Urban Planning & Design Thesis by Caia Yeung

Urban Design Dissertation

Place-making For An Ageing Population A Redesign Project of Urban Public Space in Hong Kong Public Rental Housing Estates For the Elderly

160195248 Page 1 (Photo taken from (Yip & Wong, 2015))

University of Sheﬃeld Faculty of Social Science

Urban Studies and Planning

Module 337: Dissertation Major Project: A Redesign Project of Urban Public Space in Hong Kong Public Rental Housing Estates For the Elderly: “To What Extent Can the Public Space of Podium Gardens Improve the Social and Physical Quality For The Old Ageing Population in Hong Kong Social Housing Estates?” Yeung Chak Yan (Caia)

I declare this design dissertation is my own work and that ideas, data, images and direct quotations which drawn from elsewhere are identified and referenced.

Student ID: 160195248 Word Count: 7978

Date: 29 March 2019

Page 2

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to acknowledge the guidance and substantial help from my supervisor Ally Lu during this long hours of this design project. I would also like to offer my special thanks to Andy Inch who helped me to identify my interest into design and planning within the process of my project. In general, the assistance, guidance and support from my professors and friends were greatly appreciated.

Page 3

ABSTRACT

In recent years, the global is striving for an age-friendly environment. By 2020, the paradigm demographic shift from the migrants in the Hong Kong colony will pass the age of 65. And this design dissertation attempts to redevelop and redesign a podium garden in Hong Kongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Public Housing Estate for the ageing population. The aim of this design dissertation is to answer and explore â&#x20AC;&#x153;To What Extent Can the Public Space of Podium Gardens Improve the Social and Physical Quality For The Old Ageing Population in Hong Kong Social Housing Estates?â&#x20AC;? The complexity of Hong Kong environment and development have led this investigation to be inspirational. The resources on the urban design for the older generation in Hong Kong is limited, therefore this investigation will be served as an insight for future planning to create an age-friendly community. The data collected in elderly centre has carried out to conclude the needs and improvements for the podium garden within housing estates. In general, the data collected has achieved to provide a new design vision to housing estates to improve the quality of life for the ageing population, as well as to encourage an age-friendly community and a sustainable environment. Word Count: 201 Page 4

TABLE OF CONTENTS Title Page

Acknowledgements

Abstract

4.1 Demographics

Contents Page

4.2 Site Analysis

List of Figures

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 4 PROPOSED SITE

CHAPTER 5 DATA COLLECTION

5.1 Observation

1.1 Aim & Objectives

5.2 Environmental Quality Assessment for the Elderly

1.2 Hong Kong Geographic

5.3 Social Responses

1.3 Historical Context

5.4 SWOT Analysis

1.3a Land Use

1.3b Types of Social Housing

1.4 Policy Context CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW

CHAPTER 6 DESIGN VISION & PRINCIPLES 6.1 Applying Design Strategies

34 35

CHAPTER 7 DESIGN CONCEPT EVOLUTION

CHAPTER 8 DESIGN PROPOSAL

2.1 Ageing in the Urban Environment

8.1 Towards a Masterplan

2.2 Jan Gehlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Life Between Buildings: Using Public Space (2011)

8.2 Close-Ups

2.3 The Needs for the Elderly

8.3 Section Plans

2.4 Urban Features to Enhance an Age-Friendly Environment

8.4 Masterplan

8.5 3D Diagrams

2.5 Summary of Literature Review

CHAPTER 9 CONCLUSION

CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY

Bibliography

3.1 Data Collection

Appendix

3.2 Sampling Procedure

3.3 Ethical Considerations

Page 5

LIST OF FIGURES Fig.01 - Hong Kong Population Pyramid in 2018

Fig.02 - The Podium Garden Design

Fig.20 - Types of Activities

Fig.21 - Collection of Movement and Behaviour Maps During the Weekdays and Weekends

29 29

Fig.03 - The Open Spaces in Hong Kong

Fig.04 - The Districts of Hong Kong

Fig.22 - People Observing the Landscape and the View from Podium

Fig.05 - The Burgess Urban Land Use Model of Hong Kong

Fig.23 - Students Running Around the Podium

Fig.24 - Students Playing in the Shelter

Fig.06 - Elderly Doing Exercise in Podium

Fig.25 - The Enclosure Ration of the Site

Fig.07 - Old People Use Walking Frame in Podium

Fig.26 - Poor Maintenance on Plants and Landscape

Fig.08 - Old People on Wheelchair With Family and Assistance

Fig.27 - The Overall Landscape Environment of the Podium

Fig.09 - Methodology & Objectives of the Study

Fig.28 - Environmental Quality Assessment

Fig.10 - Gehlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Behavioural Mapping Methodology

Fig.29 - Elderly Socialising and Sitting Together at Noon

Fig.11 - Photo of Lai-Yiu Estate in 2016

Fig.30 - What Time Does Participants Use the Podium

Fig.12 - Proposed Site Area

Fig.13 - Number of Persons are able to Read and Write

Fig.31 - The Activities that the Participants Do in Podium

Fig.14 - The Ethnicity in the Estate

Fig.32 - Number of Participants Using the Podium

Fig.15 - The Population by Age in the Estate

Fig.16 - The Sex Ratio in the Estate

Fig.33 - Main Street Furniture Participants are Concerned the Most

Fig.17 - Land Use Map

Fig.34 - Proposed Improvements by Participants

Fig.18 - Vehicles and Pedestrian Access and Movement

Fig.19 - Pedestrian Count

Fig.35 - Boring Environment and Lack of Activities in the Podium Fig.36 - No Old People Using the Podium After Morning

Page 6

Fig.37 - Structure Chart of Design Strategies

Fig.38 - A Quick Sketch of the Layout Plan

Fig.39 - Street Sections

Fig.40 - A Quick Sketch of a Curvilinear Layout

Fig.41 - A Quick Sketch Incorporating Rectilinear and Curvilinear Layout

Fig.42 - The Level of Exposure in Lai-Yiu Estate

Fig.43 - A Final Layout of Podium

Fig.44 - Creating Permeability for Building Structures

Fig.45 - 2D Masterplan

Fig.46 - Close Up of Refining Edges in the Site

Fig.47 - Taavetinpuisto Senior Sport Zone, Finland

Fig.48 - Norfolk Heritage Park, Sheffield, UK

Fig.49 - Superkilen Urban Park, Copenhagen

Fig.50 - Alexandra Park, Manchester, UK

Fig.51 - 3D Masterplan

Page 7

CHAPTER 1

Introduction There are more than 580 million people aged over 60 or older in the world. According to the Census and the Statistic Department, the ageing trend in Hong Kong will increase from 1.1 million in 2003 to 1.8 million in 2018 (See Figure 1) (Census and Statistics Department, 2018). In 2030, Hong Kong has forecast of a paradigm demographic shift for the aged community. As part of the support of housing and care provision for the ageing population, this study examines to investigate and build better public spaces in residential estates for the elderly population in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is facing major challenges to manage its demographic changes in society in particularly the demand for elderly goods and services. The elderly dependency ratio was 198 in 2014 and this ratio is projected to reach 567 by 2064 (Mok, 2018). The elderly population has been concentrated in the suburbs of Hong Kong and are facing urban deterioration in public open spaces where the social and physical quality of spaces for the elderly are not effectively incorporated in residential estates. With the complexity of the changes with urbanisation and the demographic trends of ageing, involving the elderly population in regeneration developments have been a major concern raised in 2017 Hong Kong agenda (LegCo, 2016b).

Figure 1: Hong Kong Population Pyramid in 2018 (Population Pyramid, 2018)

Page 8

Podium Garden (which to be investigated)

Residential Towers

Podium Garden

Residential Towers

Podium for Commercial Uses

Mountain Slant Figure 2: The Podium Garden Design of Lai-Yiu Estate

Page 9

Residential Towers

The rapid migration from Mainland China to Hong Kong in 1950 have led Hong Kong to face challenges on the overcrowding and demographic issue on high elderly dependency ratio. As the rapid urbanisation has transformed the urban landscape of Hong Kong into a densely built skyline, public spaces are at all levels. In this reason, the quality and quantity of public spaces are far from satisfactory. In light of the ageing population with the declination of lands in Hong Kong, podium gardens are allocated in an intermediate floor within the public rental housing estates to maximise the use of space while fulfilling the needs for residences (See Figure 2). The increase of living density prompts the threat of loss of open spaces in Hong Kong. The rapid urbanisation has led to a shortage of basic services in public housing estates and deficient urban design for the ageing population. As the ageing populating increase, the prevalence of diseases such as disabilities and frailty also increases. According to the 2016 Census, there are 67.2% of the ageing population are residing in public rental housing (ByCensus, 2016). Hence, an age-friendly environment is acquired in Hong Kongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development to promote healthy lifestyles and specific design for elderly. Although, with the global trend of population ageing, the issues on the city planning for the elderly people have received increased attention, research and literature on ageing friendly design developments are still limited on this chosen topic.

1.1 Aim & Objectives

The aim of this research is to investigate the elderly satisfaction on the typology of public space in podium garden in high-density living in Hong Kong. Due to the inefficient use of public spaces within public housing in Hong Kong, the investigation will acknowledge the needs of the older people and discuss its relation with the use of space and the social well-being of the elderly on podium gardens. The study will assess the potential for the elderly engaging in communities and propose design alternatives to serve as an insight for future policy-making to create an age-friendly environment with accessible health and quality social care for the ageing population.

“The older people remain the most excluded of those living in urban communities.” - (Buffel, 2012) “We need to make strategic decisions and prepare for a fast ageing population and, more importantly, to build agefriendly communities…” said Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, the government’s Secretary for Labour and Welfare.” (Wang, 2015)

This study will explore the central research question: To what extent can the urban public space of podium gardens improve the social and physical quality for the old ageing population in Hong Kong Social Housing Estates?” along with other four objectives raised from the central research question: • What are the needs of the seniors? • How does the public space in social housing in Hong Kong

aﬀect the quality of life on the ageing population and in its residential neighbourhood developments? • How can the design of public spaces facilitate the older

generation to be physically and mentally healthy? • Develop design recommendations for promoting an ageing-

friendly public space in residential developments

Page 10

1.2 Hong Kong Geographic

Figure 3: The Open Spaces in Hong Kong (Photo taken from (Tong, 2017)).

