On February 26, 2025, a trans-Pacific academic dialogue was successfully held in the Reading Room of New East Building at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill). Scholars from Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU) and the Department of City and Regional Planning at UNC-Chapel Hill gathered to discuss the sustainable development of urban-rural environments and green spaces. Hosted by the China Urban Studies Center (PCC), the seminar was co-chaired by Professor Song Yan (UNC) and Professor Shao Jizhong (HZAU), attracting numerous scholars, graduate students, and experts from related fields.
Multiscale Research on Urban-Rural Environments: From Green Space Assessment to Cultural Soundscapes
At the beginning of the seminar, Professor Shao Jizhong, on behalf of the HZAU team, briefly introduced the development of the Landscape Architecture discipline at HZAU and its international collaboration experiences in urban-rural planning, particularly the “3.5+2 Integrated Bachelor’s and Master’s Program” with the University of Lincoln, USA. Through cross-national curriculum cooperation, this program has established a composite training system for landscape planning and ecological technology, providing future urban-rural planning professionals with a more comprehensive international perspective.
Following this, Associate Professor Zhang Li systematically introduced HZAU’s educational philosophy and achievements in landscape architecture, elaborating further on the 3.5+2 Integrated Bachelor’s and Master’s Program in collaboration with the University of Lincoln. This program innovatively constructs a cross-national curriculum matrix for landscape planning and ecological technology.
Next, Associate Professor Zhang Wei delivered a keynote speech titled “Constructing a Multi-Dimensional Quantitative Assessment System for Urban Green Spaces.” He proposed a “Three-Dimensional Green Volume Spatiotemporal Evolution Model”, which integrates methods such as L-system algorithms and voxelization technology to dynamically visualize ecological parameters, including canopy height (CH) and leaf area index (LAI). The research team validated this model through field studies at the Xiangyang Academy Field Station, demonstrating its applicability in guiding micro-renewal transformations of historical district green spaces. This study not only highlights the ecological value of urban spaces but also considers green space optimization strategies in cultural heritage conservation, providing a more scientific analytical framework for future urban landscape evaluations.
Doctoral student Peng Zhaohui presented his research, “Soundscape Characteristics of Laojundong Daoist Temple in Chongqing.” He explored the auditory dimension of cultural heritage conservation, employing psychoacoustic analysis to develop a soundscape evaluation system. By coupling objective and subjective data, he revealed how specific religious sound elements (such as bell and chime frequencies at 41.2Hz and ambient noise levels ≤ 55dB) influence visitors’ psychological comfort. This study sparked significant interest among attending scholars, leading to a focused discussion on incorporating refined sound environment optimization measures in cultural heritage conservation.
Open Discussion: Interdisciplinary Reflections on Urban-Rural Environments
The open discussion session fostered an intense interdisciplinary exchange, where topics on urban-rural environments, historical culture, and ecological assessment intertwined to create a multi-dimensional academic landscape.
Regarding the applicability of quantitative green space assessment, discussions centered on how the proposed models could be adapted to different urban settings. Could vertical greening in high-density cities be accurately quantified using the “Three-Dimensional Green Volume Spatiotemporal Evolution Model”? How can green space structure optimization become more resilient under climate change? The discussion extended to cutting-edge methods such as remote sensing monitoring and ecological data integration, further exploring the dynamic relationship between green space and the urban heat island effect. It was noted that green spaces not only enhance visual landscapes but also play a critical role in microclimate regulation and the construction of healthier urban environments.
For the soundscape conservation of cultural heritage, the significance of sound in historical spaces was re-evaluated. While current cultural heritage conservation efforts primarily focus on physical structures, the preservation of sound environments is often overlooked. How can modern urban renovations retain original soundscape characteristics while accommodating contemporary usage needs? Discussions highlighted that soundscapes are not only essential for cultural experiences but also significantly influence visitors’ psychological perception. Some case studies indicate that specific frequency sounds in religious sites have a notable impact on the emotional regulation of worshippers, making soundscape preservation an increasingly critical dimension of cultural heritage management.
In terms of the interaction between urban spaces and mental health, the discussion expanded to explore the potential connections between spatial design and residents’ emotional well-being. Could the integration of GIS spatial analysis and psychological data provide a new evaluation dimension for urban planning? How do factors such as building density, green space distribution, and noise pollution affect residents’ mental health? It was emphasized that the core of ecological design should not stop at environmental optimization but should also delve deeper into urban spatial experiences. Future research directions may require a stronger focus on human-centered perspectives, integrating data science, psychology, and spatial technology to support the creation of healthier urban environments.
This open discussion not only deepened participants’ understanding of urban-rural environmental issues but also facilitated theoretical and methodological cross-pollination between disciplines, showcasing the limitless potential for academic innovation.
Outlook on Interdisciplinary Collaboration
This seminar demonstrated the diversity of urban-rural research and the potential for academic integration. From digital modeling of green spaces to soundscape analysis of cultural heritage, and from GIS-psychology intersections to urban environmental planning, participants continuously inspired new research ideas through dialogue. This exchange not only strengthened mutual understanding between scholars from China and the U.S. but also laid the foundation for potential future collaborations.
Looking ahead, the PCC Center plans to further promote interdisciplinary exchanges by facilitating more field-based collaborative research and exploring new pathways for sustainable urban-rural development. This seminar was not just an academic discussion—it was a collision of innovative ideas, providing new research perspectives for urban planning, ecological design, and cultural heritage conservation.