Qing is a PhD student in Regional and Urban Planning studies. His research is dedicated to theorising realistic planning practice and problem-solving and developing a planner-centric agenda in planning theory. By doing so, he wishes to enable the enterprise of planning theory to become a generative platform for practical wisdom and effectively empowering the planning profession. Qing Yuan has a wide range of areas of expertise, including spatial data analysis, design, and policy analysis. However, his current work is primarily on engaging and interviewing with planning and built environment professionals in England.

Qing's approach to planning theory is significantly shaped by the works of Andreas Faludi, Patsy Healey, and Charles Hoch, reflecting a strong commitment to grounding theoretical frameworks in actual practice. Beyond planning, Qing has a broad theoretical interest, especially various French social theories of the last century, the American pragmatism, theories of justice, theories of public administration, and mechanical philosophy.

In practical realm, Qing has undertaken research focused on various critical areas, including Chinese rural development, agricultural development zones, displacement, and public health. He possesses professional experience in regional and local planning in both England and China.

Beyond his PhD studies, Qing is actively involved in the "AESOP Memories" project, an initiative of the Association of European Schools of Planning. In this role, he is responsible for conducting archival research and interviewing senior members of AESOP. Additionally, Qing is an active volunteer in the Planning Aid London.

Selected Publications

• Guo, Q. (2023), ‘Bridging psychoanalysis and space: a synthesis of Jacques Lacan’s three registers theory and Henri Lefebvre’s three-dimensional dialectics of space’, in Huo, D. and Gu, J. (eds.), Psychoanalysis Studies, vol.9, Shanghai: The Commercial Press.
• Xin, S., Guo, Q. and Zhong, S. (2021), ‘Rural revitalisation strategy for Suzhou: towards social innovation-driven neo-endogenous development’, in Y. Xu and Kim, J.S. (eds.), Future Suzhou, pp.136-145. Beijing: China Architecture & Buildings Press.
• [minor revision] Xin, S., and Guo, Q. ‘Balancing Structure and Adaptability in Rural Planning: Insights from the English planning system’, Urban Planning International.
• [under review] Guo, Q. ‘Normative behaviour and conformality: evidence based on English local authority planners’, Transactions of the Association of European Schools of Planning.
• [under review] Xin, S., and Guo, Q. ‘Beyond Distribution: “Community Life- circle” and Relocatees’ Lifeworld Rebuilding. Case study in Shanghai, China’, Local Environment.

Conferences:

• Guo, Q. (2024). “Toward a Practitioners' Experience-Centered Agenda in Planning Theory?”, accept by Association of European Schools of Planning 2024 congress, GAME CHANGER? Planning for just and sustainable urban regions, 8-12 July.
• Guo, Q. (2024). “Why do practitioners find theory not useful?”, accept by Association of European Schools of Planning young academics conference, Bridging Gaps: Urban Planning for Coexistence, 19-22 March.
• Guo, Q. (2023). “The crisis of the planning profession: a theoretical response”, presented on UK-Ireland Planning Conference 2023, Planning on a Crisis Footing, 4-6 September.