Hong Kong is located in the Southern Coast of China, with a population of 7 million in an area of 1100km2 (Worldometers, 2018). Hong Kong has an average population density of approximately 6,700 persons per sqkm (Trading Economics, 2016). Hong Kong's population density far exceeds other Western mega-cities such as London respectively. The shortage of land supply makes Hong Kong to develop high-rise living predominant with unique urban environment such as a podium garden endowed with amenities and public landscape (Deng et al., 2016). The excessive developments reduce the quality and the quantity of open spaces. Currently, Hong Kong has conflicts on the low standard of plantable sites and the ineffective statutory shields to protect the urban greenery (Referred to Figure 3). In 2008, Hong Kong has recorded to have 1412 small green local sites including small parks and gardens. From 2003 to 2008, open space areas have increased by only 11% (Lo & Jim, 2010).

Page 11

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Poor design is when designers never think the needs for the users. Design for users is the main aspect for designing, or else the design will be invalid.â&#x20AC;? - Junjie Huang, 2018

Figure 4: The Districts of Hong Kong (Map taken from (Roam, 2018))

1.3 Historical Context

1.3a Land Use

Suburbs

During the British Empire colonisation on Hong Kong, Hong Kong has divided into 4 main districts (See Figure 4). The districts are the representative of the social class divide. The district of New Territories is the suburb of Hong Kong and is the closest location to the border of Mainland China (See Figure 5). The new migration policy in 1950 had increased a large influx of refugees from Mainland China to the New Territories. With the shortage of developable lands in Hong Kong, the Housing Authority in Hong Kong began to construct affordable housing in the New Territories to accommodate the overpopulation of Chinese migrants and lowerincome families as temporary shelters. Currently, the New Territories district serves to be the main district for the Government to undergo public housing development projects for the older generation and migrants from China with podium squares to meet the needs for the residences. Nevertheless, buildings are densely constructed with a podium garden to make efficient use of space, however these buildings in New Territories are inadequate and often given less attention by the Housing Authorities because of its distance decay to the urban core areas of Hong Kong.

Outer Core Inner City

CBD

Figure 5: The Burgess Urban Land Use Model of Hong Kong (Map taken from Google Maps, 2018).

Page 12

1.3 Historical Context

1.3b Types of Social Housing

The Public Rental Housing (PRH) accommodates more than 38% of the ageing population in Hong Kong (Wilk, 2017). Since the 1953 Shek Kip Mei squatter village fire, the Hong Kong Housing Authority has designed and improved the public housing complexes (Yeung, 2007). The Housing Authority has also provided guidance to improve the quality public housing for the poor and seniors, also with public spaces to satisfy the daily needs of users. In 1990, the building typologies of the public housing have been changed a lot in order to improve the living conditions for the elderly such as the building circulation and internal layout of the housing units (Yeung, 2007). The outbreak of SARS in 2003 also raised public awareness on health issues due to the overcrowded lining patterns in Hong Kong. The environmental sustainability has then became a priority in design PRH estates and the surrounding public open spaces (Deng et al., 2016).

Photo taken by me.

In 2012, the Housing Society (HKHS) with the provision of the Housing Authority have launched the ‘ageing in place’ with podium garden design in PRH estates to satisfy the life cycle requirements of residents (HKHS, 2018). The PRH estates provide an additional attention to barrier-free facilities and other amenities for the elderly. The podium gardens Page 13

were implemented to separate between buildings for building circulation and are designed for communal activities and get sufficient natural ventilation for residences (Yeung, 2007). The podium gardens in housing estates are usually considered as a secondary ground space and are not well utilised and maintained by the community. Consequently, the urbanisation shows no signs of declination and are reducing the quality of space and the social well-being on elderly. Although, the Housing Authority has been experimenting with green urban designs for public use for the elderly population, the government’s guidance on green designs are still inadequate (Housing Department, 2010). There have been criticism on the housing reform developments and services provided for the ageing population. The suburbs area of Hong Kong such as the New Territories district are found to have poorer allocation of open spaces and environment conditions overall. Brown et al. (2003) suggested that the poor physical condition of spaces will reduce the places’ attachment of the residents and will reduce the safety and security of the area. The quality of the podium garden exhibits the user satisfaction and the urban characteristics of Hong Kong. Therefore, this issue has raised concerns to enhance a social sustainable environment specifically towards the large proportion of the ageing population residing in PRH estates in Hong Kong.

(Photo taken from (HOK, 2017))

1.4 Policy Context

The design proposal complies with the planning policies and guidance provided by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) formed in 2000 by the provision of Hong Kong Government aligned with the WHO program to provide general recreation and social facilities for public use.

Hong Kong Action Plan

SUMMARY

WHO’s National Program

• National agenda prioritises green space and social facilities for an

In 2008, Hong Kong Government has initiated a “Recreation, Open Space and Greening” program as a guideline for planning in open spaces which sets out the need to provide planting and recreation facilities for residents with the emphasise to maximise the use of spaces (Shi et al., 2014). • 1.4.1b: provide more

passive open space and make eﬃcient use of space for the ageing population • 1.4.1c: improve the

quality of facilities (eg. planting, lighting etc…)

In 2010, Hong Kong has also been part of the WHO’s national programme, ’Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities’ to encourage age-friendly design recommendation to public (WHO, 2007).

ageing-friendly environment • The planning framework must make most efficient use of land for

varieties of facilities and services for the ageing population • Strategic guidance is provided to enhance social inclusion and

participation of old people in their neighbourhood

• 5.1: strategic planning

on the characteristics of the urban landscape that contributes to agefriendliness • 7.3/6/9: providing older

people with appropriate services and facilities in their housing environment • 9.3 Provide social

inclusion and participation in their neighbourhoods

Page 14

DISCUSSION However, the intensive use of space in Hong Kong has led to the reduction of green spaces and to be ineffective. Chan et al. (2016) commented the leisure activities and physical characteristics for the elderly are not considered in the planning process because the involvement of designing public spaces are usually planned in the latest stage of the process. The public spaces in the old districts are facing urban deterioration without proper planning and appropriate design considerations for the ageing population to interact in public spaces overall (Chan et al., 2016). Therefore, the Government must provide public reformation on the design of open spaces in estates to address the needs for the elderly and provide new social opportunities for an agefriendly environment.

CHAPTER 2 Literature Review After a background overview of the PRH, this section provides a literature review of public green space in housing estates in Hong Kong. There will be relevant issues and design principles for redesigning space for the ageing population compromising on the aspects of the public space for the elderly.

2.1 Ageing in the Urban Environment

The age-friendly concept has raised awareness of the impact of population ageing on the planning of urban environments. Hong Kong hosts a growing number of the first generation migrants that face challenges on the problem of poverty and poor housing issues. In this reason, the ageing population are facing urban challenges and variety of pressures with physiological and cognitive vulnerabilities. As the rapid changes on the patterns of spatial use, the old people needs support and opportunities through the design. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has proposed the policy objective for ‘agefriendly’ development in urban environments. The sub-goals in the Action Plan on Ageing and Health is to provide safe and accessible spaces for elderly. The WHO objectives reflect supportive urban communities for old people and has defined spaces to ‘optimise opportunities for health, participation and security to enhance quality of life as people age (WHO, 2007).’

Page 15

Photo taken by me.

“Public space is also the ‘eye’ of a city, revealing its genius loci, people and culture in a tangible and condensed way.” - by Rob Krier in Urban Space (Xue et al., 2012).

2.2 Jan Gehl’s Life Between Buildings: Using Public Space (2011)

In “Life Between Buildings”, Gehl (2011: pp.14) examines the aspects of sustainability, shared space, mixed-uses, sense of security, usability are what make public spaces meaningful and attractive. Gehl (2002) in “Public Space, Public Life” proposed, public spaces intertwine functional recreational and social activities for people to walk, sit, enjoy and be together with other people. Gehl (2011: pp.14) divided three categories on the physical environment in public spaces; necessary, option and social activities. In addition, public spaces provides physical elements to enhance pedestrian flows and stationary and moving activities. Overall, Gehl uses systematic and empirical observation of patterns of space use with movement mapping, analysing the physical condition of human sense (meet, see and hear) and reinforcing the sense of place of the environment (Gehl, 2011). Page 16 (Photo taken from (Echberg, 2014))

(All photos taken by me.)

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The elderly need a supportive environment including transportation and public spaces.â&#x20AC;? - (DPT, 2016)

2.3 The Needs for the Elderly

The social well-being and environmental preferences of the public open spaces are essential to the needs of the elderly and it is linked to the quality of lifestyle. Urban public spaces are seen as nodes of communication for the elderly and a stress relieve facility. There are increasing concerns of the urban populationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health problems which have put emphasising to increase the needs of the older people in considerations for the development of public spaces (Zhu et al., 2017). A research led by Chan et al. (2016) have revealed that the elderly population prefer more open spaces which provides them opportunities for social interactions, to be physically active and to avoid loneliness. As ageing increases, the psychological pressures and disability of health constraints will also increase (Referred to Figure 6,7,8). The physical environment of public spaces are significant to the elderly population, particularly to people who are reliant for local support and assistances. The ageing population are sensitive to certain changes in the physical environment, therefore they need the significant to maintain a sense of community and identity in public spaces (Rowles, 1983). The safety and security of public spaces also contribute to the perception of the elderly to access to spaces. High crime rates creates psychological barriers to the older people and may deter them to go out and feel insecure. There are approximately 11% of the ageing population are associated with dementia or cognitive impairments problems (LegCo, 2016a). Despite the psychological and physical constraints on the ageing population, the public spaces should provide opportunities for older people with social and cultural resources for the first and later generation migrants in Hong Kong. Page 17

Figure 6: Elderly doing exercise in podium

Figure 7: Old people use walking frame to walk in podium

Figure 8: Old people on wheelchair with family and assistance

2.4 Urban Features to Enhance an Age-Friendly Environment

There are three major indicators on the aspect of public space to enhance the needs and the elderly’s social wellbeing and lifestyle. These indicators include the physical environment, the accessibility and movement and the social inclusion and participation (Chan et al., 2016).

THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT The physical environment is the delivery of a comfortable environment for the ageing population to meet, feel and build positive relationship. The physical conditions in the environment includes the sense of safety and security and the aesthetic of the landscape. The sense of safety and security is the major physical condition to the satisfaction of its users, particularly on elderly because they often feel loneliness which relates to health and wellbeing issues (RIBA, 2017). The comfortable environment with landscape and appropriate spatial setting of the physical environment will allow elderly to connect and interact (Kwok & Ng, 2008). Huang (2018) has proposed that the safety and the high criminal rates in public spaces such as attacking and human trafficking will make elderly reduce time to use and access spaces. In Western cities, podium designs were usually abandoned because of the antisocial behaviours such as drug users and thieves hidden in podium gardens which create an unsafe living environment. Lucy & Philips (2006) have noted if an open space increase community cohesion, it would reduce crime rates by providing street watching and public monitoring. This is followed by Jacob’s research (1961) that providing a sense of security will increase community cohesion

and strengthen the belonging to a neighbourhood in the community. Also, the elderly often have distrust of other people, therefore the sense of safety and security in the physical setting with adequate natural lighting are substantial to their social interaction (Kwok & Ng, 2008). The visual landscape and the diminishment of noise contribute the how the elderly use the public spaces and the ability to interact with others. Overall, the physical landscape will compromise a safe and comfort environment by ensuring a secure and aesthetic environment for the elderly to achieve a successful age-friendly community. The spatial enclosure of the environment will be taken into consideration to the accessibility to elderly. Olonetzky (2007) has raised that the enclosure will fix the emotional insecurities of people. Enclosure is vital to the user’s experience and it varies to the enclosure preferences and it contributes significantly to the feelings of safety and security. The insecurity of accessing places may supplement psychological withdrawal on the ageing population (Rowles, 1989). The physiological and psychological changes have result the restriction of the elderly’s physical mobility and the lack of motivation to go out.

Page 18

(Photos taken from (CU. (n.d.)).

“‘Open space’ is one of the essential land uses that intends to provide functions as “conservation, recreation, contact with nature, social or mental health within an urban environment.” - (Lynch, 1960: pp.396) THE ACCESSIBILITY AND MOVEMENT Accessibility is used as a spatial measure to indicate the mobility and how a space can be reached conveniently. The accessibility to space is an essential element involving psychological and physical effect on elderly to access open spaces and determine particular locations in the podium garden. As health constrains upon agility increases, environment barriers and the walkability become more significant to the elderly in public spaces (Rowles, 1978). The facilities that influence the agility and mobility of the ageing population includes the legibility, walkability and the connectivity to locations. The accessibility will be improved if the permeability of a space is increased and this is because accessibility will achieve the sociability and enhance the interactions between neighbours, specifically to elderly with poor walkability. Therefore, in planning for the elderly, the consideration of the geographical and the accessibility experience have focused to put emphasis with variety of services creating a physically barrier-free environment. The design of the footpath and proper accessibility facilities such as applying more handrails, less steep slopes and higher connectivity will create an agefriendly environment. The accessibility settings of the environment such as the seating arrangement and the urban furniture, public toilets all create a pleasant and comfortable environment for old people to access to public spaces to interact. Moreover, the elements of

accessibility within a podium garden will also have to provide a clear entrance and a visible condition to the public with a barrier-free approach design to benefit the older generation, specifically to elderly with dementia problems. Kwok & Ng (2008) denoted that the accessibility and movement are influential on the elderly’s feelings and their comfort to move freely without barriers. The infrastructure of legibility and signs are also important into the design on accessibility for a successful age-friendly environment. Consequently, if an open space is developed with good spatial structure elements, it is more likely to affect the elderly’s preferences to the use of space and improve the social cohesion within the community. The design of the redevelopment is needed to refocus on the strategies to facilitate the flexibility and mobility dilemma of the ageing population. Kaplan (1898) have further discussed the indicators of community coherence and legibility relating to the spatial structure of space. The design on the legibility (direction and signs relating to the ageing community) and the usability of space of a podium garden will increase the sense of openness and the safety of the area under public monitoring system.

Page 19

Photos taken from (Tam, 2018.; Cheung, 2016; Lam & Kao, 2017)

“Sense of community as an emotional perception and the belief of belonging to a place.” - (Lui & Kim, 2017) THE SOCIAL INCLUSION AND PARTICIPATION The sense of community is one of the main elements to enhance the social quality & participation of elderly in the living environments. The sense of community can enrich the cultural and local identity to the place by increasing opportunities for an active lifestyle. As Kwok & Ng (2008) proposed, the social participation in public places such as communal activities and facilities (community centres, local shops etc…) will improve the physical and mental health of the elderly and it will encourage the elderly population to attach to a place which creates a sense of community. In fact, the diversity of group activities and main cultural events will be taken place in the open spaces in residential areas including Tai-Chi and dancing practices to facilitate social interactions of elderly and its social community. The cultural events will integrate heritage and cultural components of the site which increase the local identity and sense of place for the elderly people. The social participation will help the ageing population to gain knowledge and develop stronger sense of connection to community.

As Gehl (2011: pp.23) mentioned “people and human activities attract other people.” Additionally, the residents in public housing estates are common to gather in the podium squares because it is usually where people are and the community events which are held regularly. The community services and social support also increase the sense of community to reduce loneliness of the elderly and the elderly can get help anytime from the community service centre (Huang, 2018). Public spaces should also provide a variety of land-uses and activities to attract and integrate different places and elements for the ageing population, specifically to elderly who are exposed to high level of mental stress by the compact urban environment in Hong Kong (Payne, 2009).

Page 20

Photos taken from (Aga, 2011.; Lachman, n.d.; Population.SG., 2016)

2.5 Summary of Literature Review

The summary has drawn from the Literature review and the design recommendations for the site will be based from the researches and authors. The sections below are the main criteria to redesign a sustainable environment for the ageing population.

(Photo taken from (Dodwell, 2017))

THE AGEING IN THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT

(Photo taken from (Abe & Osawa, 2018))

THE NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY • Social well-being is essential

• Optimise opportunities for

health • Increase social

participation for elderly • Spaces must be security

and safe for elderly to access

to elderly to avoid loneliness • Need to be physically active

as health constraints increases • Provide social services and

education as some elderly may associate with psychological pressure and cognitive problems • Retain a sense of community

and identity because elderly are sensitive to changes and they might have poor adaptability

Page 21

(Photo taken from (Yip & Zaidi, 2018))

THE URBAN FEATURES TO ENHANCE AN AGE-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT • To be aesthetic and flexible

spatial spaces • Stimulate mixed-use

development and proximity to community activities/ facilities • Retain buffer and green spaces

for activities and events • Processes of innovation in

facilities to educate elderly • Avoid void areas/ edges and

minimise environmental disruption

RESEARCH 0.1 UNDERSTANDING THE AGEING POPULATION AND DESIGN OF PUBLIC SPACES: practices on redeveloping public spaces for the ageing population. 0.2 PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES ARISE: how to integrate design strategies back into housing estates for older people. 0.3 RESEARCH QUESTION AND OBJECTIVES: what are the needs of the older people and how can we sustain an age-friendly environment 0.4 LITERATURE REVIEW: age-friendly design strategies and the challenges that the ageing populating is facing

ANALYSIS

PROPOSAL

0.6 SITE ANALYSIS: accessing the site and what should be kept and enhanced? 0.7 ON-SITE OBSERVATIONS AND SOCIAL RESPONSES: understanding the needs of the elderly in order to apply design strategies 0.8 SWOT ANALYSIS: an overview of the condition of public spaces

0.9 DESIGN VISION AND PRINCIPLES: creating a vision and guidance for the site 0.10 APPLYING DESIGN STRATEGIES: masterplan intervention

EVALUATION 0.11 CONCLUSION: linking to the objectives and a summary of the overall

Figure 9: Methodology & Objectives of the Study

CHAPTER 3 Methodology This empirical research will be assessed and evaluated on the aspect on survey questionnaires, a bipolar study and on-site observations using behavioural mapping and photographing to assess the design and the quality of space. The design principles and methodology will be taken account from Jan Gehl’s “Public Space, Public Life” in 1998 and “Life Between Buildings” in 2011 to analyse the usage of urban public space and activities in order to attempt a redesign project to improve Hong Kong’s podium gardens.

3.1 Data Collection

reliable source. The behavioural mapping will be taken with approximately 5-10 minutes.

The study explores two parts; the first part accesses the physical aspect such as the design quality and the typological of space with an on-site observation assessment. The bipolar study will incorporate a general information of the environmental quality assessment with a 5 point likert-scale as a observation into data that can be quantifiable through rating +2 being the best quality and vice versa for -2 on on the physical condition of the podium (See Appendix 1.1 for Environmental Quality Assessment). The function of space will be collected using Jan Gehl’s on-site observation methodology with behaviour mapping including tracing, tracking and pedestrian counting (Gehl, 2011). The data collection for on-site observation will all be collected in different daytime in 2 separate days during the week for a more

The second part of the study investigates the needs of the elderly by adopting a participatory action research. The survey questionnaires will be treated as a discrete data with open and close questions to be taken in an elderly centre to allow me to understand the social perspective of the elderly (The sample of the questionnaire will be referred in Appendix 1.2). The survey questionnaire will regard to have at least 20 respondents for the results to be statistically significant.

Page 22

3.2 Sampling Procedure

The primary data for the bipolar study and on-site observations are carried using systematic point sampling. In-person interviews (survey questionnaires) are conducted in selected residential areas and elderly centres. In each neighbourhood, diverse groups of older people will be involved in the participatory research to allow the data to be consistent and comprehensive.

Figure 10: Gehlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Behavioural Mapping Methodology (Gehl, 2011)

3.3 Ethical Considerations

Ethical considerations have been considered in the study. The study involves in the social perception of Hong Kong local residences of podium gardens in public housing estate. The survey questionnaires taken will not ensure that all participates are interested in the topic. In order to obtain a non-bias research, the questionnaire will provide a written invitation to the participants beforehand informed with relevant information about the research. The participants will also be agreed to sign a consent form as a respect for autonomy and respect for persons. The respect for persons is safeguarded and confidential (The informed consent will be referred in Appendix 2). Figure 11: Lai-Yiu Estate in New Territories, HK (Photo taken from (Exploringlife, 2016)).

Page 23

CHAPTER 4 Proposed Site The location of the study has chosen Lai-Yiu Estate in Kwai Chung to analyse the condition of podium gardens for public use. Kwai Chung is significant because it is one of the densest area in Hong Kong with high demand of residential developments. Kwai Chung is also the first generation of New Towns which is the central location between the Mainland China and Hong Kong (Lau, 2014).

Lai-Yiu Estate Boundary Lai-Yiu Podium

Figure 12: Proposed Site Area of Lai-Yiu Estate and the Podium (Google, 2018; Roam, 2018)

Page 24

4.1 Demographics Figure 13: Number of Persons are able to Read and WriteIn Lai-Yiu Estate 40000

Figure 14: Ethnicity Male Female

Located between Kwai Chung and Lai King in the New Territories Region. The Lai-Yiu Estate is situated at the mid-level of the Lai King Hill. The location takes approximately 30 minutes of travel to the nearest town centre.

