Amy Tang
Lecturer, Institute of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering
Contact
Biography
Amy Tang is a lecturer in Architecture and Urban Design, at the Department of the Built Environment, University of Nottingham. Her research focuses on the relationship between urban design theory and practice in varies aspects, such as sustainable urban development, urban change and urban identity, urban regeneration in conservation areas, etc. Amy graduated from Department of Architecture, Tianjin University in China and received BEng in City Planning and Urban Design. She carried on her further higher education studies in University of Nottingham for Master in Architecture and Urban Design. She is going to finish her Doctoral research in Urban Design in summer 2010. Amy has been involved in teaching and tutoring in architecture and urban design studios in the Department of the Built Environment for the last 5 years studios and as a full time member of academic staff since autumn 2008.
Research Summary
Pursuing PhD in Urban Design, University of Nottingham
Interdisciplinary Research in historical and contemporary urban design theories and practice,
Research interests: Urban change and urban identity; Public places and cities; Sustainable dwelling and settlement; Sustainable urban design; Philosophies, theories and practices of the traditional Chinese architectural and urban design; Urban spatial design strategies and approaches; Historical conservation and regeneration in China.
Doctoral Research: The Order of Traditional Chinese Spatial Structure and Organisation
Within the last few decades, Chinese towns and cities have been transformed dramatically resulting from rapid economic growth, scientific and technological progress and social development. New architectural and urban design have been springing-up in many historical towns and cities, in many instances have had a disruptive impact upon traditional culture, regional identity and local characteristics in China. The distinctive appearances and individuality of new developments, with new materials and new technologies, differentiate them from traditional buildings and places in historical and cultural context. This visual impact of the contrast between 'Old' and 'New' reflects the conflict and imbalance between them, which also enunciates a state of disorder in spatial structure, organization and design.
The research is examines the 'Order' of spatial structure and organisation through Chinese urban design history. The important concepts and theories, such as 'Harmony between Man and Nature', 'ideal living and desirable dwelling', Fengshui, and their relationships with the built environment are examined in the research. The research explains two processes of understanding the translation and interpretation between 'Order' and its spatial structure and organisation in the built environment. It identifies the order of traditional Chinese spatial structure and organisation. It explores the factors which have influenced and formed the order. It discusses how the order influences and is transformed into formation process of the built environment. It suggests that understanding how the built environment represents the order throughout its physical characteristics of spatial structure and organisation, helps to understand how to establish its local identity. It recommends that the spatial structure and organisation in the built environment should respond to peoples' demands and the social order. Good urban design should be a balanced order which represents a harmonised relationship between people, between man and society, between man and nature, and between man's spiritual and physical demands.
Recent Publications
2012. Integrity, Order and Change: The Design Principles and Approaches of Traditional Chinese Built Environment In: Designing Place.
YUE TANG, 2012. In: KATHARINA BORSI, ed., Integrity, Order and Change: The Design Principles and Approaches of Traditional Chinese Built Environment 647-662
YUE TANG, 2012. In: KATHARINA BORSI, ed., Integrity, Order and Change: The Design Principles and Approaches of Traditional Chinese Built Environment 647-662
HEATH, T. and TANG, Y., 2010. Beijing's Hutong and Siheyuan: conservation of an urban identity Municipal Engineer: Historic Cities. 163(3), 155-161
Past Research
Conservation planning and design in historical towns and cities in China; Public realm; Transportation in China
Future Research
Future research in Urban Design: Eco-City planning and design; Sustainable urban regeneration strategies and design; Innovative design in historical quaters; Cities, places and their identities