Ningbo University | China
Prof. Caixia Gao is an accomplished academic and researcher in the field of architecture, urban planning, and urban design, with a focus on the relationship between urban form, planning policy, and sustainable development. She is currently an Associate Professor and Executive Head of the Architecture Discipline at Ningbo University, China, where she also supervises master’s students. With a strong international profile, she has served as an academic visitor at Birmingham City University, UK, collaborating on advanced research into urban morphology, planning strategies, and the integration of historical and local architectural forms into modern policy frameworks. Prof. Gao has made significant scholarly contributions through publications in prestigious journals, books, and international conference presentations, establishing herself as an authority in urban design policy, morphological analysis, and architectural theory.
Professional Profile
Education
Prof. Gao holds a Ph.D. in Architecture and Urban Planning from Nanjing University, where her doctoral research focused on the relationship between street block morphology and urban policy in Chinese cities. She also earned a Master’s degree in Architecture from Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, specializing in the architectural characteristics of historical religious buildings, particularly the Catholic churches of Ningxia. Her foundational studies were completed at Ningxia University, where she specialized in urban planning and architectural design. This rigorous academic training has given her an in-depth understanding of both the technical and cultural dimensions of architecture and planning, positioning her to bridge local traditions with global urban design challenges.
Experience
Over her academic career, Prof. Gao has combined teaching, research, and leadership in both China and abroad. She has worked extensively at Ningxia University, contributing to urban and rural planning research before moving to Ningbo University, where she currently leads the Architecture Discipline. Internationally, her visiting appointment at Birmingham City University enriched her expertise in Western planning policies and comparative studies of urban design between China and the UK. Her teaching portfolio covers a wide range of subjects, including theory and methods of planning, architectural design, urban and rural planning, landscape design, housing architecture, and graduation projects supervision. She has also actively guided student innovation projects and national-level competitions, demonstrating her strong commitment to nurturing the next generation of architects and urban planners.
Research Interests
Prof. Gao’s research is grounded in the study of urban form and policy, exploring how planning frameworks shape the vitality and sustainability of cities. Her work examines the interaction between morphology, land use, planning regulations, and urban vitality, particularly in historical and city-centre contexts. She is deeply interested in policy control methods of urban blocks that integrate historical and local architectural forms, advancing strategies for sustainable regeneration of historical areas. Additionally, she explores rural planning methods, architectural theory, and design creation, combining academic theory with practical urban design solutions. Her research also increasingly incorporates computer visualization and virtual simulation technologies, positioning her at the forefront of innovation in urban morphology and design policy research.
Awards and Recognitions
Prof. Gao has received recognition through competitive national and provincial research projects, supported by organizations such as the China Scholarship Council, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and regional social science foundations in Zhejiang and Ningxia. These projects have focused on urban design, local morphological optimization, sustainable development, and educational innovation. Her funded research underscores her role as a leading scholar shaping both theoretical and applied aspects of architectural planning and design. In addition, her active participation in international conferences such as the International Seminar on Urban Form (ISUF) and the International Forum on Urbanism (IFoU) highlights her global engagement and contributions to advancing scholarly dialogue in urban morphology.
Publication
Gao, C., & Zhou, X. (2025). Design strategies for the street spaces of fishing village based on traditional architectural typology: the case of Limin Village in Ningbo of coastal China. Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering.
Conclusion
Prof. Caixia Gao’s academic career represents a harmonious integration of research, teaching, and practice in architecture and urban planning. By focusing on the interplay between urban form, planning policy, and cultural heritage, she contributes innovative solutions to contemporary urban challenges while preserving historical identity. Her dual exposure to Chinese and international contexts allows her to provide comparative insights that are invaluable for advancing sustainable urban development. With a commitment to both scholarly excellence and student mentorship, Prof. Gao continues to push the boundaries of architectural and planning research, ensuring her work remains relevant to the evolving demands of cities and societies worldwide. Her vision for the future lies in combining urban design strategy, historical preservation, and advanced digital technologies, paving the way for innovative, culturally sensitive, and sustainable cities.