Population (Number of persons)

22.35Â°N 113.13Â°E

1% 3%

30000

Chinese White Asian Others

20000

10000

Chinese 96%

WHO LIVES THERE?

THE ELDERLY TARGET Aim to satisfy needs and enhance quality of life, increase interaction and communal facilities. Overall, aim to introduce a new mix of atmosphere for an age-friendly community.

Able to read and write

Not able to read and write

Figure 15: Population by Age 30000

Population (Number of persons)

Population in 2016 was 78,046 (53% female, 47% males). The biggest scope in the estate is ranged from 40-54 years. The largest ethnicity is Chinese and most of the ageing population is able to read and write (See Figure 13-16).

Figure 16: Sex Ratio

Female Male

22500

47%

15000

53%

Male Female

7500

0-4

10-14

20-24

30-34

40-44

Page 25

50-54

60-64

70-74

80-84

All data and statistics are taken from (ByCensus, 2016)

(All photos taken by me.)

4.2 Site Analysis LAND USES BY SECTOR Land-Use Key Public Rental Housing

Private Residential Housing

Industrial Uses

Education Uses

Public Services

Medical Services

Entertainment & Leisure Purposes

DESCRIPTION The area of Lai-Yiu Estate complies a variety of services. However, most of the land-uses around the site are dominated by public rental housing and education uses. The industrial is located closely to housing and residential sites. Predominately may affect users and increase traﬃc congestion in peak times which results high pressure on residences. The site complies two medical services in nearby. The services are private services, consequently, not all residences can afford to be served. There is a lack of convenient and retail shops in the area for the residential.

Retail

Parks, Green Space

Carparks

Lack of attractiveness and structure, the quality of the public realm is relatively low.

Figure 17: Land Use Map (Roam, 2019)

ASSETS:

There are no green parks and spaces available in the site for people to access. The hill located next to the site is not for leisure purposes. However, it contributes to the overall landscape.

• Concert hall and cinema

• 4 local schools funded by the Government

• 2 small parks/ open space

• 2 medical services

Page 26

(All photos taken by me.)

ACCESSBILITY & CONNECTIVITY

DESCRIPTION Lai-Yiu Street

According to the Literature Review in Chapter 2, Accessibility is defined by how a space can be reached conveniently to achieve a barrier-free environment (Rowles, 1978). Good spatial structure elements are also a factor of accessibility relating to legibility and permeability. Lai-Yiu Estate connects to two bus stops and it does not support with variety of public transports to access to other places conveniently. The estate disconnects from the natural assets and to the city centre. There are no clear circulation structure with narrow streets (Circled in red in Figure 18b) for the ageing population and this creates a barrier for them to access space.

Podium Major Road Site Boundary Secondary Road Railways

t ree

i St wa

nK Sa

Yi R

oa d

City Centre

Wa h

Yiu R

oad

Lai

Str eet

Major Road for Vehicles

Pedestrian Walk Path

Figure 18b: Pedestrian Access and Movement (Roam, 2019)

Lai

Kin

ill R

oad

-Yiu

Figure 18a: Vehicles Access and Movement (Roam, 2019)

Page 27

The site is also traffic dominated connecting with secondary roads which are constantly congested. This creates nuisance complaints from noise and transport density from nearby school and transport roads particularly in peak-times. The site area is located at the hill and is isolated from the city centre and accessibility to nearby areas. It lacks buďŹ&#x20AC;er to industrial sites and roads, creating a low public t r a n s p o r t a c c e s s i b i l i t y ( P TA L L e v e l s ) f o r t h e neighbourhood. Overall, there are a segregation of areas in Lai-Yiu Estate which lacks legibility and permeability in the choice for people to travel around that make residences to rely and depend to the use of podium.

CHAPTER 5 Data Collection The needs of the ageing population and the site location have been identified. The collected results on the physical environment and social responses are summarised in this section (All collected results will be referred in Appendix 3) and will be developed as Design Vision in Chapter 6.

5.1 Observation

(Photo taken by me.)

Figure 19: Pedestrian Count in Lai-Yiu Estate Podium

• Over the two days of study, the space in the podium is mainly used for necessary activities with people

50 Weekday Weekend 40 Number of People

MAIN OBSERVATIONS stopping to observe and enjoying the landscape during the day. The podium is less active at night with no people interacting. • The elderly usually come to the podium in weekdays. This is because weekends are family time in accordance

to the Chinese tradition. There are also more footfall in weekdays because of nearby schools and social services surrounding the environment.

• Most elderly come to the podium in the afternoon for sufficient sunlight. 10

• However, there are relatively more elderly come to the podium in the evening during the weekends than 0

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

TIme

weekdays (See Figure19). This is due to the reason that they need family’s supervision - some elderly are not allowed to go out because of mild cognitive or visual impairments. • The type of activities that most old people are engaging in the podium are necessary and social activities, such

Necessary Social Optional

24%

as; walking, exercising, people sitting and talking (Referred to Figure 20). Usually, old people mostly engage in social activities due to poor walkability. As one suggested, their ‘legs will get stiff if they stand or walk too long’.

38% Figure 20: Types of Activities during the Weekday and Weekend

• There are some local shops in the podium, however the elderly seldom shop in the area due to the lack of

choices and goods that the podium provides. Therefore, variety of goods is needed to increase optional activities in the podium. • Besides that, the podium serves low optional activities because of poor design of benches. This also connects

to the main concerns by the old people in further analysis in Figure 33: Main Concerns in the Podium. 38% Page 28

Wednesday 4:30 PM

MAIN OBSERVATIONS

Legend

(All photos taken by me.)

E Entrance

• There are four main route through the podium. The podium

is mainly used as a cut through towards the exit or estates.

X Sitting

Exercising • The variety of exits might make dementia people difficult to

navigate in the podium and this may increases their chances of getting lost.

• There are fewer individual use the side entrances to enter

or leave the podium (Refer to red circle in Figure 21a,b).

Figure 22: People observing the landscape and the view from Podium

Figure 21a: Collection of movement and behaviour maps during the weekdays

• Overall, more people are passing through the podium than

staying in the area. The podium is busy with people moving from the main entrance to the podium in the afternoon because it is usually the time where students go after school and people go home during the evening. • Small proportion of old people choose to sit on the

Saturday 4:10 PM

XXXX

E X

E Entrance

X Sitting Exercising Standing

benches to rest and appreciate the view as shown in Figure 22. Some people also choose to stand by the side of the podium to appreciate the landscape.

Legend

• Generally, the podium is very quiet especially during the Figure 23: Students running around the podium

weekends and at night. The space is mostly busy in the morning and afternoon. • The podium is mostly used in early mornings and in the

afternoon by the old people to exercise and social.

• The main entrance acts as a meeting point for old people

to gather (Referred to yellow circle in Figure 21a,b).

X X

• There are also some teenagers who come to the podium

Figure 21b: Collection of movement and behaviour maps during the weekends

Figure 24: Students playing in the shelter

Page 29

and socialise with friends under the shelter during afternoon as an after school activity (See Figure 23,24).

1:1.5 Enclosure Ration of site which falls within the optimum level of the level of enclosure.

5.2 Environmental Quality Assessment for the Elderly The EQAI concludes the overall design quality and typology of space of the podium from on-site observation using Gehl’s method (Referred to Figure 28).

Figure 25: The Enclosure Ration of the Site

ANALYSIS • Good exposure to natural lighting and microclimate with appropriate enclosure ration

(See Figure 25) which provides good ventilation and the air of the environment. However, the podium needs brighter street lights at night for better provision for the elderly with low vision. • Lack of green spaces and poor maintenance on overall landscape and greenery. The

greenery provided is not aesthetically pleasing which creates a dull and boring atmosphere (Referred to Figure 26, 27). • The podium does not provide good quality of facilities for the elderly. Although there

Figure 26: Poor maintenance on plants and landscape (Photo taken by me)

Figure 27: The overall landscape environment of the podium (Photo taken by me)

Figure 28: Environmental Quality Assessment Index for Elderly (EQAI)

are some social facilities around the podium, but not many elderly are interacting.

Green Space

• The quality of pavements are low and only a certain physical stations provide

permeable floors to protect the elderly. Some areas also show cracks on the pavements, which demonstrates the low maintenance from the Government and by the local community.

+2 Lighting

Quality of Facilities

0 -1

• Low noise level at all times and low overcrowding as large spatial area for people to

move around freely. The area also is seen to have low crime rates as the area is serve as an open space with high exposure.

-2 Quality of Pavements

Accessibility

• Low accessibility with poor navigation throughout the podium. The podium also has a

poor transportation that does not connect and provide variety of transport to connect to the city centre. • Although there are some local shops around the podium, but it does not serve a

Street Cleanliness

variety of goods to support the needs of the elderly.

Low Overcrowding and Noise Level

Low Crime Rate Page 30

5.3 Social Responses • Most of the elderly come in the morning because it is less quite and it has fewer people

which reduces their rate of incidents (Refer to Figure 30), and there are more than half of the old population come to the podium at least 3 or more times a week to social and be physically active (See Figure 32). • There are only 15% of elderly come to the podium at night because they need extra provision

from family members who’s at work. This result also connects to the overall pedestrian count in Figure 19. • Some elderly suggested the dim street lights reduce them to go out at night to avoid

incidents and danger, this also connects to the reason of visual impairment on the old people. • According to the responses from the elderly, the most engaged activity in the podium are

exercising and to meet friends (See Figure 29, 31). This responses to the movement and behaviour mapping shown in Figure 21: Collection of behaviour mapping. There’s also a small proportion of people suggest other activities to do in the podium such as shopping to buy daily needs as an entertainment.

Figure 29: Elderly socialising and sitting together in the morning (Photo taken by me)

Figure 32: How often do old people use the podium garden in the Estate? 9 8

5% 15%

25%

60%

Number of Participants

15%

Figure 30: The time that the old people usually come to the podium garden.

Figure 31: The activities old people usually do in the garden.

6 5 4 3 2

75% In the Morning In the Afternoon In the Evening

Play Chess Exercise Meet Friends Others

1 0

3 Availability/ Number of Times Weekly

Page 31

Figure 33: The main street furniture old people are concerned the most 9

• Chairs and handrails are an important element to be provided for an age friendly

environment because the old people spends at least 3 times a week in the podium to socialise and enjoy the environment. In Figure 33, there are 7 out of 20 elderly that are concerned about the chairs at the podium that provides (This is seen in Figure 35). As one suggested “the design of the chairs does not support them to sit long.”

