Laurence LIAUW
Architect, Associate Professor
Chinese University of Hong Kong
1. What’s your impression of Urban China?
Urban China has been an inspiration for myself and others internationally to critically understand what is happening in contemporary Chinese urbanism. Most Chinese magazines prior were either hadicapped by their overbearing text heavy academic only focus, or otherwise glossy wallpaper type architectural object glossies. Urban China changed this scene with their innivative use of a consistent raw graphic language, on the ground field researched urban images that actually included actual peoples lives, and penetrating historical images revealing the hidden soul of China. Most of all Urban China’s editors and contributors have developed critical texts (in a country that does not like to criticise publically since the Cultural Revolution) that document and discuss urgent issues facing China (and sometimes th World). They reveal their sources and references which is useful to readers. I particularly like the UC Universe diagram that charts all the past present and future UC issues in a galaxy like formation. This broad and taxanomical approach is very ’Chinese’ and also theoretically sound. The relentless pace and dedication of the editorial teams under Jiang Jun and Kuang Xiaoming are unique in today’s market driven China.
2. Please comment on the role Urban China plays as a platform for project cooperation.
As a platform it is successful at bridging China-China links and China-international links. What is important is that these links are made more real through readership actions and author promotions via more media contact and circulation in professional / academic coverage. Like all good international design magazaines its role could be one of informer, interregator, spy, collector archiver, researcher, critic, liaison, godfather, jury, and assassin. It means that Urban China actually ahs an agenda and is not wandering around aimlessly or following some new trend. Sometimes the collaborations are not so balanced but always the result is surprising.
3. What suggestions do you have for Urban China’s development?
There is huge interest and recognition of Urban China internationally and an absence of such intelligence gathering on China, so the publication in Chinese only is a limiting factor. Also the activities covered could be made more accessible and interactive on web based platforms, which could be spun off again. Urban China should organize regular symposiums and involve China’s professionals in urban field as well as stakeholders and govrnment to share the debate and influence future policy and public communication. The magazine format without sponsorship is hard to sustain, so it could align itself with major academic or research insitutions to create a research hub and seek institutional funding beyond Shanghai. Bilingual English language would help this. It should be on everyone’s desk as a resource needs better distribution.
4. How would you like to work with Urban China in the future?
I am a frequent contributor aleady and have participated in many forums with UC editors. My support can continue on individual basis as a critic and writer, or part of an institutional link via my university, to contribute to the ongoing debate, content and exposition on Urbanism in China.
