Adapting public spaces in high density cities: Hong Kong Tension between the public & the private
Anouschka Tang
University of Greenwich
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Anouschka Tang
Public spaces can enhance lifestyles of living in urban
Student ID: 000835125-2 Word count: 6369
Except where stated otherwise, this dissertation is based entirely on the author’s own work
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cities. My essay will explore the city of Hong Kong, China. A densely-populated city with very limited public spaces. I will be exploring the adaption of public spaces in a skyscraper city. Also, I will define the definition of public spaces and whether the definition remains the same when public spaces are elevated off ground. Furthermore, I will discuss how the cultural, historical and political changes contributed and shaped the public spaces in Hong Kong. Aside from exploring Hong Kong’s public spaces, studies from other cities will be featured too. Exploring how other cities integrate public spaces above ground. Then I will provide suggestions and methods for improving future public space integration in high density cities.
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Introduction
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Chapter 1: Definition of Ground & Public Spaces 1.1. Hong Kong Ground 1.2. The Function of the Oblique 1.3. Public Spaces in the East & West
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Chapter 2: The Society of Hong Kong 2.1. The Culture of Public Spaces in Hong Kong 2.2. Development of Public Space & Adapting to Spaces 2.3. The Economic Scheme: Asia’s World City, Hong Kong Culture, Mong Kok Pedestrian Scheme Chapter 3: Public Spaces Above Ground 3.1. Environmental Issues of High Density Living 3.2. Quasi-Public Spaces 3.3. Successful Integration of Public Spaces Above Ground & the Future of Public Spaces Conclusion Bibliography
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Public spaces are a commodity to enhance our lifestyles in urban cities as they create a space to relieve pressures from urban living. However, as human population increases so does the density of cities. This puts pressure on existing urban public spaces and leaving a little development for larger urban public space due to the lack of space. My studies will explore the implications of public spaces in high-density cities and integration of public spaces in high-density cities. The studies will be based in the city of Hong Kong. A city known for being highly densely populated and having the most skyscrapers in the world, with over 310 standing over 492ft (Ge, 2015), spreading at a measure at 1 105.7 square kilometres, (GovHK, 2014). With limited space left for expansion on the ground, I will explore the future of public space on the ground. However, I will first define public space and ground with regards to public space. Afterwards, I will discuss whether the Hong Kong complies with this definition or if it has its own definition of public space.
In addition, I will consider and analyse how the cultural, historical, political and environmental factors shaped the current public spaces in the city. Also I will discuss what can be done in the future to provide the needed public space in high density urban cities.
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1.1 Hong Kong Ground
Chapter 1: Definition of Ground & Public spaces
& steep slopes making parts of the city unbuildable but gives the city a three dimensional quality. w Hong Kong has not only discovered methods to expand the city upwards but also expanded the city outwards to the sea. This is due to the geographic location of the city, it is surrounded by the South China sea in three cardinal directions: east, south & west. Enabling the city to expand further,” What seems to be terra firma was likely to be water not so long ago” (Frampton et al., 2012, p. 13), an example of this development is seen at the current location of Hong Kong’s international airport on Chek Lap Kok island.
We shall begin with identifying the meaning of ground, according to the Oxford dictionary ground means: the solid surface of the earth. Therefore, on this basis we shall use this definition as a reference to understand the following: Does the definition of ground change when ‘ground’ is essentially ‘off ground’, off ground refers to an elevation above ground level. In addition, does the changing boundaries of ground level change the behaviour activates of people seen in society. At the rate the human population is growing it is inevitable that the remaining space left to build on are becoming more limited putting pressure on existing infrastructure in the city. Therefore, Hong Kong needed to develop an idea that will facilitate their growing population. This involved building the society upwards or ‘off ground’. As the developers began to realise that the space above ground was justifiable, if not as val-
This airport is built on a reclaimed island that increased Hong Kong’s land by 1% so that the predecessor Kai Tak airport located in the Kowloon peninsula could retire. As it couldn’t fulfil the increasing passenger traffic & only one runway serving the airport it was putting the airport over the maximum capacity & safety. Therefore, the search for a new location for the airport began however due to the limited land the city had left to offer it was decided to expanded into the sea as the airport would be located away from the congested city centre enabling round-the-clock operation as Kai Tak airport had an evening curfew due to nearby residential areas & couldn’t provide the additional runaways the airport desperately needed.
uable as the space on the ground. Thus, the Hong Kong society began building up into the sky.
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[Fig.1 Hong Kong from Victoria peak]
My focus location will be the city of Hong Kong, China. Known for being one of the densest cities in the world with a population of 7.24 million with a density of 6690 persons per a square kilometre, (Hong Kong Government: fact sheets – population, 2015). Ground holds a special quality to the city as physically, only less than 25% of the land is developed, (GovHK, 2014). Meaning that discovering unbuilt space in the 25% of land is rare due to the density of the city as it removes the figure of ground, creating difficult to identify the ground plane. The natural built of the city is also to be noted due to the cities terrain, consisting of: hills, mountains
Displaying the extreme lengths, the city is expanding its boundaries, to build to provide infrastructures to the endlessly growing city. -03-
1.2 The Function of the Oblique Connecting users onwards & upwards through the city.
To provide for the never-ending demand for more
space. Alongside of the architectural development the city has also developed an elevated walkway network above ground. This walkway provides public access from underground to the upper levels of the city. It also connects to surrounding buildings around the district connecting their journey onwards & upwards.
