Collaborative workshop and community participation: A new approach to urban regeneration in China

Public participation has been widely playing a very critical role in facilitating urban regeneration. However, the public frequently lacks a channel to participate in urban regeneration practices in developing countries in China, the government is paying more attention to public participation in urban regeneration, and the public is also concerning the participation for their interests. By taking Shenjing village in Guangzhou, China as a case study, this study develops a community participation model and a collaborative workshop toolbox; analyzes how multiple stakeholders are unutilized through a collaborative workshop to participate in decision-making; explores how collaborative workshop was successfully carried out in the achievement of consensus; and argues the need for a new planning scheme. The roles played by the government and planners are changing and become the catalysts for community participation. As a combination of top-down and bottom-up methods, the collaborative workshop is a useful model for community participation in urban regeneration, which promotes the co-action of the government and the public through consultation and negotiation. The collaborative workshop ensures the appeal of stakeholders' interests and the equal allocation of resources. Also, a supplementary planning system is necessary for promoting community planners for China and other developing countries.