b'SYDNEY - BOSTON - FUKUOKA 2018 - 2019Ma XinzhengMUDD (2012)After I gained my bachelor degree in Landscape andAfter graduating from the MUDD Program, I worked as Architecture Design from Renmin University of China, Ian urban designer for Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). found that solving urban spatial problems with a biggerMuch of the experience from the MUDD Program could vision is more interesting, so I decided to have urban designbe used directly in the real projects and I always adhere to as my future direction. After a series of school comparisons,the projects site constrains and will suggest to our team the academic atmosphere of UNSW and the reputation ofto do the same. By working on different project types such the previous international studios made me decide to joinas large-scale new districts, historical districts and urban the MUDD Program.design guidelines, I have gained a deeper understanding of the importance of urban design and am really proud to set The three-semester course allowed me to quickly establishup strategies for different projects. an initial knowledge for urban design. Through different studios, academic research and real project practiceIn 2017, I started to work for SRE (a Shanghai oriented real were introduced to students. For example, the Redfern- estate developer) as design manager. The focus of my work Waterloo Area Redevelopment was based in Sydney andshifts from design to design management, which needs neighbourhood stakeholders were involved as part of themore attention to schedules, budgets and communication. presentation jury. In a project with such public participation,This experience has helped me gain a better understanding we quickly understood the significance of a good space toof the entire industry chain from another prospective. the neighbourhood and to the city.The MUDD Program started my professional practice. I feel It is very important to respect the existing site conditionsgrateful to share my experience with all MUDD alumni, and and history. This is what I learnt from the international studiohope our career paths cross one day in the future.in Berlin. In cooperation with the professors and students from the Technical University of Berlin, the intense two-week course soon ended. Our team proposed a sustainable urban regeneration strategy for the Emst-Reuter-Platz area to stimulate the local vitality, to improve walkability and to create a better sense of place. During the design process, we went to the site to get inspired and we respected and leveraged the huge and shocking impact brought to the site by World War II. After this international studio, I was very lucky to be chosen for the Planning Workshop International Award 2012. I think of this award as an encouragement for 184 183184respecting the existing site conditions and history. AMaster of Urban Development & Design 2018-2019wrap up8PT.indd 13 26/11/2019 5:02:37 PM'