This allows journeys taken on this walkway network to continuously travel throughout the day without physically touching “ground” or in some cases go outdoors. The network had been developed to serve as a form of transport in the denser parts of the city & also count as a safer alternative than travelling on ground level away from street level pollution caused by vehicles. The use of the oblique means that the users will not be removed from their surroundings and slowly integrate with the higher levels of the city. This is because the oblique wanted to remove the abrupt arrival the vertical plane created in higher spaces. Whereas the use of the oblique can help distort the perception of distance travelled and time taken to arrive at destination from the use of the diagonal. As the diagonal helps remove the degrees of inclination and this is used from the series of walkways that creates the elevated network. So that users experiences a smoother transition from ground to the higher levels so that it won’t remove the experience of being on “ground”.
The transition between the walkways uses the “The function of the oblique”. An architectural principle that explores methods of appropriating space inspired by Gestalt psychology of form, that promoted continuous, fluid movement & forces the body to adapt to instability, (Parent, Johnston, and Virilio, 1996, p. 5). The function of the oblique was a principle that Claude Parent & Paul Virilio investigated in a group they formed known as the “Architecture Principle”. The oblique was used to revolutionize the old paradigm of the vertical wall. The oblique role was fundamentally interested in how a body physically experiences a space, (Martin, 2015) to make buildings more habitable & most importantly the constant awareness of gravity. An example of this principle: a slope implies an effort to climb up & a speed to climb down, this way the body cannot abstract itself from a space & feel the degrees of inclination, (Martin, 2015).
We can see this demonstrated in the elevated walkways to create circulation & integrate the multiple levels of the city. The elevated walkway connects users from underground, ground & above ground using a series of walkways, that connect to suspended passage, leading towards stairs & escalators.
more users to use these spaces. Also it can retain the experience of being on ground due to the use of the oblique. [Fig.2 Shun Tak Centre & Sheung Wan]
[Fig.3 Function of Oblique drawing]
[Fig.4 Footbridge in Central
The oblique role plays an important role of integrating spaces as it can be used to develop a more habitable spaces as the role valued the way a user experience a space. Therefore, developing ways to integrate the public to spaces above ground is vital as the elevated network is used as part of a daily routine to commute through the dense city. Therefore, it can be suggested that creating an easily accessible public space above ground linking back to the walkway can encourage -04-
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1.3 Public Spaces in the East & West ern definition as the term public space is translated into the concept of a public place. In Cantonese public spaces meanings: 公眾地方 (Gung Jung Dei Fong) meaning: all piers, thoroughfares, streets, roads, lanes, alleys, courts, squares, archways, waterways, passages, paths, ways and places to which the public have access either continuously or periodically, whether the same are the property of the government or of private persons. (SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE, Chapter 228, 2016). In comparison to the western definition in Hong Kong, a space that the public are entitled to use is considered a public space regardless of ownership. These spaces can include the western public spaces, but also spaces such as shopping malls, restaurants, MTR (Mass transit railway) etc.
The focus of my exploration will be on how Hong Kong
attempts to adapt public space in the high density city. The beginning will be outlining the definition of a public space & what shall be defined as a public space to use a comparison with the definition of Hong Kong public spaces. As aforementioned, public spaces are a commodity to urban cities as they provide a space to relieve from stresses of urban living. It also provides a space to gather, socialise & hold public events. These spaces act and serve as a space that is inclusive to all, a space where any ethnic, economic background can unite and share a common communal space. This space should also be easily accessible & also flexible to the activities that can take place in the public space.
With the differences noted, we shall identify a public space that is inclusive to all, flexible & easily accessed. We shall explore how the Hong Kong slowly adapted the western appreciation of public spaces, as the influence of Confucianism in the eastern world prohibited social gatherings. Asides from looking at the historical influence in public spaces the following will explore the current situation of public spaces in the city & how the public are adapting to these spaces.
In the western world public spaces has a positive association as these spaces “evoke the practice of democracy, openness, & publicity of debate since the time of the Greek agora”, (Hou, 2010, p. 2). A space that is seen as a space accessible by all and inclusive to all a space that embodies the diversity of a city allowing the public a space that can be flexible to act as a public arena. Public spaces are categorized in the following spaces: parks, plazas, markets, streets, temples, (Hou, 2010, p. 2). To provide the opportunities for gathering, socializing, recreation, festivals as well as protests and demonstrations. However, the definition of a public space in Hong Kong can be considered slightly different to the west
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[Fig.5 Victoria park, Hong Kong]
[Fig.7 Plaza, Private owned public space] [Fig.8 Hong Kong MTR station] [Fig.6 Public Arena]
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Chapter 2: The Society of Hong Kong
2.1 The Culture of Public Spaces in Hong Kong ancestors of settlers of each village. This followed the Confucius philosophy filial piety. The front of the ancestral halls was used as a space to pay their respects and hold celebrations for their ancestors. These traditions were vital in society as it taught them the importance of social hierarchy and keeping filial piety. Furthermore, these ingrained that there is no individual in the Chinese society rather they are a part of a huge foundation built upon family upon family and generation upon generation. Furthermore, these practices must be obeyed as they were given by the emperor. Therefore, it cannot be questioned and neither disobeyed.
