ABSTRACT
A peri-urban planning approach to integrating urban and rural zones benefits from a recognition of the fluidity of ecological, cultural and socio-economic flows occurring across and beyond the urban-rural divide. This chapter examines the United Nations Habitat’s (UNH) “Urban Rural Linkages: Guiding Principles” and the associated sectorial entry points for integrating urban-rural linkages and evaluates their implicit application in a case study of Chengdu’s ecological zone. The study shows that the Chengdu case embodies many of the guiding principles, especially in areas where complimentary socio-economic flows offer synergies and build capacity and equity. It also demonstrates that landscape-led synergies can enhance a greater effectiveness of the sectorial entry points and an increased scope for the principles to contribute to a more sustainable future. This case study proves the need to adopt new and innovative typologies for human occupation of peri-urban regions. It suggests that a territorial approach to peri-urban planning, where flows critical to a region’s liveability, equality and sustainability are foregrounded and elevated, is essential. This chapter argues that the principles are most effective where socio-ecological values and landscape-led approaches of urban-rural linkages are prioritized and expanded.
