Icebreaker-background information and the experience with Urban Design
Who am I
Hello everyone, my name is Jiayue Li, and I am a postgraduate student in Urban Design at Newcastle University. I started my studies here in September. Previously, I completed my undergraduate degree in Horticulture, where I built a solid foundation in various subjects related to crops and plant care. My coursework covered a broad range of topics, including Chemistry, Plant Physiology, Genetics, and specialized areas such as Horticultural Entomology, Agricultural Meteorology, and Soil and Fertilizer Science.
In my third year, I chose to focus on Facility Agriculture Science and Engineering. This specialization provided me with hands-on knowledge about the structure and function of greenhouses, conservatories, and other controlled environments. I learned about different growing media for various crops, including fruit trees, flowers, and vegetables, as well as how to manage temperature and humidity inside greenhouses. Additionally, I gained an understanding of different greenhouse structures, which has greatly contributed to my academic growth.
Why I am interested in MAUD
I chose the field of Urban Design because I am passionate about cultural preservation and revitalizing cities. I first became aware of the issue of disappearing traditional villages during high school when I read about it in a magazine. This realization made me understand that these areas were losing their value for research in history, regional culture, and architectural art, which moved me deeply. I believe that culture is the soul of a city, and that only when a city has its own cultural atmosphere and unique style can it truly showcase its charm. Therefore, I hope to study urban planning and design strategies to help cities retain their vitality and protect their cultural heritage.
Additionally, through my practical project experiences, I observed that China’s urban village transformations often take a “demolish and rebuild” approach, creating static spaces that make residents passive rather than active participants. I introduced concepts of dynamic space and fractal cities, strategically transforming and expanding buildings to foster sustainable community growth. These experiences strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career in urban design.
These experiences have strengthened my determination to study urban design, as I want to gain the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to cities that respect their cultural heritage while also developing sustainably for the future.