In Chinese history, public spaces are not considered
as a vital role in the Chinese lifestyles. However, the society of Hong Kong believed that the role of public spaces is vital to their lifestyle. It can be deemed historically accurate that the Chinese culture did not have a common practice of social gathering in public. This is because of the influence and reign of the imperial dynasty. During the imperial dynasty’s rule, the Chinese culture and beliefs were rooted in the three teachings from Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism, (Lopez, 1996, P.3). The most interesting teaching and the only one I will discuss is Confucianism. Confucianism had a huge influence to the disapproval of public spaces or public gatherings. Scriptures from Confucius teachings emphasised on social harmony and social hierarchy, a teaching of ‘filial piety’, (Lopez, 1996, P.26). Filial piety
However, after Hong Kong became a British colony in the 1800’s it has been argued that the influence of the British ruling had influenced change and shaped the view of social gathering. To be precise, Hong Kong became a British colony in 1841, and by 1842 the city begun to see the influences that have been brought by the British ruling, (Miao, 2001, P.172). The British legalised gathering in public spaces. Soon after, the British brought the idea of integrating public gatherings into the daily lifestyles of the Chinese. Public gatherings were held in public spaces, not only in ancestral halls but also added: open street markets, religious shines and parks. The very first public urban park was built in 1846 which was the Botanic Gardens located in Central, Hong Kong island, (Ming, Lau, and Ming, 2014, p. 17) This public space is a symbol of British influence in public spaces.
is a virtue of respect between human relationships, towards parents, elders, ancestors or to those whole hold a higher social role than the subject. Therefore, the idea of social gathering was prohibited because of the social class system. In addition, the emperor believed that it was an uncivil act and was a form of conspiracy to the empire and the emperor hence why social gathering activities were prohibited (Barlow, 2001, P.185). Before the British colonised Hong Kong, Hong Kong followed the same perception as with the Chinese with regards to public spaces.
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[Fig.9 Tang ancestral hall, Ping Shan]
The most commonly used public space before British colony were ancestral halls. These halls were used as a space of social gathering and commemorated the
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2.2 Development of Public Space & Adapting to Spaces craved. However, these came with restrictions. Restriction such as: no running, no stepping on the grass and limited operation hours. These restrictions were enforced and monitored by the leisure and culture services department. In addition, higher maintenance than SPUOS were required to beautify these parks. Understandably these rules were placed to protect the park and the public. However, with the restrictions imposed it removes the flexibility that the user can interact with the space & these spaces shouldn’t be designed for visual aesthetics.
Despite the severely low number of public spaces in Hong Kong with the British ruling and the legalisation of public gathering the city this was the beginning of seeing an increase of public spaces in Hong Kong. Due to the development of the city after the world war it left little room for large urban public spaces. Therefore, the government strategized a plan and implemented SPUOS, small public urban open spaces, (Ming, Lau, 2014, p.6). These spaces were designed so that a large number of small public spaces are scattered across the density of the city. These hoped to substitute for the lack of a larger urban public spaces in the city. The insufficient space in the city meant that a larger network of small urban spaces was located in a close proximity of
Despite that SPUOS were not particularly well facilitated, they provided the flexibility for the public. This was evident as the frequent daily users were the group of elderly who were able to perform group exercises such as Tai Chi, Chinese checkers and more. These spaces also acted as a solace and comfort for the poor or less wealthy as it required no money, easy and close access in the dense districts of Hong Kong.
another SPUOS so that these spaces wouldn’t overcrowd & that the public wouldn’t be far from another SPUOS meaning that the city wasn’t deprived of public urban spaces. In addition, low maintenance and facilities were required for these SPUOS. The seating and vegetation were simple, easy to maintain so that it can used constantly. These spaces were usually occupied by the elderly or those who are financially weaker and it provides a space to ‘escape’ from the city.
Despite the limited area for large public space, there were a small number of large creational parks. Such as: Hong Kong park, Kowloon park and Victoria park etc. These provided the public space that the city
However, it can be said that it demonstrates that the requirement for public spaces in the city can be simple and sometimes can come with the idea of ‘no frills’. As the public of Hong Kong display that a place of social gather or social activity does not require a
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place with a stable ground. This shows that the public are not only confined to designated public spaces. But also have the ability to adapt to existing spaces and transform them into spaces for social gatherings. An example of this is by the domestic workers of Hong Kong.
[Fig10. Map identifying SPUOS in Hong Kong]
[Fig.11 Elderly playing Chinese checkers] [Fig.12 Elderly exercising]
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2.3. The Economic Scheme: Asia’s World City, Hong Kong Culture, Mong Kok Pedestrian Scheme
It should be noted that Hong Kong has one of the highest ratio of domestic workers in the world, with more than 336,000 in the dense population of 7.2 million in the city comprising of 10% of the working population in the city, (Kang, 2016). As a part of the legislation by the Hong Kong government clause 3 states that domestic workers must reside with their employer during the duration of their working visa, (Labour Department - Hong Kong government, 2016). The legislation also states that the domestic workers are entitled to a day off usually allocated on a Sunday meaning that they become “homeless” during the day and go into the city to search for a space to set up as a temporary home for the day. An example of this conversion is using the HSBC headquarters in Central, Hong Kong island. (shown in figure 13). The large corporate bank lobby is given a one-day transformation into salon spaces, eating spaces, a space to social & a shelter from the extreme weather condition as during the summer air conditioning from the corporate building flows down into the open lobby space, (Hou, 2010, p. 7).
區議會分區
香港島
中西區 灣仔區 東區 南區 九龍
油尖旺區 深水埗區 九龍城區 黃大仙區 觀塘區 新界及離島 葵青區 荃灣區 屯門區 元朗區 北區 大埔區 沙田區 西貢區
Every city is a product of a political arena. It is evident that the public displays the need for more public space from the government. By adapting existing spaces in the city to a public space yet, the city is gradually transitioning into an indoors city.
