Asian Cities: Armature, Enclave, Heterotopia

Asian cities are undergoing massive transformation in the face of globalization. Urbanization is not only part and parcel of these transformations; it is often the most visible expression of them. Three recent books explore some of these urban transformations: Marie Gibert-Flutre and Heidi Imai examine Asian alleyways as an urban vernacular...

Treaty Ports in China: Their Genesis, Development, and Influence

The Wall: Preparing for China's urban billion

In an age of ever increasing urbanization with massive migrations from the countryside to the city, Asia is at a cross roads. 'The Wall' is a masterplan for the city Chengdu in the West of China. It is based on public transport. It is an urban strategy which densifies the existing city edge, thereby re-establishing the contrast between city and...