The UK and Chinese Governments have agreed at the highest level to collaborate through the China-UK Sustainable Development Dialogue on research and knowledge exchange to help ensure that the way we develop our cities will become truly sustainable. As a part of that initiative a group of related networks has been funded by the UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, inspired by the Dongtan Eco-city development north of Shanghai.

The specific network which is the subject of this paper addresses two related topics: the historical development of Chinese and European cities, and spatial masterplanning at scales ranging from the local place to the whole metropolitan area. We believe there is much to be gained by bringing these fields together since the lessons of history have much to bring to current design, planning and policy formation so far as urbanisation is concerned. Equally, there is benefit in bridging between European and Asian history and experience of industrialisation and urban expansion. A central focus for this network will be to investigate the way that urban spatial structure relates to social cultures. At times of rapid change it is often the heritage of social culture that is lost. This aspect of planning is currently seen to be central to the creation of sustainable communities and is one where the benefit of cross cultural comparison in research is clear. Here we will investigate the use of spatial analysis and modelling methodologies to allow a common basis for cross cultural and historical comparison. In this way we will investigate the application of the latest analytic technologies in urban design, planning and policy formation as well as in heritage and conservation.

We have brought together an international research network comprising all the leading UK research universities in this field with their leading counterparts in China, including the main Chinese professional and coordinating organisations, to discuss common interests and formulate proposals for Anglo-Chinese collaborative research and academic exchange. The network complements and builds upon other related initiatives rather than duplicating these, and is open to new entrants. We are including international researchers from Australia and the USA to ensure that we draw on relevant expertise wherever in the world that lies, and that our impact is global. The network is operating through a programme of workshops and exchange visits over the next two years. It was launched in October ’07 in London with significant and enthusiastic attendance by over 40 participants representing nine leading Chinese universities and five important institutes and academies. The workshop allowed delegates to identify research priorities and will deliver an exciting range of collaborative projects. Ultimately it will lead to a powerful international learning network in this important field.