CHENG Laiwa Nat_Urban Planning and Design Portfolio_2020

Department of Urban Planning and Design

Faculty of Architecture University of Hong Kong

Collection of Academic and Graphic Work

CHENG LAI WA NATALIE

PORTFOLIO

URB AN P L ANNING AND DESIGN 2 015-2019

Cu rricu lu m Vita e

CHENG LAI WA C O NT A C T

WORK EXPERIENCES

Hong Kong

Project Officer

852-6803-2187

Centre for Civil Society and Governance

natclw@hku.hk

October 2019 - Now Assisting in various public engagement projects, such as the Pilot Study on Underground Space Development in Selected Strategic Urban Areas Conducting research on social sustainability issues

Project Assistant (Curatorial & Design) Crafts on Peel Jan 2019 – September 2019

E DU CATI ON

LA NG UA G E

Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies, The Faculty of Architecture

Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin)

The University of Hong Kong

English

September 2015 – August 2019 Second Class Honours - Division One 2017-2018 Lee Shau Kee Scholarships for Student Enrichment 2017-2018 Dean’s Honour List Civil Society, Community Development, Cultural Landscape, Public Participation, Sustainability, Urban Planning And Design, Urban Policy And Management

S KILLS Adobe Creative Suite AutoCad GIS Mapping Software Lumion

Non-EU Occasional Engineering & Architecture,

MS Office Suite

University College Dublin

Rhinoceros

August 2017 – January 2018 Attained GPA 2017-2018 Sem 1: 3.78 Discovering Ireland Landscape Geographical Perspectives Society and Environment Ireland Heritage & Culture

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Assisting in design of multiple exhibition collaterals, including publications, signage, posters, and educational and promotional materials Developing relationships and networks with international and regional artists Taking lead in content development and conducting academic research for preparation of write-ups for exhibitions and publications Researching, planning and executing exhibitions and other public programmes

Sketch-Up SPSS Statistics

Research Assistant The Department of Building and Real Estate at POLYU June 2018 – September 2019 Researching on the subjects of rural-urban transition in China and community design in Hong Kong Designing and maintaining website in HTML formatting

P ROJE CTS

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Preserve the Identity :

Urban Design and Development :

New Town Planning and Development :

Metamorphosis of Floating Community in Aberdeen

Cheung Sha Wan Optimal Development Plan

Impact Assessment of Yuen Long South New Town Development

Urban studies studio II, Spring 2017

Urban studies studio I, Fall 2016

Advanced urban studies studio, Fall 2018

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Visual Art :

Graphic Design :

Sketches Painting

Illustration Editorial Design

P re s e r ve th e I d e n t i t y:

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METAMORPHOSIS OF FLOATING COMMUNITY IN ABERDEEN

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-----Understanding a place is to understand the context of its setting, culture, and memory.

Aberdeen, Hueng Kong Tsai (Little Hong Kong), has for generations been a fishing port and home to the water people. The numerous junks dotted within the harbor, with lively activities that take place along the waterfront, giving Aberdeen of their distinctive local characteristics. The fishermen culture has been deeply rooted on both sides of the harbor that the landscape there is greatly influenced by the floating community. However, resulting from rapid real estate development and the discontinuation of the fishing culture, Aberdeen seems to homogenize.

The 240-years-old Hung Shing Temple and the celebration of the Hung Shing Festival

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In this studio, we carried out an in-depth baseline study to analyze the way of life of the floating communities and how they shape the cultural landscape and social fabric in Aberdeen. Their worship toward god, their perceived space of spatial practice and their changes in sense of place are presented through graphical panels, models and videos. The promenade, street spaces, and shop fronts are the emphasis of study.

Section Through the Site

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THE WATER COMMUNITY

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There shows a diversified spatial relationship between Aberdeen and the fisherman, in which the typology of space is presented here. It is noted that the spatial interaction mostly occurs near the harbor and the Ap Lei Chau Main Street, where the daily routine of fishermen in Aberdeen is practiced.

Further, while some spaces are of daily use, the space for ritual and cultural practices are utilized only during certain times of the year.

Ritural Space: Traditonal ritural ceremony is crucial to every boat people in order to protect them for better fishing yield Public Space: Kaifongs, i.e. people living in the neighbourhood usually come and have chat outside the Ap Lei Chau Wet Market.

The Busy Ap Lei Chau Main Street and Its Spatial Pattern

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Public-Private Space: Some stall owners will offer a stool or two for shoppers to be seated within their stall or the public space for a casual chat.

Cultural Space: Fishermen culture is the most colorful local fabric of Aberdeen, thereby, space in Hung Shing temple has been as much as cultural space as it is religious.

SPATIAL ANALYSIS

Economic and Social Value of Public Spaces

Neighborhood and Community Gathering Spaces

A series of maps showcased the activity spaces of the floating community, along the Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau Main Street and sheltered from mass developments (e.g. South Horizon, and Aberdeen Estate).

