ISSUE 01: IMPROVING THE INTERNAL CONNECTIVITY OF NEW TOWNS

Due to the fragmented development of Hong Kong’s New Towns independent and self-contained estates lie next to eachother, but without strong interconnecting systems at the town level. While some New Towns such as Sha Tin and Tuen Mun have succesful town centres, the connectivity and ownership structures limit a more adaptable and organic evolution in line with societal changes. A more flexible policy for retail and food distribution, combined with additional pedestrian connections, could allow a more community-driven town centre to emerge over time.

Sha Tin New Town is planned with a medium density urban fabric with an emphasis on liveability. However, since its inception, the area’s regional connectivity has changed and Sha Tin is now at the centre of a growing district, reinforced by a high-volume train connection to Mainland China. This speculative project explores new green spaces and pedestrian connections across the Shing Mun River, to create a network of additional public space activities and functions and form a catalyst for the future development of Sha Tin as a vibrant and sustainable town (project by Li Junwei and Xu Jingwen).