It’s like time goes quicker in Shenzhen… I’m back home in the Netherlands and working on a selection of all the pictures I made. I can not choose. I experienced a lot last two months and it was absolutely great!

I am a master student "Urban and Regional Planning" at the University of Amsterdam. The INTI (International New Town Institute) program gave me the opportunity to do my final research in Shenzhen. During my study I was always interested in the sustainable city. I believe that this is the future of the city. China but certainly Shenzhen as well is aware of that. Shenzhen tries to establish itself as a wordwide leading eco-city. The aim is to reduce the carbon emission and to become a Low Carbon City. In the planning process towards this goal is the use of planning consultancies widespread. The (international) consultancies have, via organized competitions or via cooperations, influence on the future development of this city. This research focus on the influence and the contribution of planning consultancies on the planning process towards the Low Carbon City. There is special attention for the projects of Guangming New Town, Qianhai Bay and Pingdi International Low Carbon City.

I enjoyed doing research. To understand these complicated projects I applied several research methods: I analyzed policy documents, did fieldwork on the site, hold a survey under the local population and did a lot of experts interviews. This realized in a complete picture of all my three case-studies. I am satisfied with all the data I collected. With all these interesting information and all the experiences I gained it’s now up to me to hand in a good research report in August.

My time in Shenzhen felt as one big discovery where I always found something beautiful. Now I’m back in the Netherlands and really glad that I had the opportunity to do my master thesis research in Shenzhen. I soon hope to graduate and return to this great city.

If you are interested in my research results or want to get in contact with me, you can contact me on the email address: rubencales@gmail.com or call me on my dutch telephone number: 0031646543657.