Research

Land use and connectivity

As one can see, most of the industrial buildings are used for office space and there are a series of parking structures reminding of the previous state of the area which was car-oriented. There is some commercial activity mainly providing services to the offices while leisure areas cater to the visitors and locals. The map reveals pockets of activity and inactivity in between the buildings which were previously part of the industrial functions but now are used as informal pedestrian connectors.

The site is characterised by the industrial buildings that negate the street and look inwards. This condition is somewhat balanced by the alleyways that create informal pedestrian networks and that some businesses are noticing as potential areas of interaction between the interior and exterior activities. The other main feature of the site are the roads that give a strong and almost unbreakable structure to the site presenting a great challenge for enhancing pedestrian flows.

Enhancing the sense of Belonging: Megaproject and Public Spaces in Hong Kong

This project responds to the relationship between the Kai Tak Megaproject and the Kwun Tong District in Hong Kong. It aims to identify the effects that the development has on the industrial Kwun Tong to devise an urban development proposal for the district. The study utilised a qualitative approach to methodology collecting data from existing literature as well as site visits. In addition, a series of case studies were included to give a visual image to support the written words. The information gathered gave insight into some of the most critical problems of megaprojects especially in their relation to existing neighbourhoods, the role of public spaces in urban renewal as important drivers of human activities, and placemaking as it relates to the public realm and the sense of belonging and identity. The research revealed a conflict between the scale of the megaproject and the scale of the adjacent neighbourhoods that causes fragmentation at the social and urban planning levels. The design research showed potential areas to improve connectivity in the neighbourhood and concluded that various levels of connectivity by way of public spaces are key to inclusive urban planning. This project It also helped in revealing the problem of scale in between large developments and the existing small neighbourhoods. Those scales are not only related to the size of buildings but also to the size of the activities that happen in them. Their main problem is that the big differences in scales will result in various kind of segregation. In the case of Kwun Tong, a physical segregation accompanied with a fragmented use of space. Another conclusion drawn from the research is that the identity of the neighbourhood is an imperative quality that allows the neighbourhood to grow. This is to say that connectivity must be at the heart of urban transformation projects and that the public realm needs to be flexible to adapt to the organic changes of the city. Based on these conclusions, it is recommended that the Kai Tak Development is evaluated while it is ongoing to adapt its strategy and attempt to establish the missing links between the development and the nearby communities. It is advised for practitioners to promote urban regeneration in the surrounding areas by employing a different approach in their master planning of large scale urban projects

in dense urban areas. A different approach based on the full understanding of the larger context of sites and communities. An approach to planning that considers instead of injecting completely new activities, it is recommended that the existing characteristics and activities of the neighbourhood are enhanced and supported by the new programme. It is also recommended that there should be a revitalisation that happens in parallel between the Kai Tak Development and the surrounding areas for them to be able to connect more efficiently economically, socially, and culturally.

TST Promenade

In this visual exploration, the TST Promenade in Hong Kong a series of line drawings are used to investigate the movement of people and the various elements that they encounter as they discover the spaces of the promenade. The project takes the form of postcards that are meant to challenge the image that the tourists tend to have of the pier and the Victoria Harbour. It aims to bring attention to memories rather than a perfect visual image.

Tai Kwun

This extended essay explores the relationship between the formal and the accidental public spaces in Hong Kong with particular attention to the conversion of the former Central Police Station Complex into a Heritage and Arts Cultural Centre, Tai Kwun.

Tai Kwun is the best model of public space in Hong Kong, which represents how public space should be managed and developed. The management of the contemporary public space is of the utmost importance in the sustainability of public space. Not only should the property developers rethink the use of the public space, but another important party, the government should also review of the management of public space. On top of the business development, related parties should concern more about the rights of the public, and public space should truly be for the people and the community.