Researching the Contemporary City. Identity, environment and social inclusion in developing urban areas

A dozen people sit around a circular table against a large multi-coloured illuminated panel of the dramatic Hong Kong skyline. The group interact in a lively and animated way as they share many dishes of Chinese food and cups of green tea. Whyare they here What brings them together Although an apparendy diverse group with multiple nationalities, languages, religions and even disciplines, they have one thing in common-they are all PhD students in my research group at the School of Architecture Planning and Landscape at Newcasde University. After our intensive group seminars at the Universiry, where we would debate, discuss and critique each other's research proposals, presentations, recent chapters and conference drafts, we would come ro the Happiness Inn ro continue the discussions and share stories, jokes, and food. Sharing food and eating together is one of the oldest and most fundamental aspects of being human, as shared meals not only help to create and reinforce a sense of group identity, but are also a key way in which we celebrate our humanity and make tangible our shared values and common endeavours. Interlinked with this social role, they transmit values and information, and are a perfect platform for the development of ideas, debate, argue and celebrate the mundane as well as the special-a recent viva success, a paper acceptance or good news from home.