[Fig.13 Domestic workers ‘one-day home’ HSBC Headquarters]
離島區 陸上總計
that spaces that haven’t been designated as spaces for social gathering can be transformed by the public to make them into viable spaces that the city craves.
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To further promote the image that Hong Kong was
Hong Kong Island Central and Western Wan Chai Eastern Southern Kowloon Yau Tsim Mong Sham Shui Po Kowloon City Wong Tai Sin Kwun Tong New Territories and Islands Kwai Tsing Tsuen Wan Tuen Mun Yuen Long North Tai Po Sha Tin Sai Kung Islands Land Total
陸地面積(1)(2) (平方公里)
年中人口(1) (千人)
人口密度(1)(2) (每平方公里人數)
Land Area(1)(2) (sq. km)
Mid- year Population(1) ('000) 1 257.2 249.6 152.0 579.6 276.1 2 207.9 321.7 397.4 411.7 430.5 646.6 3 839.8 515.9 307.0 504.3 613.2 315.8 309.7 664.7 460.4 148.9 7 304.9
Population Density(1)(2) (Persons per sq. km) 15 740 19 890 15 340 31 180 7 110 47 040 46 000 42 480 41 100 46 280 57 360 4 020 22 110 4 960 6 080 4 430 2 310 2 280 9 670 3 550 840 6 760
79.88 12.55 9.91 18.59 38.84 46.94 6.99 9.36 10.02 9.30 11.27 954.00 23.34 61.94 82.89 138.48 136.48 136.11 68.71 129.64 176.41 1080.83
[Table 1: Density of 18 districts of Hong Kong: Census 2015]
However, economic factor is the influence that led to the city gradually become an indoors city. This stemmed from the British colony, near the end of the British reign, the new government began to raise concerns of Hong Kong’s stability to remain as an international financial centre after the handover in 1997. As a solution, Hong Kong was branded as “Asia’s world city” in hopes of stabilising and maintaining the status that the city built during the colonisation, (Brand Hong Kong, Asia’s World City, 2015).
Asia’s world city, the government began a scheme that attempted to conceal the “poorer” & older parts of the city by renovating around these spaces. This involved creating modern, unique and functional public spaces that were attractive to tourists, (黃, 2007). Making tourists endlessly wander from one luxury shopping mall to another, emphasizing on the shopping culture. However, these developments hide away the culture of the city neglecting to appreciate the culture built from the public of the city. This brings me on the following the success of the simplicity of Mong Kok streets, an open public space generating numerous activities & interests for locals & tourists.
The main aims of the branding were to broaden the strengths of the city; this includes the tourism industry. To strengthen the tourism industry, the focus was to develop the city into a “shopper’s paradise” & “a city that never sleeps” to entices more oversea visitors and increase the consumer market. In a bid to gain the publics support for the development the government made a series of advertisement showing the world that Hong Kong is a shopper’s paradise & these advertising campaigns mediate a message to the public that the development of shopping malls & skyscrapers are of utmost importance. (Man, 2013, p. 9).
Other examples of citizens utilizing their space includes art exhibitions in squares or shopping mall entrances, protesting in the streets and malls, showing
District
Mong Kok is located in the 3rd highest density district, Yau Tsim Mong district, as shown in table 1. The government implemented a scheme to encourage more pedestrian usage on ground, LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PANEL ON TRANSPORT, no date). Selected streets have allocated times that forbid vehicle usage, meaning that it can provide a safer environment for pedestrians to travel on street level. Also reducing vehicle congestion in the surrounding areas. -13-
The streets of Mong Kok have a mix of traditional and modern buildings as well as street performers. This particular district is known for the shopping and entertainment life on the streets of the city. During the evening street performers set up and share their talent with pass byers, streets nearby are full of stalls attempting to sell novelty souvenirs to tourists and endless amount of advertisement and telecommunication companies attempting you to buy a new phone with them. All these portray the culture of Hong Kong.
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However, the government has been launching plans to relocate these cultural places in Hong Kong. The government desires to confine these open public spaces into the shopping malls. So that they can develop more shopping spaces on the previous ‘public space’. In fact, some of the cultural streets have already began this process such as Lee Tung Street. Also known as wedding card street, full of small business dedicated to the wedding industry. Had been relocated in a nearby shopping mall to demolish the space to make way for residential & commercial buildings, (Cheng, 2015)
[Fig.14 Mong Kok pedestrian scheme streets]
their needs or will they be controlled due to the private investors limiting their choices. Changing the cultural streets into a shopping paradise. This brings me on to the following, discussing integrating of public spaces in private/public spaces, Quasi-public spaces. How does the public benefit from this space, how are these spaces incorporated in the publics lifestyle to allow inclusive accessibility to these spaces? Will these public spaces remain as the definition of public spaces on ground or will the meaning change when public spaces are no longer on ground.
[Fig.15 Mong Kok, Ladies Market]
these plans are to help ‘urbanize’ the city and part of urbanizing the city is to reimagine a modern city. Therefore the government believes that a space that is rooted in culture or has a sense of belonging must be removed to become a ‘modern’ space, (黃, 2007).
