RESEARCH INTERESTS
I am an urban planner interested in socio-spatial inequalities in housing, transportation, and neighborhood environments, and how these conditions are shaped by planning and land-use decisions. I approach these questions through land use, development, infrastructure, and spatial organization—the means through which planners can shape urban conditions and opportunities. Methodologically, I am interested in new forms of urban data and quantitative methods, particularly emerging large language models, to expand what we can observe, measure, and explain.
EDUCATION
- Leibniz University Hannover — M.Sc. in Territorial Development, 2018-2020
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences — Erasmus Exchange, 2019
- Guangzhou University — B.E. in Urban Planning, 2012-2017
- HarvardX — Professional Certificate in Computer Science for Artificial Intelligence, 2025
PUBLICATIONS
- Chen, W., Lan, T., Long, Q., Xu, S., & Wang, F. Can Multimodal Large Language Models Approximate Expert Assessment in Early-Stage Coastal Site Suitability Screening? Manuscript under revision. Preprint.
- Chen, W. (2023). Research on Spatial Characteristics and Design Practice for the Central Vitality Zone of a Coastal City. Annual National Planning Conference. DOI.
- Li, Q., Yao, Y., Liu, Z., Wang, F., & Chen, W. (2026). Port-industry-city-tourism Integrated Development Strategy of Shanwei New Port Area Based on Dimension-upgraded Peripheral Challenge Theory. Port & Waterway Engineering. DOI.
EXPERIENCE
- Guangdong Urban-Rural Planning and Design Institute Technology Group Co., Ltd. — Project Leader, 2022-present. Leads large-scale planning and urban design projects and established an internal AI Applications Team.
- AECOM Design & Consulting (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. — Project Urban Designer, 2020-2022; Assistant Urban Designer, 2017-2018; Intern, 2016. Worked on urban planning, spatial strategy, site planning, and design development.
SKILLS & CERTIFICATES
- Python, SQL, GIS-based data processing, ArcGIS, QGIS, Claude Code, Codex, Adobe Creative Cloud, AutoCAD, Rhinoceros, and SketchUp
- Mandarin and Cantonese Chinese (native), English (fluent), German (basic)
- Certified Urban and Rural Planning Engineer (Intermediate Level); Project Management Professional (PMP)
SELECTED AWARDS
- Jinyue Natural Resources Science and Technology Award, Bronze Award, 2025
- IDEA-KING Ecological Design and Engineering Innovation Competition, Gold Award, 2025
- First Prize, 2nd Guangdong Yuemei Rural Landscape Design Competition, 2025
- First Prize, Guangdong Provincial Outstanding Urban Planning and Design Project Award, 2024