Supervisor: Dr Ying Jin
Research overview:
Recent literature suggests that the variability (different extent of responses) of neighbourhoods to regeneration initiatives, such as urban planning, design and development, for poverty alleviation depends on their initial level of deprivation. Previous studies have proposed a theory that certain threshold exists in the level of deprivation in neighbourhoods, above which the area is more able to improve itself. However, very little research tests neighbourhood changes empirically regarding the threshold theory. This study aims to carry out extensive research using systematic empirical data. The hypothesis is that it is important to adapt to the neighbourhoods’ existing conditions when designing regeneration efforts, and it makes a significant difference with the timing when physical regeneration initiatives are launched. The research develops a new method by combining both statistical analysis and studies of physical changes. Comprehensive datasets such as the Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) and the London planning application database were employed to study a wide range of neighbourhoods in London. The study of IMD shows that slightly less deprived neighbourhoods are most likely to make significant changes on their neighbourhood profiles among all areas. To provide more solid evidence for the hypothesis, we need to study on large scale planning applications in London and investigate their impacts on urban patterns and socioeconomic profile. The method used in this study has opened up a new way to examine the potential impacts of current and forthcoming master planning projects.
Biography:
Yue is a PhD candidate in the Cities and Transport group. Her research focuses on regeneration, housing policy and poverty trap in Greater London. Yue was trained as an architect and holds a BArch with first honour and a MPhil in Architecture and Urban Studies. Passionate about both data-driven urban planning and architectural design, she has abundant hands-on experiences in both areas with various research and design institutes.