[Fig.16 Mong Kok street performer]
Although these spaces are being relocated to shopping malls how will the same experiences on ground be recreated in the confined spaces allocated. As the experiences on ground cannot be easily replicated. The bustling sound of the sea of people, people trying to push pass one another to get across the streets, the noise from the performances & surrounding vendors, the heat & humidity. These are all elements of experiencing the cultural streets of Hong Kong. How similar can shopping mall spaces reflect the cultural of the streets on ground. Will the ‘new space’ provide a flexible space allowing the public to use the space to
Plans for cultural streets in Mong Kok such as ‘Trainers street’ & ‘Ladies market’ are in discussion to be relocated into nearby shopping malls. To also be developed into shopping malls. However, the public have voiced their objection to these plans but these voices are unheard because -14-
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Chapter 3: Public Spaces Above Ground
3.1 Environmental Issues of High Density Living Before discussing public spaces in the sky, I shall begin to analyse the environmental issues that have been raised in the city. A city with such high density levels as Hong Kong, it is vital to tackle environmental issues such as air quality in the city. The city environmental department is hoping to tackle issues that have been a threat to the air quality in the city and have identified the two main issues to tackle, (Environmental Protection Department: Air Pollution Control Strategies, 2014).
Professor Li Yuguo, from the mechanical engineering departments at the University of Hong Kong. Stated that there are buildings that help provide better street level ventilation in the city such as HSBC headquarters design of the ground level lobby provides a 10metre opening from ground to 1st floor. But even with this resolution it comes with development problems, the price to pay for better airflow is not being able to have “7-eleven stores on ground level of every building�, (Kao,2015).
One of these issues is to tackle the issues of traffic congestion in the city, as demonstrated in Mong Kong scheme. The city heavily relies on the roads of Hong Kong for transport on ground level, these forms of transport for the public include: buses, trams, public light buses, light rail & taxis. As well as private vehi-
cles from local drivers and nearby cities i.e.: Macau all contribute to the traffic congestion. The build-up of the traffic congestion causes roadside air pollution creating hazardous air pollution at street level. The problematic issue of having the pollution cluster at street level is the difficulty for the air to escape due to the build of the city. The density & tightly packed skyscrapers leave little room for ventilation on ground level in the city trapping the air creating a heat island. During the day it can be said that gentle breezes can be felt in the city despite the density. However, these breezes are man-made breezes from the islands trapped heat, rather than natural breezes, (Kao, 2015).
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[Fig. 17 Elevated walkway, Quasi-public space]
[Fig.18 HSBC Headquarters lobby]
Another issue that the environmental department would like to tackle is the regional air pollution. Hong Kong a region of China. Known for having air pollution issues therefore the government devised a partnership with the neighbouring city Guangdong to help improve air pollution levels in both cities.
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Guangdong is a city that heavily relies on the industrial economic sector, creating the unhealthy air within
3.2 Quasi-Public Spaces It can be said that there is a tension between the
the city. Therefore, the partnership of both cities would like to reduce emissions produced by power plants in Guangdong. While Hong Kong will work on lowering marine emissions & tackle emissions from motor vehicles so that both cities are working side by side to reduce the air pollution in both cities. As there have health issues that links to the number of allergies & organ inflammations developed from the toxic air in Hong Kong. More common and more minor issues are irritation of the eyes nose, coughing, shortness of breath and in more intense cases asthma attacks, (Kilburn and Loh, 2011).
unboreable. Therefore, complexes connected on the
public and private distribution of space, but the public haven’t entirely lost their public space. From the development of private investors, a space known as quasi-public space was created. As aforementioned, the elevated walkway network was built from surrounding skyscraper developments in a district this space is considered a quasi-public space. A quasi-public space is a space that has “characteristics of public and private spaces”, (Leary-Owhin, 2016, p. 7). These spaces can be considered as a space to mitigate the public space lost on ground.
walkway have air conditioning that flows into the walkways making more users use the walkways and also a more comfortable temperature to travel in the city. Asides from the elevated walkway & MTR system classifying as quasi-public spaces, shopping malls are also included in this category. As from the Cantonese definition of a public space, a space that enables public access regardless of ownership falls in the category of public spaces. Shopping malls are a space that is a partnership between the public & private. As they are designed for the public by the private, hoping that the public will bring back the investment put in to the ‘public space’. Spaces such as shopping malls provide the public an assortment of activities under one space, i.e.: purchasing consumer goods, to dining, to entertainment such as: cinemas, ice-skating etc. But in return for the convenience there is a price to pay, whether it is going to a café & purchasing a beverage to use their seating to purchasing goods to access the Wi-Fi.
This can be considered a start of integrating public spaces in the high density city, however these spaces are meticulous designed so that users are behaved in a specific manner from the mapping of this elevated network. Journeys taken on the walkways led you
However, it can be said that despite the issues that arise from the design of high density living it can also balance out the negative effects it causes to the city. As there have been debates about integrating public spaces into skyscrapers. “public realm being elevated above the ground floor-in turn having access to the fresher and cleaner air” (Martini-Ridley, 2016). This could be an initiator of ways to integrate public realm into skyscraper so that not only does it provide better air quality as users would be further away from the pollution at ground level but also initiating a start of integration public spaces in a private space.
onwards to more quasi-public spaces such as nearby developer complexes, leading the public further to cooperate lobbies, before finally arriving at another quasi-public space the MTR transportation station. Before you are able to complete your journey on further.
