Unpacking the micro-regeneration of alley corners in Guangzhou: an urban design governance perspective

Little is known about how design interventions are delivered in public spaces at the neighbourhood level in China’s micro-regeneration practices. Alley corners, which are often a focus of the regeneration, remain understudied. Adopting a qualitative approach, this paper examines alley corners in two historic urban neighbourhoods of Guangzhou to explore how design governance can best support public space quality in regeneration. The research demonstrates that more innovative approaches to community engagement in design governance are needed to revitalize overlooked corners as inviting public spaces for residents. This paper contributes to understanding micro-regeneration practices through a novel design governance perspective.