Activities Captured Outside the Shops, Street and the Promenade

To those who live offshore, most of the activities are carried out in their boats: dining, touring, working, gathering, gambling, wholesaling, sun drying of seafood and etc.. Their perceived space is unlimited.

Shops, street spaces, and back-alleys are therefore utilized by the fishermen, which creates a diversified space programme comprising economic, social and cultural uses.

It is worthy noted, some stall owners will offer stools for kaifongs to chit-chat. Some even have colorful canopies and the linen tents for sun shading outside the shop which compresses the scale of the space while enhancing the intimacy of the place.

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Cultural Value of Public Spaces

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CONCEPTUAL MODEL OF CULTURAL

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LANDSCAPE IN ABERDEEN

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SPATIAL MODEL We developed a three-layer conceptual model based and modified o n L e f e b v r e 's s p a t i a l t h e o r y t o interpret and display Aberdeen.

The first layer represents a conception of the physical space, where the wooden blocks are the perceived form of Aberdeen.

The second layer refers to the representations of space as conceived space, which is to say, as spaces

Perceived Space

FLOATING COMMUNITY The first layer portrays the compact urban environment in Aberdeen. In the 1960s, the water was covered by a blanket of boats; now there are fishing junks next to luxury yachts; temples and shipyards side by side high-rises.

As a result of the Industrialization and modernization impact, the physical environment of Aberdeen gradually changes, more or less profound changes will affect the form and the content of the fishermen community.

Besides, the hanging model also symbolizes the floating community.

Many boat-dwelling fishermen have moved onshore but still retain their living style on sea. For them, identity is not just a matter of cultural politics, but also an issue of personal anchorage, cultural roots and selfpositioning.

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as conceived by boat people and kaifongs.

The third layer is the lived space that showcases the daily life and routine of residents in Aberdeen.

Conceived space

Conceived space

FORMATION OF NEIGHBORHOOD

SENSE OF PLACE

The second layer portrays the typhoon shelter with the wavy fishing net supported by black sticks, representing the close-knit community. As mentioned, some stall owners would offer seats for their neighbors and kaifongs to come and have a chat under their roof. The scene of residents gathering in front of shops to gossip or to dry seafood together is a very common occasion in Ap Lei Chau.

Meanwhile, the fishing net also symbolises the fisherman culture in Aberdeen. Despite the decrease in the number of fishermen, those who make their living from the sea retain their traditions. Their unique spatial practice has made Aberdeen distinctive from other districts in Hong Kong.

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The underneath layer represents an abstract idea of the dissolution of the vernacular sense of place of the floating community in Aberdeen. The sand in the bag symbolizes the "phenomena" Aberdeen has here. Our everyday life consists of concrete "phenomena", such as people, streets and shops as well as intangible "phenomena", such as feelings. We opened a hole at the bottom of the bag and took a video to document its changes. The falling sand not only represents the passing of time, but also heralds the gradual fading of culture.

With rapid urbanization, the existing community is gradually changing. Many people move from other districts into Aberdeen and fishermen become not the only kind of habitat in there.

U r b an D e sig n an d D evelopment :

CHEUNG SHA WAN OPTIMAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN This work proposes an optimal development plan for the land patch NKIL6549 in Kowloon, Hong Kong. A master layout plan for the middledensity residential site is proposed, in alignment with the planning vision and development restrictions.

The plan utilizes the proximity towards the harbourfront, where building orientations are adjusted for maximizing the Victoria Harbour view.

Human, nature and water integration is further enhanced through visual accessibility measures. The promenade is also envisioned with further extension towards the West Kowloon direction, where the proposed continuous waterfront experience embraces our water resource and brings people back to the harbourfront.

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Overview of Site

DESIGN DETAILS

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The masterplan is developed based on an intention to promote human-water connection under existing restrictions (e.g. retainment of the seawall). It also aims to create synergy effect with the surrounding land patch for maximizing users' experience.

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Spatial Characteristics

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Further, landscaping and planting play an important role in new site envision, providing a pleasant and healthy living space for residents in Cheung Sha Wan West.

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Bombax ceiba

Sapium sebiferum

Eranthemum nervosum

Thryallis gracilis

Open Space

Greenery

Connectivity

Function

Ne w To w n Pla n n i n g a n d D eve l o p me n t :

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IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF YUEN LONG SOUTH

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LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT S I T E A N A LY S I S

VISUAL SENSITIVE RECEIVER PLAN Environmental considerations have been the key factors in the planning of new towns. This work evaluates the environmental and social impacts of the proposed development in Yuen Long South as well as providing mitigation recommendations.

In assessing the landscape impact, areas within 500m distance from the project boundary are included for the baseline study. Through satellite images, aerial photography and secondary data, various landscape character area (LCA) and landscape resources (LR) within the assessment area are identified. Other than official sources, database from Hong Kong Biodiversity Information System, as well as “Landscape Character Map of Hong Kong� and "Landscape Value Map" are also considered.

In determining the sensitivity of the LCAs, 4 criteria including their quality, importance and rarity, ability to change and significance of changes in local context are considered.

