In this studio, I learned a lot from our teachers and partners. The most important thing I acquired was to think of cites in a different aspect, to investigate and interview relating residents and stakeholders, to test the area with some action but little harm, and to give suggestions in consideration of stock planning which is very important in China’s urban planning reform today.

Meanwhile, the most interesting thing in this studio was an apparently difference from other studios I’ve attended, discussion. We were encouraged to discuss with our partners and teachers, conflicts and quarrels are permitted in order to understand each other better. It’s appreciated that we were not urged to give a quick decision or strategy but to communicate and share our own ideas so as to improve our learning and thinking together, because it’s usually easier to agree than say no in China. Although we fought, our group between Chinese and German achieved agreement on development of citizens as a fundamental factor in our project, who made most contributions to the city ought to get opportunities of self-development, and thus they might be able to form a sustainable feedback mechanism to the city.

What’s important to me was to understand the significance of sustainable development during the studio and our visit in Germany. Sustainable development reveals not only ecological-friendly and low-carbon technology, but also persistent maintainance and long-term management helps to keep cities and the environment in pleasant condition.

As far as I am concerned, it indeed took each of us a long time to understand Chinese organization of government and the really practice of urban planning, even for us Chinese students. Therefore, I suggest, next time, we may be suggested to do some pre-research on organization and practice procedures in both countries which may improve better understanding for students from different backgrounds and cultures.