Number of Participants

7 6 5

• There are more than 75% of the old ageing population in Lai-Yiu estate uses the

podium to exercise, therefore there are 40% of the participants proposed improvements on the physical stations and the pavements throughout the site (Referred to Figure 34,36). As one participant raised, “their legs and muscles will get rigid if they don’t get enough exercise and be physically active.”

4 3 2 1 0

• The other improvements that the elderly suggested are on better navigation

throughout the podium for them to allocate themselves to access places easily. Chairs/Handrails

Social + Physical Facilities

Pavements

Street Furnitures

• There are no public toilets in the podium and this also creates a concern to a small

Figure 34: Proposed Improvements needed in the Garden 8

proportion of participants which creates a restriction to stay longer time in the podium.

Number of Participants

More physical stations

Pavements Toilets/Handrails/Seating

Legibility

Green areas

Figure 35: Boring environment and lack of activities in the podium (Photo taken by me)

Improvements

Page 32

Figure 36: No old people using the podium after morning (Photo taken by me)

5.4

SWOT Analysis

This section is intended to propose a new redevelopment strategy for the Lai-Yiu Public Estate. The improvement of the site includes the land-use, the character and the typology of space to meet the needs for the elderly. The investigation explores and concludes the strengths and weaknesses of the open space with SWOT analysis and a design vision for future prospects.

STRENGTHS

2 4

5 3

WEAKNESSES

1 4

Secondary: 5. Main role of the building facades and barriers have defined space and create a strong sense of enclosure. 6. Passive engagement of spacious open space for elderly to roam with the pedestrianised area - benches also act as places for people to sit and observe the environment for relaxation.

OPPORTUNITIES

STRENGTHS Primary: 1. Major physical and historical asset of social housing in Kwai Chung area. 2. The geographic area of the podium also acts a landmark of the estate which creates a sense of direction, making it easy for elderly to navigate. 3. Vibrant oasis of entertainment with social and physical facilities. 4. Varieties and good transport links with bus stops surrounding the estate and parking space for drives.

2 2

OPPORTUNITIES Primary: 1. Incorporating more day time and social activities such as Tai-Chi and Martial Art practices to complement the interesting culture for elderly - supporting and reinforce cultural hub. 2. Maximising the potential of the podium by diversifying the economy with more local shops for elderly to easy access for food and daily needs. 3. Major opportunity to connect the site and the city centre with integrated transports (minibuses and buses station) - provide outward connectivity to the city centre and all areas of Kwai Chung.

THREATS

2 1

Secondary: 4. Incorporate planting area and green space to generate a pleasant environment for interaction - reinforce the theme of unity in the outdoor environment (Gehl, 2011). Planting can also act as an acoustic barriers to reduce the background noise from traffic. Page 33

WEAKNESSES Primary: 1. Limited social interaction and activities in podium that keep people to stay long period of time. Shops are often closed or abandoned, decreasing the number of footfall/ usage - lack of utilisation. 2. Inadequate seating placed at the edges of the podium - seating arrangements are not comfortable in terms of the design. 3. Lack of gardening and green spaces, creating a hard space and thus creates a sense of isolation. 4. No proper street lights in the area and are usually dim at night - causes safety hazard and anti-social behaviours to occur within the area. Secondary: 5. The seating preference does not provide a good view of the surrounding activities and view of others (Gehl, 2011). 6. Poor maintenance of street furnitures (benches, walls, footways, pavements) - generates an unpleasant environment and it affects the accessibility of the elderly. 7. No public toilets available in the area - causes inconvenience for elderly to access space freely.

THREATS Primary 1. Despite acknowledging that there will be more opportunities to introduce social activities and events, over clustering the open space may cause the risk of losing its large space to roam and affecting the mobility of the old people. Secondary: 2. The existing street furnitures including benches, tables and landscape are worsen from the lack of public maintenance by the community.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we have to take design into next level, design must shape and help the community.â&#x20AC;? - Junjie Huang, 2018

CHAPTER 6 Design Vision and Principles The design processes has subjected to remediate the podium garden in Lai-Yiu Estate with extensive obligations and supplementary guidelines which aims for a new identity and brings the community together. The on-site observations and interviews have been analysed from the SWOT analysis and will be contributing to the design by focusing onto the 3 main themes: The Accessibility & Movement, The Social Inclusion & Participation and The Physical Environment developed from the literature review. The design is designated to provide a lively environment and comfort by inserting recreation facilities and aesthetic landscapes into the site for the ageing population. As the site is part of the historical asset of the Kwai Chung district, the older generation will revive their memories throughout the site as a meeting point which brings peace and happiness, creating a vibrant estate. To encourage a quality lifestyle and sustainable environment for the ageing population, here are the 7 actions require to the philosophy of the design: 1. Proximity: Access to destinations and diversity of land-use mix for multiple functions. 2. Connectivity: Ease of access and enhance pedestrian barrier-free environment. 3. Recreation Facilities: Presence of outdoor and indoor activity facilities to enhance knowledge and opportunities. 4. Pedestrian & Amenities: Features that make it comfortable for old people. 5. Safety: Features that influence the perception of safety. 6. Form: Landscape continuity and enclosure (building structure).

A sketch by me. Page 34

7. Parks & Public Spaces: Access to hard and soft scape and quality urban public spaces.

6.1 Applying Design Strategies

The design strategies are proposed in the following structure chart to reinvigorate the site with 3 elements: Circulation, Land Use and Open Space along with 7 urban design dimensions and objectives to sustain the philosophy of the design and creating an age-friendly environment extracted from the 3 main themes: The Accessibility & Movement, The Social Inclusion & Participation and The Physical Environment. Figure 37: A Structure Chart outlines the 7 urban design strategies conveyed by the use of 3 main themes and elements.

THE ACCESSIBILITY AND MOVEMENT

THE SOCIAL INCLUSION AND PARTICIPATION

THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

CIRCULATION

LAND USE

OPEN SPACE

Connectivity & Accessibility • Improved legibility and accessibility to spaces • Gives a clear and flexible spatial framework

• Connect to adjacent spaces and maximise spaces for movements and activities

• Connectivity to services and transportation to city centre

Proximity • Increase land-use by incorporating mixuses with variety of services to enhance interaction & sense of community

• Make active zones dedicated for the elderly only

• Make the podium to be socio-commercial as entertainment

• Create nodes and landmarks for direction site

Recreation Facilities

Pedestrian & Amenities

Safety & Security

Form

• Provide social support and facilities for opportunities

• Increase awareness & knowledge on health education of elderly care

• Increase recreation activities to increase people and public monitoring system

• Provide a public square in the podium to host events

• Enhance stationary and moving activities

• Create an intergeneration community for a sustainable environment

• Inviting environment and frontages for elderly to interact

• Put art pieces and urban furnitures to increase functionality of the site

• Provide shelter for all weather variations

• Comply agefriendly pavements and furniture throughout the site (public toilets, public seatings, handrails)

• Appropriate enclosure setting and active frontages

• Enlarging pathways and visual connections

• Infill void areas and increase visibility

• Create permeability in the site

Page 35

Parks & Public Spaces • Enhance open space with physical activities and lifestyle

• Dynamic and inviting urban design features

• Provide an aesthetic atmosphere and comply mixed-design rules with gardening and spaces

• Enhance natural and street lighting

CHAPTER 7 Design Concept Evolution

The design of the podium has adopted a bubble diagram as a principle design to create an environmentally friendly landscape design by determining the best location and land-uses for the area. The stages of the design has been developed into a final design.

Stage 1

Neighbourhood

Green Pedestrian

Semi-Private Space

The first stage is a layout plan of a bubble diagram which identifies the main circulation of the site. This helps define activities and main pedestrian route and flow in a landscape. Scale 1:500

Entrance linked to transports

Figure 39: Street Sections

Added entrance

FLEXIBLE SPACES:

The site provides flexible spaces with shared streets for the ageing population. The aspect of accessibility is taken into the account of the elderly geographical experience due to their limitation of action (See Figure 39). Hence, the outcome of interaction and movement is emphasised in the design through the behaviour maps collected for the study (See Figure 21 located in Chapter 5). The site ensures all routes are even spread out through the bubble concept diagram (Referred to Figure 38) to reduce crowdedness to allow aged people to walk freely. Walkability is a predominant factor that associates with health and social support for the old people. As one of the respondents suggested â&#x20AC;&#x153;Their legs will get stiff if they stand or walk too long.â&#x20AC;? Therefore, the services in the site are in proximity while maintaining a pleasant environment for old people to walk. The increase of mix-land uses to nearby amenities also reduce travel distances for the older people to travel around. Legend Primary circulation path

Disconnected pedestrian

pathway/Disconnect adjacent spaces

Secondary circulation path

Building hatch

Figure 38: A quick sketch of the layout plan

Site area

Page 36

The urban design of mix-use developments and its spatial framework allow old people to facilitate with sufficient locational flexibility to the choice of destination. The design overall aims to foster a new intergenerational community facility that the podium will not only serve the ageing population, but also the public pedestrian.

Stage 2-3 In the second and third stage, the main nodes and landmarks for the podium have been applied according to the sizes which identified by the open spaces and land uses with curvilinear and rectilinear layout. The design also appraises a central pedestrianised public realm with wider walking paths for greater accessibility and physical facilities for the old people. The shapes and patterns have determined the best size and location for wanted elements and activities in the podium, such as spacious area for recreation and active activities (See Figure 38,39). STAGE 2 Main Nodes and Landmarks

Scale 1:500

LAYOUT OF THE SITE:

The layout of the site is legible to understand for purposes of way-finding and is well integrated with urban context in order for the ageing population to feel safe and secure. The proposed function of nodes such as resting areas, community gardens, playscape add the interest to the community value and to the existing spaces into the podium. The older people are attempting to satisfy needs and physical actions containing everyday activities, movement and to travel (Rowles, 1978: pp. 157). The proposed programs such as retail, social services facilities, active zones including; personal mobility device facilities, sports and rehabilitation facilities and education spaces for the elderly which overall add towards the diversity to the estate (Referred to Figure 40).

Retail and social services

Podium square/ Events

The legibility of the site will connect and radiate diďŹ&#x20AC;erent directions to make accessible for dementia people or elderly with severe cognitive problems. The notion of different aspects and landmarks around the podium will attract diďŹ&#x20AC;erent users to walk through and will be age-friendly to navigate easily regardless in different directions that they are heading. Also, the site will contain a new entrance located in the South end to connect to variety of services including social facilities and transportation to the nearest city centre in order to create a barrier-free environment (See purple circle in Figure 40).