[Fig.19 Traffic congestion, Hong Kong, Prince Edward] -18-
Therefore, without realising the public are essentially led into more quasi-public spaces so that not only the public benefit from more ‘public space’ but the private developers can have the public led straight to their shopping complexes. This quasi-public elevated walkway can also be a shelter from the extreme weather the city has, during the peak of the summer season the outdoor temperature and humidity can making travelling outdoors for a long period of time
Also these spaces are developed to fulfil the economical stance of the city, Asia’s world city providing the never-ending shopping experience in the city. With the convenience of the quasi-public elevated walk-
way from the MTR station connecting you on further to more shopping complexes. Routes de-signed so that it leaves the public little control of routes to take on this walkway except for ones provided leading you towards the private developer’s complexes. -19-
3.3 Successful Integration of Public Spaces Above Ground & the Future of Public Spaces Previously discussed the success of a public spaces in a high density city can be reflected on the integration of the multi-levels of the city. We shall be analysing existing public spaces integration above ground from around the world to discover ways to create better integrated public spaces in the future
It can be said that this particular public space is successful due to the location and the needs it has to fulfil for the public. This public space not only acts as ta public space to relieve urban living but also act as the lack of green space for surrounding residential areas. Despite the location on a shopping complex it provides the privacy that the public needs from an urban city. Also Integrating the public space is vital as it brings convenience to the public when using the space using the principle of the oblique to create a smooth transition. With the public transportation leading the public right to the department store it convenient for the public to use the public space.
South Korea is also known for the large population & density of the country had revealed their method of providing more public space to the city. Home to a 20’000sqft garden in Ulijeongbu Seoul, (Walker, 2014) is the densest district in South Korea. Is built on the 9th floor of a department building comprising of 12th storey’s. This garden provides a green space in an urban area & also provides a safer space for the public & children to socialize in the busy city. The location of the garden is se-cluded so that it removes
A public sky garden was proposed in London and would be built in 20 Fenchurch Street building. Despite the proposed public sky garden the public space
the stresses of living in an urban city and this garden can be considered as a green space that is lacking in the high density residential complexes within the proximity.
[Fig. 20 Sky Garden, South Korea]
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has been heavily criticized as it did not fulfil the publics expectation of a ‘public space’. Located on the top floor of the building It supposedly have incredible views over London. But due to the structure of the building critic’s claimed that “it feels a lot like being in an airport terminal”, (Dangerfield, 2015). Rather than being a space to relieve from urban stresses it became a space that the public felt trapped in. In addition to access the sky gardens a fee must be paid or a free visit can be made by booking three days in advanced with an allocated arrival & departure time making night views of the city ‘exclusive’ to those who paid a fee to access the ‘public space’. Therefore, the ‘public’ sky gardens weren’t the public space the city hoped for.
[Fig 22. University of Hong Kong, Academic 3 building]
[Fig. 21 London Sky Garden]
Although the following space is not a public space, it is an integrated above ground green space in Hong Kong that should be noted. The University of Hong Kong, academic 3 building was built to facilitate the growing university. The focus of the design was to combat the environmental issues seen in the city. Examples of this: the window system is curved so that it allows two directions of lightto hit the spaces within
It can be said that Hong Kong is beginning to look at methods and ways to integrate public space into the high density city. Using methods such as quasi-space to provide for both the public & private and the oblique to make a better habitable city above ground. Also using methods to integrate the multiple levels of the city so that being ‘off ground’, is part of a lifestyle that is accustomed to the public of the city. This will help the future public spaces that are higher up so that they are inclusive to all and also easily accessible. Although creating a public space that entirely fulfils the public space definition in a private space can be difficult but, “Successful public space is not defined by legal ownership so much as use”, (Worpole and Greenhalgh, 1996, p.45). The ownership shouldn’t dictate how exclusive a public space could be, it should be a space that reflects interest of both the public & private. Indicating in the future there could possibly be the ‘ideal’ tbalance between the public & private, public space. As cities become denser the more skyscrapers will be
the building.
Not only does this allow natural lighting into the building, but the materials used is low-emissivity to reduce the temperature of the building. Making the building not only environmentally friendly but also energy saving, (CityU NewsCentre - green design for new academic buildings, no date). The university also features a sky garden so that it provides a green space in the urban city. The garden is placed at the student dormitory on site, that leads towards the campus & also goes down to street level to give a stress free environmental for the students.The garden also acts as a form of heat insulation for the upper floors of the university.
built to facilitate the population meaning that the future of public spaces will transform to quasi-public spaces. -21-
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[Fig.7 Plaza, Private owned public space] Image provided by: http://www.hkpsi.org/wordpress/wp-content/ uploads/2015/05/what_3l.jpg (Accessed: 15 January 2017).
Tables:
To summarise the studies of public spaces in high density Hong Kong. We learn that there is an endless tension between the public & private, the distribution of spaces & the flexibility of these spaces. Although these spaces may not comply with the western definition of a public space understandingly the public of Hong Kong see spaces that allow access for the public are ultimately public spaces.
[Table 1: Density of 18 districts of Hong Kong: Census 2015]: Table E489: Land area, mid-year population and population density by district council district (2016) Available at: http://www.censtatd.gov. hk/hkstat/sub/sp150.jsp?productCode=D5320189 (Accessed: 8 January 2017).
[Fig.8 Hong Kong MTR station] Image provided by: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HK_Central _%E4%B8%AD%E7%92%B0%E7%AB%99_MTR_ Hong_Kong_Station_interior_visitors_Sept-2011.jpg (Accessed: 15 January 2017).
Images:
Chapter 2 cover image: [Fig.9 Tang ancestral hall, Ping Shan] Image provided by: https://www.iiconservation.org/congress/2014hongkong (Accessed: 29 September 2016).
Cover photo, image provided by: https://iudblog.files. wordpress.com/2014/08/a20_michael-wolf_architecture-of-density.jpg (Accessed: 10 January 2017).
There is also an ongoing tension between the ground & above ground. With the limited space left in the city the only method to expand is to build up. But by building up higher, the city becomes more restricted as essentially is does not classify as a “public space”. But a space for the public designed by the private so that they will behave in a specific way, i.e.: the quasi-public walkway.