Overview of Landscape Resources in Yuen Long South

LC 1: Watercourses

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LC 2: Urban Green Space

LC 3: Shrubland and Grassland

LC 4: Hillside Shrubland and Grassland

LC 5: Woodland

V I E W S H E D A N A LY S I S VSR 4 Tai Lam Mountain (Before)

For visual impact assessment, Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) are identified for assessing the impact of the proposed development. We have made use of the data from google earth and ArcGIS to further understand the existing visual setting while constructing a 3D model based on the RODP in SketchUp to illustrate the potential impacts of the development. Besides, viewshed analysis and photomontages are also carried out to demonstrate the visual changes.

VSR 6 Sha Ha Tsuen

Within the assessment area, viewpoints (VSRs) who would likely be affected by the proposed development are identified.

They are mainly located on publicly accessible and popular locations, such as open space and hiking trails. The selected VSRs represent the possible worst-case scenario under the proposed development.

VSR 4 Tai Lam Mountain (After)

LC 6: Village Type Development

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LC 7: Urbanised Development

LC 8: Brownfield

LC 9: Agricultural Land

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LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

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PHOTOMONTAGES

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There are four types of visual impacts that we should be identified and analyzed in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Town Planning Board. They include: Visual Compatibility with Surroundings, Improvement of Visual Quality, Visual Obstruction and Visual Intrusion.

Photomontages are created for a visual comparison before and after the development in the designated VSRs. It is estimated that the new town development poses a certain impact on the visual landscape of Yuen Long South, which are to be mitigated through further planning and design considerations (if possible) and mitigation measures.

VSR 2 Lam Tai East Road Near Nullah

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VSR 1 Yuen Long Park

VSR 3 One Hyde Park Bus Station

VSR 5 Tong Yan Sun Village

MITIGATION MEASURES The proposed mitigation measures introduce the concept of revitalization of water bodies. The existing concrete-lined trapezoidal Yuen Long Nullah located adjacent to the residential areas could provide precious riverside public space in the urban areas. The proposed scope of works includes resurfacing of the channel, provision of water-friendly features, modification of underground stormwater storage tanks at the upstream, and in-stream plantation, etc.

Eriobotrya japonica

Ilex asprella

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Rhaphiolepis Indica

Pennisetum alopecuroides

Cinnamomum burmannii

Celtis sinensis

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AIR IMPACT ASSESSMENT

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This work describes the potential air quality impacts associated with the construction and operational phases of the Yuen Long South New Development Area. With the implementation of practical mitigation measures, adverse construction air pollution impact is not anticipated. The assessment has included key representative Air Sensitive Receivers (ASRs) in the vicinity and considered the representative air pollutant: Respirable Suspended Particulates (RSP/PM10).

CONSTRUCTION Unmitigated Construction Phase 1 (Year 2027) Annual Emission of PM 10

Unmitigated Construction Phase 2 (Year 2036) Annual Emission of PM 10

During the operational phase, vehicular emission from the associated road traffic has been investigated. The assessment has also identified key representative ASRs and the representative air pollutants: Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2). The predicted air quality impacts due to vehicular emission are well within acceptable levels when comparing to the prevailing Air Quality Objectives (AQOs).

OPERATION Location of Existing and Planned Pollution Source of NO2

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MITIGATION Unmitigated Operation Phase 2 (Year 2041) 1 Hour Emission of NO2

TRAFFIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Assessment on traffic impact is divided into external and internal networks.

Impacts on Mass Transit Railway (MTR), light rail and highways / road network will be the main focus.

INTERNAL NETWORK

(AM PEAK/HOUR)

To MTR Stations

To Light Rail Stations

To Highway Junctions (Eastbound)

To Public Transportation Interchange (PTI)

While the TIA is not the main focus of the work, it is considered useful to comprehensively interpret the development impact that the project exemplifies, either positive of negative.

In this case, the new town development adds considerable pressure to the existing road and public transit system in Yuen Long. Hence, environmental impacts are inherited, including air and noise pollution which are to be further tackled by landscaping and greening measures.

INTERNAL NETWORK

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(AM PEAK/HOUR)

VIS UAL ART:

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SKETCHES

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Fall 2017 Tainan City, Taiwan

Fall 2018 Fukuoka, Japan

Fall 2018 Fukuoka, Japan

Fall 2018 Fukuoka, Japan

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Spring 2019 Kyoto, Taiwan

Spring 2019 Kyoto, Taiwan

Spring 2019 Kyoto, Japan

Spring 2019 Kyoto, Japan

VIS UAL ART:

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PAINTING

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Fall 2019 A Hiding Cat

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Fall 2019 Self-portrait

2018 Lily

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Fall 2019 Lily

Fall 2019 Hydrangea

Gr a p h ic De sig n :

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ILLUSTRATION

EDITORIAL DESIGN

2017 Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University

2016 Urban studies studio I, HKU

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2016 Architectural Society, HKUSU