Active Zones: Recreation facilities

Spacious area will adopt a curvilinear layout to maximise spaces for movements and activities.

Education: Gardening

Figure 40: Curvilinear layout with rounded lines to the items shown in Figure 38.

Page 37

ACTIVATING PLACES:

The podium has a socio-commercial area which acts as a meeting place as well as a space between commercial and residential for elderly to access to shopping and convenient goods effectively (Lui & Kim, 2017). There is a square located in the South West of the site that will host shows and events regularly as an entertainment for the ageing population and there will be displayed art pieces and urban furnitures to enhance the sense of community and the social value of the area to increase the overall function of space (See Figure 41).

STAGE 3 Scale 1:500

The podium will provide a plantable site as a greenery setting and a space component in order to express the identity and the meaning of space with different functions. Also, the aesthetic quality of the greenery and physical landscape will enhance the visual aspect which enhances opportunities and the quality of the experiences for the elderly. As more physically active facilities, there will be better health outcomes and positive psychological impacts such as less neighbourhood deprivation. Therefore, the podium holds indoor and outdoor activities considering the needs for the elderly population dedicated with physical elements to enhance the stationary and moving activities of users while increasing people in the area. The recreation and leisure facilities may result crowdedness in the area, therefore, the amount of these social facilities will be amended to provide a ratio of 40:60 between social, recreation facilities and open spaces for a comfort environment.

Figure 41: A quick sketch incorporating rectilinear and curvilinear layout using curve and straight lines to the items shown in Figure 38.

Art & Social

Areas for social and optional activities will adopt a rectilinear layout because the shape of straight lines maintain a sense of Chinese identity to the local area.

Page 38

LANDSCAPING AESTHETICS: The site applies a greenery setting throughout the podium. The site incorporates a plantable site for gardening purposes to increase sustainability (Referred to the purple circle in Figure 41). The use of green spaces are designed for the ageing population to contact with nature and increase sensory delight. This can increase the old peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s knowledge, also enhancing the quality of life. The site also provides rooftop gardens to maximise green space in the podium.

Viewpoint Heading towards Residential Area

Viewpoint Facing towards the City Centre of Kwai Chung

ENCLOSURE SETTING: East side of the podium is towards the Lai King Hill and it is more privatised

West side of the podium heads towards the City Centre, hence lower level of exposure

Figure 42: The Level of Exposure in Lai-Yiu Estate

Page 39

The various activities acquire different enclosure settings such as an open space for relaxation and an enclosed space for private conversation (Shi et al., 2014). The function of the podium design has taken the consideration to be moderately enclosed for social activities such as gardening in the East side for residences to create an age-friendly environment while maintaining a safe and vibrant public open spaces (Referred to Figure 42). The noise from transport has also taken into consideration, therefore the podium will ensure a semi-private enclosed open space in the East side of the podium to balance between the level of exposure and privacy for residences and the ageing population (Connecting to Figure 43, 44 in the following page).

Stage 4

The forth stage of the design have implemented the concept of permeability to the possible buildings in the podium to overcome the division of space and void areas in the site. The design considers optimal block sizes (See Figure 44) to connect main frontages and pedestrian zone in the site. This design allows to improve the hidden turning corners and safety issues throughout the site. Opening up the residential block for more flexible spacious area and better ventilation.

The site has incorporated active frontages in the West area and has undertaken a semi-enclosed concept in the East to maximise the use of space while creating privacy for residents. Overall, Stage 4 complies the desired design element to sustain an age-friendly environment. CREATE PERMEABLILTY: The semi-private open atrium in the West area connects the estates and will share the exterior of the square which contains natural lighting and ventilation for leisure (See orange dotted structure in Figure 43). The East area of the podium (towards residential area) will be moderately enclosed to create an ambiguous environment for private conversations while increasing the arousal level. The podium has incorporated a regular shape design to achieve a clear defined boundary to reduce ambiguity to ensure safety and to connect with its adjacent spaces (See the purple dotted structure in Figure 43 which also connects to Figure 44).

Figure 44: Creating Permeability for building structures in the site

Scale 1:500

Legend

Lower level of exposure with active frontages and open atrium

Primary circulation path Secondary circulation path Building hatch Active frontages

The porosity of the site creates new routes that connects with the pedestrianised public realm which allows more spaces and choices for people to walk, sit and be active. This design concept accommodates mobility networks and makes the site more user-friendly with a clear hierarchy of walk paths and walking or sitting zones.

Site area More privatised

Page 40

Figure 43: A final layout of podium incorporating the concept of permeability

CHAPTER 8 Design Proposal 8.1 Towards a Masterplan

Green Space

Functions • The site gives a clear and flexible spatial framework • • • •

and it connects the surroundings. It’s thriving walk paths and amenities which connects the residential, park and other facilities. Proposed different programs and facilities for easy navigation for the old people Moderate spatial enclosure setting for residents and private conversations Comply age-friendly pavements and furnitures throughout the site (public toilets, public seatings, handrails)

• Minimising edges and enhance

greenery with plantable garden. • Provide sufficient sunlight and enclosure ration for a pleasant environment condition. • Provide an aesthetic atmosphere and comply mixeddesign rules with gardening and spaces

Legibility • Opening up the residential blocks

• •

•

Walkability • Create an inviting walk path throughout the site with

cultural and commercial activities. • Provide mixed-land uses with variety of services and activities • Provide toilets and seats throughout the site so old people can travel and move freely in the podium for longer periods • Connectivity to services and transportation to city centre

•

• Zone A: Entertainment

Land Use Activities

Safety & Security

Zone B: Physical Active zone

• Provide adequate amount of social recreation facilities

and open spaces: the facilities enhance stationary and moving activities. • Provide mix-use developments and enhance active frontages - which makes it socio-commercial • New public space: podium square and art social area as new meeting places to increase optional activities. • Facilities are close to assets

• Limiting edges and avoid secluded

areas of the site to ensure safety. Zone C: Residential

• Resting shelters for all weather

variations. • Street lighting is provided • Increase horizontal connections by

Sense of Community • Giving meeting places, social support and facilities for

opportunities to old people to socialise with displayed arts and adequate urban furniture such as benches and resting shelters - increase functionality of the site • Inviting frontages for elderly to interact • Connect to adjacent spaces

area to enhance public space and communal facilities: also adds visibility to the site for the elderly. Allowing different width from alleyways to wide path/walk ways. Creating permeability and connectivity from residential through the facilities and activities in the podium. Create nodes and landmarks for direction from site facilities and different activities such as department stores and podium square. Enhanced the horizontal connections with adjacent spaces to easy visualise the podium. Provide directions and signs for elders (particularly with dementia people) to understand and navigate easily in the podium.

Scale 1:1000

100m

Figure 45: 2D Masterplan of the Redesigned Podium

enlarging pathways and visual connections to enhance higher visibility for elderly to visualise and to feel secured. • The site acquires handrails and less steep steps for safety and limit walkability issues. • Increase recreation activities to increase people and enhance public monitoring system

THE ACCESSIBILITY AND MOVEMENT THE SOCIAL INCLUSION AND PARTICIPATION THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Proximity

Connectivity & Accessibility

Recreation Facilities Page 41

Pedestrian & Amenities

Safety & Security

Form

Parks & Public Spaces

8.2 Close-Ups URBAN FURNITURES According to the social responses, walkability is rated the highest by the elderly. Therefore the site enquires safety for elderly to walk around in the neighbourhood without obstruction on walkway which might add additional health constraints and pressure (Woo et al., 2010). The new design of podium provides natural and street furnitures such as lighting and site signs which creates a comfort environment for elderly to connect to places. The urban furnitures in the site are dedicated for the ageing population which makes them comfortable to be seated in long period of time to interact in a barrier-free atmosphere.

Public Benches

Comfortable benches made with wood are provided for resting and observing the environment. The placement of trees are designed for recreation and to serve as benches.

Permeable Floors Location Signs

Location signs are located around the site for the purposes of way-finding around the site.

Handrails

Soft/permeable floor is applied to characterise the space to allow various activities and actions.

Construction of handrails to ensure safety and provide walkability to access to places for elderly.

Street Lighting

Street lighting to ensure safety for elderly to reduce antisocial behaviours.

Page 42

Public Toilets

The presence of public toilets are served around the site to encourage a barrier-free environment for the elderly to stay longer time in public spaces for interaction.

Exits The site has limited to two main Exits and are located at the two ends of the site to make it simple for people to navigate, particularly for the dementia people.

LANDSCAPING AND STREET FEATURES INCREASING HORIZONTAL CONNECTIONS: The podium has implemented the organisation of a semi-private open atrium on the orientation of welcoming public open spaces and enlarging pathways and visual connections to increase visibility throughout the site. The redesign enhances the horizontal connections with adjacent spaces by adding active frontages which invites old people to engage in the podium and can able to visualise the entire site to ensure safety and security of the area (See Figure 46). These settings will result a positive psychological factors to the old people and create an age-friendly environment. The spaces connect areas with a proper walking path for the old people to access. The central pedestrianised public realm is supported with wide walkways for elderly with poor walkability to access the site. The wide walking paths also encourages old people to be physically active for greater accessibility. The pedestrianised public realm allows a safe environment and promote active frontages and outdoor activities along with local retail shops and landscapes. Besides that, the active frontages are along the side with appropriate enclosure rations for an active and vibrant environment. LIMITING EDGES: The infill void areas with greenery setting will give the a pleasant and comfort opportunity for the older people to meet and the feeling of physical and positive psychological wellbeing results. The design will compromise with an open environment by increasing the visibility and the sense of openness for safety. By limiting the edges with active frontages and greenery settings will create a positive environment by soften the dark colours of the area.

Open areas of the site can add The location of the plantable area greenery landscape along the site for Elderly are designed with with appropriate street furniture enlarged space from residential which enhances the aesthetic and blocks to visualise the site (See the landscape of the podium Figure 44 for Design Concept)

The open atrium creates visibility and limit edges through the site by adding active frontages

Figure 46: Close Up of Refining Edges with Active Frontages of the Open Atrium in the Site Page 43

8.3 Section Plans

Figure 47: Taavetinpuisto Senior Sport Zone, Finland

Developed with sports equipments, designed for those with mobility issues

The design of the site designates spaces and landscapes that improves social interactions. The redesign of the podium performs different sitespecific elements to enhance different opportunities and activities. The site contributes to a sustainable environment. The redesigned podium draws different purposes: Social, Physical, Culture and Amenities which altogether improve the quality of life to contribute an age-friendly placemaking environment. The successful examples of age-friendly environment are attractive and can accommodate the needs of the elderly and with variety of activities that brings different generations and people together (See Fig.47 - 50).