Chapter 1 cover image: [Fig.1 Hong Kong from Victoria peak] Image taken by author.
[Fig.10 Map identifying SPUOS in Hong Kong] Image provided by: http://database.hkpsi.org/# , filtered to view only ‘gardens & sitting out areas’ (Accessed: 8 December 2016).
[Fig.2 Shun Tak Centre & Sheung Wan] Image provided by: Frampton, A., Solomon, J.D., Wong, C. and Soloman, J. (2012) Cities without ground. ; A Hong Kong guidebook. United States: Oro Editions. p.36
However, it can be said that the city has experimented in numerous ways with different typologies to achieve a better integrated city between the multiple levels. As the integration of the city is vital to provide a smoother transition in the city & also create a better public circulation within the city. So that spaces above will become a route that is part of a daily walking routine on the quasi-public walkways.
[Fig.11 Elderly playing Chinese checkers] Image provided by: http://www.bauhinia.org/index.php/zh-HK/ analyses/392 (Accessed: 28 September 2016).
t Image provided by: Parent, C., Johnston, P. and Virilio, P. (1996) The function of the oblique: The architecture of Claude Parent and Paul Virilio 19631969 (A.. London: Architectural Association Publications. p.68
It can be said that Hong Kong is at the beginning phase of integrating public spaces in the high density city, & that there is room for improvement. Meaning the fight for more public space in Hong Kong hasn’t ended yet.
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[Fig.12 Elderly exercising] Image provided by: https:// littlekoo.wordpress.com/tag/playground/ (Accessed: 28 September 2016).
[Fig.4 Footbridge in Central] Image provided by: Frampton, A., Solomon, J.D., Wong, C. and Soloman, J. (2012) Cities without ground. ; A Hong Kong guidebook. United States: Oro Editions. p.16
Fig.13 Domestic workers ‘one-day home’ HSBC Headquarters] Image provided by: Hou, J. (ed.) (2010) Insurgent public space: Guerrilla urbanism and the remaking of contemporary cities. New York: Routledge. p.9
[Fig.5 Victoria park, Hong Kong] Image provided by: http://www.hkpsi.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/what_1l.jpg (Accessed 15 January 2017).
[Fig.14 Mong Kok pedestrian scheme streets]: Image provided by: http://www.td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_ hong_kong/pedestrianisation/pedestrianisation/ mong_kok/
[Fig.6 Public Arena] Image provided by: http://www. hkpsi.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/ what_5l.jpg (Accessed: 15 January 2017).
[Fig.15 Mong Kok, Ladies market] Image provided by: http://eatscape.com/visual-diary-the-ladies-market-hong-kong/ (Accessed: 15 January 2017). -23-
[Fig.16 Mong Kok street performer] Image provided by: https://hkbuonlinejour.files.wordpress. com/2010/11/img_5634.jpg (Accessed: 21 November 2016). Chapter 3 cover image: [Fig. 17 Elevated walkway, Quasi-public space] Image provided by: https://expatlingo.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/img_5298.jpg (Accessed 15 January 2017). [Fig.18 HSBC Headquarters lobby] Image provided by: http://www.fosterandpartners.com/projects/hongkong-and-shanghai-bank-headquarters/ (Accessed 15 January 2017).
Books: Barlow, M. (2001) Public places in Asia Pacific cities (GeoJournal Library-Vol. 60): Current issues and strategies. Edited by Pu Miao and Miao Pu Miao. Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publishers.
Reinke, S. (2015) The promise of public realm: Urban spaces in the skyscraper city. Available at: http:// global.ctbuh.org/resources/papers/download/2466the-promise-of-public-realm-urban-spaces-in-theskyscraper-city.pdf (Accessed: 12 October 2016).
Frampton, A., Solomon, J.D., Wong, C. and Soloman, J. (2012) Cities without ground. ; A Hong Kong guidebook. United States: Oro Editions.
Yu, P., Robin (no date) A study on quasi-public space in large scale private residential development, case in Hong Kong. Available at: http://hub.hku.hk/bitstream/10722/52819/6/FullText.pdf?accept=1 (Accessed: 26 October 2016).
Leary-Owhin, M.E. (2016) Exploring the production of urban space: Differential space in Three post-industrial cities. United Kingdom: Policy Press. Ling, O.G. (2007) The globalization, the city and civil society in pacific Asia: The social production of civic spaces. Edited by Mike Douglass, Kong Chong Ho, and Giok Ling Ooi. London: Routledge.
[Fig.19 Traffic congestion, Hong Kong, Prince Edward] Image provided by: http://www.thb.gov.hk/eng/ policy/transport/issues/img/ckr_05.jpg (Accessed: 15 January 2017).
Lopez, D.S. (ed.) (1996) Religions of china in practice. United States: Princeton University Press.
[Fig. 20 Sky Garden, South Korea] Image provided by: http://www.metropolismag.com/June-2014/ Hidden-Garden-in-the-Sky/ (Accessed: 15 January 2017).
Parent, C., Johnston, P. and Virilio, P. (1996) The function of the oblique: The architecture of Claude Parent and Paul Virilio 1963-1969 (A.. London: Architectural Association Publications.
[Fig. 21 London Sky Garden] Image provided by: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20_Fenchurch_Street#/ media/File:The_Sky_Garden.jpg (Accessed: 15 January 2017).
Academic studies: Ka, L. and Claire, M. (2013) ‘A critical study of the public space in Hong Kong’, MCS symposium on, 23.
[Fig 22. University of Hong Kong, Academic 3 building] Image provided by: http://architizer.com/blog/ hong-kong-education/ (Accessed: 03 December 2016).
