China is undergoing dramatic transformations socially and culturally, and the speed change scenario asks for engaging architectural thoughts with the booming economy to define a contemporary Chinese architecture.1.1 A Framework1.1.1 An urban overview of Hong KongThis is an extremely short account of what can hardly be considered and recent Hong Kong’s
Hong Kong is ideally positioned, situated at the southeastern tip of China.
The ex–British colony has evolved into a unique scenario
1.1.2 Population and density
Hong Kong, with a land territory of 1.075 square kilometers has a total population of more than 7M
The median age has risen to 36 and the median monthly household income is HK$15.000
The population forecast for 2030 is 9 Million
The density of public housing at times crosses twice the density of the most crowded areas in Mainland China (González, Paula and Stephen 82).
1.1.3 Land Use
The majority land area of Hong Kong is reserved land with only 23,8% for built up areas.
The residential Panorama in Hong Kong is famous for smallest residential units carrying exorbitant prices
The unique economic scenario demanded a unique architecture and building free zones and preserved and maintained below the ridgelines.
1.1.4 Transport system
Well-organized transport systems including Ferry, LRT Bus, MTR, KCR Mini Bus, Tram and Taxi services
Mechanical staircase systems are facilitating the access from the active districts to the higher living area on the island.
Most developers focus on saving energy, infrastructure and time with the integration of mix use developments and mass transit Transport Oriented Development.
Pedestrian networks taking care of the walkability issue in Hong Kong infrastructure and six railway projects will help reduce the travel time.
2.1 Urban Form and compactness2.1.1 Typology Source: González Martínez, Paula, and Stephen Siu Yu Lau. "sustainable - the Urban Model Based on High-Density, High-Rise and Multiple, Intensive Land use The Case of Hong Kong." ACE: architecture, city and environment.20 (2012): 81-94.
Four building typologies can be distinguished in the Pearl River Delta region
Verandah Type/shop houses, Cantilevered Living Quarters Type, rectangular Mass Type and the 80’s Type.
Hong Kong is an obvious example of a compact city that meets the demands of a rapidly increasing population and the scarcity urban land (González, Paula and Stephen 85).
2.1.2 Multiple Intensive Land Use (MILU)
MILU developments are the most recent urban typology in Hong Kong.
Linked by a relatively cheap and speedy transport network, they create a relation of interdependence.
Interdependent primary, secondary and tertiary zones of MILU
Three commuting levels: below ground - the mass transit rail (MTR), KCR and subways. On the ground - buses, taxis, light rail transit and tramways and above ground - walkways vertically connected ramps, stairways, elevators, and escalators.
Designers in Hong Kong must employ all types and styles of mixed use design to take advantage of the high-density situation.
3.1 The compact city
3.1.1 Compact / Sprawl
two forms of development - Compact urban form with High density and Mix Use and the Sprawling urban form with Low density and Mono use
A different understanding of the public space from the western culture with Intensive Land Use.
Negative implications include lack of public space, lack of urban greenery and overcrowding with the poor quality of living
Positive implications include more diverse and active urban spaces, proximity, high accessibility and safety.
3.1.2 Public space in the compact city
People in compact cities such as Hong Kong spend most of their time in public living spaces like shopping malls, restaurants, parks, bars, etc.
Provision of open space in urban Hong Kong is low as compared to cities like Singapore and Taipei.
The distinction between private and public space is another critical issue
3.1.3 Congestion
High density gives rise to issues of overcrowding, lack of private living space which lowers the quality of life.
Overuse of public open space that endangers privacy
Congestion in compact cities leads to negative perceptions.
4.1 Three Case Studies4.1.1 Case Study 1: Mei Fu Shan Chuen Development
A Self-contained Township planned in for 46,245 residents or 13,068 households
The self-sufficient city has shops on the ground floor and residential use on the floors above.
Well connected to the public transport system (González, Paula and Stephen 88).
4.1.2 Case Study 2: Metro-City Residential Development, Tseng Kwan O
The New Town Tseng Kwun O functions as a satellite Town
Built in three different phases
Phase I: 6 towers for 2.048 households and 6.700 residents
Phase II: 11 towers for 3.344 households and 13.376 residents
Phase III: 4 towers and 1.376 households
Covered walkways have transformed this connectable town.
4.1.3 Case Study 3: Multiple Use Development at Kowloon Station Site (Courtesy of MTR Corporation
Kowloon Station development can be divided into seven development packages
residential units, offices, deluxe hotel, observation deck, world-class shopping center, transport interchange, kindergarten, parking spaces, etc.
5.1 Conclusions5.1.1 Formal versus social
A socially compelled architecture, motivated by changing the society and the promotion of social responsibility
Is there an in-between status between the purely formal and the purely social?
5.1.2 Decorated shed as architecture
China´s aggressive urbanization boosts economic growth but lowers quality of life.
The nouveau riche consume for competition and architecture is like a decorated superficial over the essential.
There is more than wealth what makes a city desirable regarding living.
5.1.3 Pragmatism
Pragmatism vs. functionality in China compares prosperity and the livability
Prosperity is high in China, but the quality of the livability gets lower.
Guerilla urbanization in Hong Kong shows spontaneous transformations without much of thought.
5.1.4 Chaos
Incredibly complex and almost chaotic urban decisions
No perfect structures
5.1.5 Grain city
Is there a real single strong urban concept behind the Chinese tier cites
There is a lack of an alternative midrise urban unit
5.1.6 Culture
China´s slow down economy would strengthen the local culture productivity
culture lives longer than expanding the economy
Architecture is now an economic engine plus a cultural tool
6.1 Summary5.1.1 How the students benefit from the article
The article stimulates critical thinking on the shortage of land in the fast changing scenario and its judicious use
The case study of Hong Kong demands the development of new architectural thoughts and the importance of effective urban development policies.
The unique architecture is required for the unique economy scenario of the dense cities, plus a highly efficient transport systems should be developed side by side.
The importance of Multiple Intensive Land Use or MILU is acknowledged.
Architectural thoughts should be developed with an open mind and flexibility, creating a positive impact on the economic development and environment.
Works Cited
González Martínez, Paula, and Stephen Siu Yu Lau. "sustainable - the Urban Model Based on High-Density, High-Rise and Multiple, Intensive Land use: The Case of Hong Kong." ACE: architecture, city and environment.20 (2012): 81-94. Web.