A B

Figure 48: Norfolk Heritage Park, SheďŹ&#x192;eld, UK

Developed new sports and community facilities with purpose-built community

Figure 49: Superkilen

Urban Park,

Copenhagen

Conceive diverse of range of interventions, including artworks and planting

C Page 44

Figure 50: Alexandra Park,

Manchester, UK

Provide park landscape, benches, toilets with flexible community space.

Photos taken from (University of Sheffield, n.d.)

Scale 1:500

SECTION PLAN A

50m

1st floor: Carpark  2nd floor: Retail Shops and Leisure Facilities Left and Right Buildings on Podium: 1st - 2nd floors: Retail Shops, Restaurants and Cafes

4m Buﬀering & Traﬃc Zones

2m Frontages

7m Frontages & Pedestrian Zone of Podium

Character: To provide a vibrant social environment with shops and amenities to enhance the public realm which connects to people and the community.

2m Buﬀering Zone of Podium

5m Frontages & Pedestrian Zone of Podium

Department Store for Goods & Services Generating an active socio-commercial area with retail shops and services Urban Furnitures

Aim:

Construction of benches, street lights and planting of trees as a resting area and ensure safety for elderly

• Create a vibrant area with

mixed development and activate socio-commercial of the area • Lower level of exposure to

create a safe and an inviting environment

New Public Area It acts as an open space to reinforce cultural hub and connections

• To fostering an

intergenerational space and activities Page 45

2m Frontages

4m Buﬀering & Traﬃc Zones

Scale 1:500

SECTION PLAN B

50m

1st floor: Carpark  2nd floor: Retail Shops and Leisure Facilities Building on Podium: 1st - 2nd floors: Retail Shops, Restaurants and Cafes

4m Buﬀering & Traﬃc Zones

2m Frontages

7m Frontages & Pedestrian Zone of Podium

5m Frontages & Pedestrian Zone of Podium

2m Frontages

Character: To provide an active community for the elderly to engage and interact with people.

Meeting Places

Aim:

Creating more resting areas for meeting and interaction with people in a pleasant atmosphere

• Provide quality

communal space for social and cultural connections to enhance opportunities and the sense of community • Thriving walk ways and

physical activities to activate the public spaces in the site for a healthy lifestyle

4m Buﬀering & Traﬃc Zones

Resting Shelter

Physical Activities To benefit the health conditions of the health through exercising

To ensure safety and protect people from all weather variations with provided board games as meeting points has adopted sharp colours to achieve high visibility for elderly to visualise the furnitures without causing a barrier to access freely in the podium Page 46

Diverse Interventions Provide artworks as an attractive vibrant meeting point for people to engage and enhance social value

SECTION PLAN C

Scale 1:500

50m

1st floor: Carpark  2nd floor: Retail Shops and Leisure Facilities

Character: To improve the residences of the elderly’s quality of life by enriching natural assets and increase visibility of the podium. The gardening also acts as a green barrier to create a safe environment as well as to protect the area from the noise of traffic.

Two Side Buildings on Podium: Apartments Middle Buildings on Podium: 1st - 2nd floors: Retail Shops, Restaurants and Cafes

Aim: • Enhance visibility and semi-

privatised area for residence • Provide quality spaces to

connect natural features and avoid secluded areas

4m 2m Buﬀering & Frontages Traﬃc Zones

8m Frontages & Pedestrian Zone of Podium

3m Buﬀering Zone of Podium

3m Frontages & 6m Frontages & Pedestrian Zone Pedestrian Zone of Podium

4m Buﬀering & Traﬃc Zones

Improving Connectivity & Visibility Strengthening the connection of the podium to ensure safety by improving the perception of space Opening-Up Blocks Plantable Site For education and support social participation enhancing natural assets as an attraction that connects to surrounding for residences to interact and create opportunities.

Creating more space by enlarging walk ways and increases connectivity of the podium Page 47

…An Active Area for Health and Physical

…The SocioCommercial Area with Mixed Use

…The Culture and Amenities

8.4 Masterplan A NEW VISION. The integration of different element and activities designates a positive future prospect which transforms the urban fabric for elderly of Lai-Yiu Estate. The intensification has been taking place while maintaining relevant urban furnitures and the sense of community with a balance between variety of services and open spaces aligning with green enhancement practices into a more vibrant estate as the main core of the masterplanning process.

AREA BOUNDARY: • Social Area: 8000 m2

including a podium square, a department store and resting shelters • Physical Area: 9900 m2

including playgrounds for physical training, a galleria and a community area • Cultural Area: 13600 m2

including residential blocks and a planting garden

• Social & Recreation Facilities: 128950 m2 Scale 1:1000

100m

Figure 51: 3D Masterplan of the Redesigned Podium

Page 48

• Open Spaces: 18550 m2

8.5 3D Diagrams

Page 49

(Photo taken by me.)

CHAPTER 9 Conclusion The design process was intended to draw attention to the importance and stimulate an age-friendly environment in the local and global context. The redesigned podium to a large extent was focused on searching the needs of elderly and references to maintain a sustainable environment for the ageing population. Considering the issue of urban deterioration in Hong Kong estates, it is undoubted need to remediate open spaces to use its potential. The innovative attempt enhances the resolute actions towards a sustainable community and maintains a strong community relationship between spaces and the environment thats ensures the space is used appropriately for the ageing population. Currently numerous tendencies of the development are showing existing opportunities for the ageing population. This occurrence clearly illustrates ambitions of social progress, which in the future can lead to significant design processes to create an effective and functional urban environment. The urban design dedicated for the ageing population is undeniably one of the most exploration fields which carries immeasurable benefits. The functional spaces will enable to stimulate new spatial solutions with appropriate strategies and approaches to enrich an age-friendly environment. (Photo taken from (Abe & Osawa, 2018))

Page 50

BIBLIOGRAPHY Hong Kong Housing Society. (2018). Ageing-in-Place Scheme. Retrieved from November 17, 2018, from https://www.hkhs.com/en/our-business/elderly-housing/ageing-in-place Brown, B., Perkins, D.D., Brown, G. (2003). Place Attachment in a Revitalizing Neighbourhood: Individual and Block Level of Analysis. Journal of Environmental Psychology. 23(1), pp. 259-271.

Housing Department. (2010). Design for a Green & Healthy Living in Public Rental Housing Estate in Hong Kong, HKSAR Government. Retrieved from October 16, 2018, from https:// www.lcsd.gov.hk/specials/ifpra2010/download/paper/dennis.pdf

Buffel, T. (2012). Ageing in urban environments: Developing ‘age-friendly’ cities. Critical Social Policy. 32(4), pp. 597-617

Huang, J.J. (2018). Personal Conversation on the Design for the Ageing Population. Retrieved from October 26, 2018.

ByCensus. (2016). New Town, Demographic Characteristics., HKGov. Retrieved from November 24, 2018, from https://www.bycensus2016.gov.hk/en/bc-dp-new-town.html

Jacob, J. (1961). The Death and Life of Great American Cities. 1st ed. New York: Random House. Kaplan, R. (1989). The Experience of Nature: A Psychological Perspective. 1st ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Campos, B. (2012). Book Review: Life Between Buildings & Cities for People. The Journal of Space Syntax. 3(1), pp. 125-128

Kwok, J.Y.C. & Ng, K.C.H (2008). User Friendly Living Environmental Research and Design for Older People. Design Inclusive Futures. 25(1), pp. 261-272.

Census and Statistics Department. (2013). Hong Kong Population Projection 2004-2033. Hong Kong: Task Force on Population Policy.

Lau, M.H. (2014). Investigating the Small Public Urban Open Spaces at High-Density Cities: A Case Study of Hong Kong. Retrieved from October 26, 2018, from http://www.diva-portal.org/ smash/get/diva2:729680/FULLTEXT01.pdf

Chan, E.H.W., Yung, E.H.K., & Conejos, S. (2016). Public open spaces planning for the elderly: The case of dense urban renewal districts in Hong Kong. Land Use Policy. 59(1), pp. 1 - 11 Chiu, R. (2010). Environmental Sustainability of Hong Kong's Housing System and the Housing Process Model. International Planning Studies. 5(1), pp. 45-64.

Lau, S.Y.S., Wang, J.S. & Lu, L.L. (2011). Sustainable Development in Hong Kong: A Review of Policy, Practices in Building Design and Construction. International Journal of Urban Sciences. 7(2), pp. 169-179.

Chu, R. (2012). Extra Extra Small! Learning from Poverty, Density, Housing, and Hong Kong, Carleton University. Retrieved from November 12, 2018, from https://curve.carleton.ca/ system/files/etd/f936610a-bc7b-4f9c-8a19-8997db54930c/etd_pdf/ ad77f37b3c8c53ee8931531982c02096/chu-extraextrasmalllearningfrompovertydensity.pdf

Legislation Council. (2016a). Care services for elderly persons with dementia, HKGov. Retrieved from November 17, 2018, from https://www.legco.gov.hk/research-publications/english/ essentials-1617ise10-care-services-for-elderly-persons-with-dementia.htm

Deng, Y.K., Chan, E.H.W., & Poon, S.W. (2016). Challenge-driven design for public housing: The Case of Hong Kong. Frontiers of Architectural Research. 5(1), pp. 213 - 224

Legislation Council. (2016b). Land utilisation in Hong Kong: Statistical Highlight, HKGov. Retrieved from October 27, 2018, from https://www.legco.gov.hk/research-publications/english/ 1617issh04-land-utilization-in-hong-kong-20161024-e.pdf

Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning. (2016). Factors affecting mobility of elderly in urban public spaces and transportation facilities in Bangkok in relation to climate change mitigation strategies. Bangkok, Thailand: DPT.

Lo, A.Y. & Jim, C.Y. (2010). Willingness of residents to pay and motives for conservation of urban green spaces in the compact city of Hong Kong. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. 9(2), pp.113-120.