Lau, S.S.Y. (2015) ‘Title: Genesis of a vertical city in Hong Kong’, International Journal of High-Rise Buildings, 4(2). Martini-Ridley, A. (2016) ‘Elevating the horizontal: The skyscraper as the public realm’. Ming, H., Lau, H. and Ming (2014) Investigating the small public urban open spaces at high-density cities: A case study of Hong Kong. Available at: http:// uu.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:729680/FULLTEXT01.pdf (Accessed: 28 September 2016). -24-
Websites: Brand Hong Kong, Asia’s World City (2015) Available at: http://www.brandhk.gov.hk/html/en/index.html (Accessed: 23 November 2016). Cap 228 -SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE (2016) Available at: http://www.legislation.gov.hk/ blis_pdf.nsf/4f0db701c6c25d4a4825755c00352e35 /8353603A521DBDA7482575EE0050088B/$FILE/ CAP_228_e_b5.pdf (Accessed: 16 November 2016). Cheng, K. (2015) No more ‘I love you’: Lee tung street redevelopment project changes back to its old name | Hong Kong free press. Available at: https:// www.hongkongfp.com/2015/10/26/no-more-i-loveyou-lee-tung-street-redevelopment-project-changes-back-to-its-old-name/ (Accessed: 23 November 2016).
News articles: Cheng, K. (2015) No more ‘I love you’: Lee tung street redevelopment project changes back to its old name | Hong Kong free press. Available at: https:// www.hongkongfp.com/2015/10/26/no-more-i-loveyou-lee-tung-street-redevelopment-project-changes-back-to-its-old-name/ (Accessed: 23 November 2016).
CityU NewsCentre - green design for new academic buildings (no date) Available at: http://wikisites.cityu. edu.hk/sites/newscentre/en/Pages/201206211214. aspx (Accessed: 23 November 2016).
Dangerfield, A. (2015) Walkie Talkie skyscraper’s public garden opens amid criticism. Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-30709757 (Accessed: 15 January 2017).
Environmental Protection Department: Air Pollution Control Strategies (2014) Available at: http:// www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/air/ prob_solutions/strategies_apc.html (Accessed: 23 November 2016).
Ge, C. (2015) Living the high life: Hong Kong tops world charts for skyscrapers - and most of them are residential. Available at: http://www.scmp.com/news/ hong-kong/economy/article/1896807/living-highlife-hong-kong-tops-world-charts-skyscrapers-and (Accessed: 27 December 2016).
GovHK (2014) Hong Kong – the facts. Available at: http://www.gov.hk/en/about/abouthk/facts.htm (Accessed: 13 January 2017).
Kang, J. (2016) Study Reveals 95% Of Filipino, Indonesian Helpers In Hong Kong Exploited Or Forced Labor. Available at: http://www.forbes.com/sites/ johnkang/2016/03/18/study-reveals-95-of-filipino-indonesian-helpers-in-hong-kong-exploited-or-forcedlabor/#f3a193d149c0 (Accessed: 23 November 2016).
Hong Kong Government: fact sheets - population (2015) Available at: http://www.gov.hk/en/about/ abouthk/factsheets/docs/population.pdf (Accessed: 16 November 2016). Hong Kong international airport (HKG/VHHH) (2016) Available at: http://www.airport-technology.com/ projects/cheklapkok_new/ (Accessed: 23 December 2016).
Kao, E. (2015) Hong Kong struggling to breathe under weight of ‘maximum’ urban -25-
Kilburn, M. and Loh, C.K.W. (2011) The costs and benefits of high-density urban living. Available at: https://lsecities.net/media/objects/articles/the-costsand-benefits-of-high-density-urban-living/en-gb/ (Accessed: 13 January 2017).
Walker, C. (2014) Olson Kundig designs rooftop play space in South Korea. Available at: http://www. archdaily.com/527871/olson-kundig-designs-rooftopplay-space-in-south-korea (Accessed: 23 November 2016). -kong-struggling-breathe-under-weight-maximum-urban-density (Accessed: 23 November 2016).
Labour Department - Hong Kong government (2016) Practical guide for employment of foreign domestic helpers – what foreign domestic helpers and their employers should know on First employment medical attention and sickness allowance termination of employment contract Enquiries and complaints letter of T. Available at: http://www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/ wcp/FDHguide.pdf (Accessed: 19 November 2016).
Chinese articles: 黃碧虹 (2007) 消失的空間與湮沒的歷史 ──「都市革 命」下的街道文化. Available at: http://www.ln.edu. hk/mcsln/6th_issue/index.html (Accessed: 8 January 2017).
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PANEL ON TRANSPORT (no date) Available at: http://www.legco.gov.hk/ yr99-00/english/panels/tp/papers/a1041e03.pdf (Accessed: 23 November 2016). Martin, B. (2015) ‘The oblique function’ by Claude Parent and Paul Virilio - ARCHILIBS, architecture ad libs. Available at: https://www.archilibs.com/obliquefunction-claude-parent-paul-virilio/ (Accessed: 14 January 2017). Public space (no date) Available at: http://urbanhongkong.weebly.com/public-space.html (Accessed: 23 December 2016). Taylor, M. and Cristina (no date) Living at density: Voices of Hong Kong residents. Available at: https:// lsecities.net/media/objects/articles/living-at-density/ en-gb/ (Accessed: 28 September 2016). Yeh, A. (2011) High-density living in Hong Kong. Available at: https://lsecities.net/media/objects/articles/high-density-living-in-hong-kong/en-gb/ (Accessed: 27 December 2016).
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