A Study On Town Master Plan Compilation By Examples From Pilot Towns In Fujian Province

Small towns have a pivotal role in connecting urban and rural areas, enhancing employment and propelling economic development. Master plan is the foundation of their development. There are huge numbers of small towns in China with different socio-economic conditions and geographic features. Pioneered by Guangdong , Hubei and Zhejiang , several regions have conducted related researches and practices. However, systematic studies on small town planning are still lacking in Fujian Province.In this year, Fujian Provincial Government has launched pilot projects on small town restructuring. In March,"Pilot Towns'Planning Guidance of Fujian Province"was issued. 21 small towns have finished their master plans in July and entered the technical scrutiny phase.The thesis starts with the small town planning guidance, investigating its background, goals and focuses.By identifying the functions and principles of small town master plan, it discusses the key technical issues and explores the possible improvements of planning methods. The planning process is divided into 6 phases including: project preparation, field work, prophase study, design phase, result compilation, and submit and approval. The prophase study and design phase are further divided into 8 steps including: cognition of the town, policy comprehension, thematic study, strategic plan, integration plan, construction plan, supporting plan, and action plan.The 21 master plans submitted by the pilot towns in Fujian Province are analyzed in the thesis, and the focal points and challenges are identified. These key points are analyzed and solutions are recommended, for example: the town features can be clarified by deeper reasoning in the strategic plan stage; the urban-rural relationship and integrated development can be coordinated in the integration plan; the question of development volume can be handled flexibly in the construction plan; and, the planning effect can be achieved within a short period of implementation with a detailed action plan.The thesis explores operative solutions to the questions emerged from the small town planning works in Fujian Province. It is anticipated to improve the work of plan-making and provide guidance to small town development in Fujian Province.