) play an essential role in production/transformation of urban space under uncertain ‘glocal’ circumstance in the 21st century in effects to achieve a balance of dynamic tensions between local needs and international and territorial interests in project decision-making processes?
Research Abstract
Over the last thirty years or so there has been a remarkable growth in the construction of large-scale transport infrastructure projects across the world. Under the processes of both globalization and urbanization (re)development, transport infrastructure networks dramatically, but highly unevenly, ‘warp’ and refashion the spaces and time of all aspects of interaction – in economic, socio-cultural, political-institutional and ecological aspects.
Nevertheless, many researches have underlined the fact that MTIPs are inherently complex, risky and rarely fulfill original goals support. Which not only because they are composed by different parties and multi-stakeholders who have different (sometimes conflicting) interests and issues but also the increasingly complex contexts – with internal fuzzy boundaries and external global forces impacting on projects – which may change over both time and space.
Furthermore, in a corporate world where its structures and resources are increasingly international with benefits accruing to global interest and cost increasingly met by national and local government. The consequences of this are a failure for MTIPs to deliver on the social or environmental components of sustainable development presenting a poorly understood risk to eco-systems and human health. Indeed as a following the current economic crisis event their ability to deliver stable, long-term economic benefit has been questioned.
Increasingly, there are also critical deliberations on the uncertain future of the nation-state and local governance – whether (and which) government institutions have the capacity to handle both the requirements for global infrastructure ambitions and local development needs. As a result, many political activists have placed considerable hope for more democratic globalization on the shoulders of civil society associations.
The principal aim of this research is to provide an examination of the significant roles played by MTIPs in the production/transformation of urban space under the processes of globalization and localization in the context of urbanization, and to achieve a broader understanding of the dynamic tensions and harmonies between public/local benefits and global/territorial interests in MTIP decision-making processes. Another purpose of the research is to foster institutional learning concerning decision-making in the planning, appraisal, delivery and monitoring processes of MTIPs. Particularly to explore the consequences of urban policy (for MTIPs) strategies in China, as well as the central role players by local actors in shaping and managing with glocalisation. An analysis of Chinese case study – Hangzhou Bay Bridge development will be conducted during the course of the study. The paper will concludes by finally highlighting the significance of understanding the ‘power of contexts’ on such projects for Chinese government when formulating relevant policy and planning responses to the challenges of sustainable urban development ahead.
- Biography
Sizhe Chen is currently a first year PhD student in Planning Studies at the OMEGA Centre, the Bartlett School of Planning, University College London (UCL). Her research interests focus on mega transport infrastructure projects planning, appraisal, delivery and monitoring under the process of globalization, urban governance, the power of third sector and public participation.
A strong commitment to be actively involved in creating a sustainable society has always inspired Sizhe’s career decisions. Her interests to study urban planning also began at UCL where she holds a bachelor degree in Urban Planning, Design and Management (2008-11). During the summer of 2010, she worked as an assistant planner (intern) at Zhejiang Town and Rural Planning Design Institute, China. In 2012, she continually gained a master degree in Mega Infrastructure Planning, Appraisal and Delivery at UCL, with the research dissertation which was entitled “An examination of strategic mega transport infrastructure projects as agents of ‘glocal’ change: a comparative analysis of airport-rail projects in New York and Hong Kong”. Prior to starting the PhD, Sizhe has participated as a policy analyst and technical supporter in several key projects – including Stratford Opportunity Area (Carpenter Estate) regeneration plan and Old Oak Common Community Plan (for HS2 and Crossrail) – with Just Space Network and London Tenant Federation between November 2012 and May 2013.
Her current research aims to contribute to academic knowledge as well as practical implementation on planning, appraisal and monitoring processes of mega transport infrastructural projects and their capacity to deliver more sustainable development particularly for developing countries such as China.