Zixuan Peng

Zixuan Peng is a Master of Urban and Regional Planning student concentrating in climate, environment and society. Originally from Hangzhou, China, her academic and professional work focuses on the intersection of sustainability, community development and cultural preservation. Zixuan has gained a wide range of planning experiences from previous internships with the Newport Beach Community Development Department, the city of Hangzhou Planning & Research Institute, and Local Bureau of Ecology and Environment Protection in China.

Project Overview

My project develops a sustainability and climate-resilience framework for the Mangrove site in Little Tokyo. It focuses on site-scale systems — cool roofs and solar panels, shade/urban forestry, storm- and gray-water capture/reuse, and organics management (e.g., biodigesters) — and on potential green infrastructure connections to the surrounding neighborhood. I will evaluate environmental performance and co-benefits (heat reduction, energy generation, water savings, air quality and long-term operating costs) while prioritizing equity for residents and small businesses.

My research is guided by questions about which sustainability strategies best fit the site’s climate and form; how much cooling, energy and water savings can these strategies deliver; and how can these strategies directly benefit residents and businesses.

Why is this topic, specifically, important to you?

As an international student studying urban planning in Los Angeles, I am deeply inspired by how Little Tokyo balances cultural heritage with modern urban challenges. The Mangrove site represents one of the last opportunities to shape the neighborhood’s future in a way that honors its history and promotes sustainability. This project allows me to combine my academic interests in climate resilience and community development with my personal belief in designing cities that preserve identity while adapting to change.

Who are the partners involved in this project and how will you be working with them?

My client is the Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC), a nonprofit organization with decades of experience in affordable housing and community planning. I work closely with LTSC staff, attending biweekly meetings to align research findings with their planning goals and preparation of an RFP for the Mangrove site.

How do you hope that this project will impact the field moving forward?

I hope this project demonstrates that sustainability and cultural identity can coexist within affordable urban redevelopment. By integrating community-based design, policy compliance and environmental innovation, I hope it serves as a replicable model for equitable development in other historic neighborhoods. I hope the findings will inform future city planning practices, showing that cultural vitality is an essential part of climate resilience and long-term community health.