Eccles, B., Ford, N., Holliday, A. & Wu, J. (2014). The Effect of Urban Design on the Community and Society in Hong Kong’s New Towns: A Study of Sha Tin and Tin Shui Wai. Retrieved from October 26, 2018, from https://web.wpi.edu/Pubs/E-project/Available/Eproject-022514-101647/unrestricted/CUHK_Final_Report.pdf

Lucy, W.H & Philips, D.L. (2006). Tomorrow’s Cities, Tomorrow’s Suburbs. 1st ed. Chicago, USA: American Planning Association. Lui, L.M. & Kim, Y. (2017). Use and Perception of Podium Gardens in Residential Neighbourhoods in Hong Kong. Sustainability. 9(57), pp. 1 -11.

Fung, B. (2013). Putting the Urban Greening Pieces Together. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University: World Green Organisation.

Lynch, K. (1960). The Image of The City. 1st ed. Massachusetts, United States of America: The M.I.T. Press.

Gehl, J. (1998). Public Spaces, Public Life. 1st ed. Copenhagen: Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts.

Mitchell, L., Burton, E. & Shibu. R. (2004). Dementia-Friendly Cities: Designing Intelligible Neighbourhoods for Life. Journal of Urban Design. 9(1), pp. 89-101.

Gehl, J. (2011). Life Between Buildings: Using Public Space. 1st ed. Washington: Island Press. Hagenbjörk, L. (2011). An Analyse of Chinese Urban Public Space - Beijing as an Example, Blekinge Institute of Technology. Retrieved from December 12, 2018, from https://www.divaportal.org/smash/get/diva2:832693/FULLTEXT01.pdf

Mok, J. (2018). Hong Kong Faces Challenges in How to Mange Its Ageing Population, SCMP. Retrieved from October 26, 2018, from https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/ article/2146677/hong-kong-faces-challenge-how-manage-its-ageing-population Page 51

FIGURES AND PHOTOS

Olonetzky, N. (2007). Sensations: A Time Travel Through Garden History. 7th ed. Basel, Boston: Birkhäuser- Publishers for the Architecture. Payne, S. (2009). Open Space: People Space. Book Review. 29(1), pp. 532-533. RIBA. (2017). Design For An Ageing Population. Retrieved from November 19, 2018, from https:// www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/resources-landing-page/design-for-an-ageingpopulation

Abe, Y. & Osawa, N. (2018). Search for solutions in ageing societies, Straitstimes. Retrieved from November 24, 2018, from https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/search-for-solutions-in-ageingsocieties

Rowles, G.D. (1978). Prisoners of Space?: Exploring the Geographical Experience of Older People. 1st ed. United States of America: Westview Press, Inc.

Aga, H. (2011). Hong Kong. Retrieved from November 24, 2018, from https://heimo.photoshelter.com/ image/I0000pKFFa8pz6hQ

Shi, S., Gou Z. & Chen, L.H.C. (2014). How does enclosure influence environment preferences? A cognitive study on urban public open spaces in Hong Kong. Sustainable Cities and Society. 13(1), pp. 148-156.

Bees and Roses. (2015). 13 DIY Patio Furniture Ideas that Are Simple and Cheap - Page 2 of 14, Pinterest. Retrieved from December 2, 2018, from https://www.pinterest.es/pin/ 851110029550766775/

Smith, O. (2017). Mapped: The World’s Most Overcrowded Cities, Telegraph. Retrieved from October 27, 2018, from https://www.legco.gov.hk/research-publications/english/1617issh04-landutilization-in-hong-kong-20161024-e.pdf

Cheung, E. (2016). Last wish: Hong Kong survey reveals most elderly would rather die in hospital than at home, SCMP. Retrieved from November 24, 2018, from https://www.scmp.com/news/hongkong/health-environment/article/1978209/last-wish-hong-kong-survey-reveals-most-elderly

Tian, Y. & Jim, C.Y. (2011). Factors influencing the spatial pattern of sky gardens in the compact city of Hong Kong. Landscape and Urban Planning. 10(1), pp. 299-309.

CU. (n.d.). Beurskwartier en Lombokplein. Retrieved from November 24, 2018, from http://cu2030.nl/ page/beurskwartierlombokplein

Trading Economics. (2016). Hong Kong - Population Density (People per sq.km). Retrieved from October 27, 2018, from https://tradingeconomics.com/hong-kong/population-density-peopleper-sq-km-wb-data.html

Dodwell, D. (2017). Hong Kong’s health priority should be elderly care in the community not more hospitals, SCMP. Retrieved from November 24, 2018, from https://www.scmp.com/business/ companies/article/2115419/hong-kongs-health-priority-should-be-elderly-care-community-not

Wang, J. (2015). How to redesign Hong Kong for its growing elderly population, SCMP. Retrieved from October 14, 2018, from https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health/article/1886427/how-hong-kongjockey-club-helping-citys-ageing-population

Echberg, B. (2014). Urban Design in context, Urban Design Forum. Retrieved from November 24, 2018, from http://www.udf.org.au/urbandesign/urban-design-in-context/ Exploringlife. (2016). Photo: Lai Yiu Shopping Centre in Lai King, Hong Kong, Wikipedia. Retrieved from November 14, 2018, from https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lai_Yiu_Shopping_Centre.jpg

Wilk, O. (2017). Trapped: The Unfortunate Reality of Subdivided Housing in Hong Kong and the Challenges for Stakeholders to Mitigate the Crisis. Retrieved from November 12, 2018, from https://www.oxy.edu/sites/default/files/assets/UEPI/ Luce%20HK%20Research%20Project%20Olivia%20Wilk.pdf

Google Map. (2018). Lai-Yiu Estate, Hong Kong. Retrieved from November 13, 2018, from https:// www.google.com/maps/place/Hong+Kong/@22.353127,113.8468124,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5! 3m4!1s0x3403e2eda332980f:0xf08ab3badbeac97c!8m2!3d22.396428!4d114.109497

WHO. (2007). Global Age-Friendly Cities: A Guide. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO Press. Retrieved from November 26, 2018, from http://www.who.int/ageing/publications/ Global_age_friendly_cities_Guide_English.pdf

HKU. (2006). Formation of the Campus Master Plan. Retrieved from November 24, 2018, from https:// www.estates.hku.hk/campus-planning/centennial-campus-masterplan

Worldometers. (2018). Hong Kong Population. Retrieved from October 26, 2018, from http:// www.worldometers.info/world-population/china-hong-kong-sar-population/

HOK. (2017). Redefining the Hong Kong Harbor. Retrieved from November 24, 2018, from https:// www.hok.com/design/type/government/hong-kong-tamar-government-complex/

Woo, J., Chan, R., Leung, J. & Wong, M. (2010). Relative Contributions of Geographic, Socioeconomic, and Lifestyle Factors to Quality of Life, Frailty, and Mortality in Elderly. PLoS ONE. 5(1), pp. 1-11.

Indiamart. (n.d). Single Arm Street Light Pole. Retrieved from December 2, 2018, from https:// www.indiamart.com/proddetail/single-arm-street-light-pole-15006548197.html

Xue, C.Q.L., Ma, L. & Hui, K.C. (2012). Indoor ‘Public’ Space: A study of atria in mass transit railway (MTR) complexes of Hong Kong. Urban Design International. 17(2), pp.87-105.

Lachman, C. (n.d.). Chinese Calligraphy, Asia Society. Retrieved from November 24, 2018, from https:// asiasociety.org/education/chinese-calligraphy

Yeung, W.Y.J. (2007). Housing, Density and Open Space, Chinese University of Hong Kong. Retrieved from October 27, 2018, from https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/48539200.pdf

Lam, J. & Kao, E. (2017). Hong Kong’s ageing time bomb a cause for concern, SCMP. Retrieved from November 24, 2018, from https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/ 2099749/hong-kongs-ageing-time-bomb-cause-concern

Zhu, B.W., Zhang, J.R., Tzeng, G.H., Huang, S.L. & Xiong, L. (2017). Public Open Space Development for Elderly People by Using the DANP-V Model to Establish Continuous Improvement Strategies towards a Sustainable and Healthy Aging Society. Sustainability. 9(3), pp. 420-448. Page 52

APPENDIX Oswegoland Park District. (2018). Violet Patch Park Shelter. Retrieved from December 2, 2018, from https://www.oswegolandparkdistrict.org/parks-facilities/reservations/park-use/shelters/violetpatch-park-shelter/

Appendix 1 - Methodology

Appendix 1.1 - The Environmental Quality Assessment for Elderly

Population Pyramid. (2018). China, Hong Kong SAR. Retrieved from November 13, 2018, from https:// www.populationpyramid.net/china-hong-kong-sar/2018/

Environmental Quality Assessment Index for Elderly

Population.SG. (2016). Older Singaporeans to double by 2030. Retrieved from November 24, 2018, from https://www.population.sg/articles/older-singaporeans-to-double-by-2030

Aim: To assess the environmental quality of the public spaces for the elderly and the physical condition of the podium garden. The categories are relevant to the quality of life for the elderly. This method will use a 5 point likert scale that can each be scored from Very Good (+2) to Very Poor (-2).

Roam. (2018). Digimap. Retrieved from March 16, from http://digimap.edina.ac.uk/rooam/historic

Rodwinarch. (n.d.). Architectural Site Plan, Pinterest. Retrieved from November 24, 2018, from https:// www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/403424079102447154/?lp=true

Task: At set points, conduct an environmental survey by recording the index scores onto the grid below. The higher the total score, the better the quality of the environment for the elderly.

SCMP. (2017). Hong Kong must do more to care for the elderly. Retrieved from November 24, 2018, from https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2119019/hong-kong-must-do-morecare-elderly SCMP. (2018). Hong Kong needs creative solutions to elderly care. Retrieved from November 24, 2018, from https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2156294/hong-kong-needscreative-solutions-elderly-care Tam, D. (2018). Elderly care is skilled work, and Hong Kong’s migrant domestic helpers should be recognised for their skills, SCMP. Retrieved from November 24, 2018, from https:// www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/hong-kong/article/2155655/elderly-care-skilled-workand-hong-kongs-migrant Tong, E. (2017). Hongkongers enjoy less than half as much open space than citizens of other Asian cities - study., HongKongFP. Retrieved from November 20, 2018, from https:// www.hongkongfp.com/2017/02/28/hongkongers-enjoy-less-half-much-open-space-citizensasian-cities-study/ University of Sheffield. (n.d). Green Spaces For All. Retrieved from December 5, 2018, from https:// dwell.group.shef.ac.uk/age-friendly/green-spaces.pdf URA. (2007). Kwun Tong Town Centre project: People’s Choice. Retrieved from November 24, 2018, from https://www.ura.org.hk/en/media/press-release/20070423

Date: _______________________ Time: _________________________ Location:_________________________