Regeneration of Campus-proximate Areas for Better University-City Relationship

As the reform of the higher education system accelerates and the era of the knowledge economy fully arrives, the relationship between universities and cities is becoming increasingly close. They have become an interdependent community with shared destinies, jointly creating vibrant and competitive region. Cities provide robust support for the construction and development of campuses, while in the face of diverse demands for urban construction and development, universities also contribute to the city by leveraging their talent and knowledge resources. The campus-proximate areas are the preferred locations for universities to radiate outward and drive regional development. However, research on land use and spatial planning in these areas has not been adequately emphasized in urban development, failing to unleash their potential driving force. Stimulating the vitality of the campus-proximate areas and driving urban development is an inherent and pressing need. The development of the relationship between university and city serves as a crucial entry point for studying the campus-proximate areas. The interaction between university and city has been increasingly strengthened during their respective development processes, leading to significant mutual influences. Based on a thorough analysis of the university-city relationship, this paper views the campus-proximate areas as an integral part in order to enhance their interaction. It emphasizes the close linkage of resources between universities, the campus- proximate areas, and cities, promoting better interaction and development between universities and cities. This paper analyzes the relationship between university and city from three aspects: the evolution of the relationship, their interaction, and development trends. It summarizes the impacts of campus development and functional spillover on land planning and spatial structure in the campus-proximate areas. Based on the development of this relationship and incorporating relevant perspectives conducive to university-city interaction, The paper proposes that the spatial regeneration of the campus-proximate areas be categorized into two main types: activity spaces and innovative functional spaces. By studying three cases with varying degrees of interaction between universities and cities, the paper analyzes their spatial organization patterns, and characteristics. It then summarizes regeneration strategies and experiences to promote interaction between universities and cities in the campus-proximate areas. Inspired by theory and case studies, the paper proposes regeneration strategies focusing on the functionality, space, and resources of the campus-proximate areas, and applies them to the area outside the west gate of the Wushan campus of South China University of Technology. By analyzing the current development challenges and opportunities, identifying specific problems, the regenerating strategies have been proposed: promoting mixed-use development, creating interactive spatial systems, and collaborative construction and governance. This paper constructs a framework for regeneration strategies in the campus-proximate areas. Comprehensive regeneration strategies are proposed from the perspectives of functionality, space, and resources, considering the interaction between the university and the city and the integrated development of spatial systems. Hoping that these strategies can provide guidance and reference for future research on regeneration strategies in the campus-proximate areas.