A STUDY OF RESIDUAL SPACES IN KWUN TONG, HONG KONG

Abstract

Many cities have been undergoing urban development to remain economically competitive and to improve its appeal. This is especially applicable in the 21st century, in a world where contemporary cities are becoming increasingly generic. Particularly in Hong Kong, one of the densest cities in the world, urban development is proceeding at an exponential rate, resulting not only in the increased contestation of spaces by the public, but also the formation of residual spaces that have been largely overlooked by planners. This has led to the appropriation of these residual spaces by various citizens for their daily activities. However, these appropriations have resulted in more inclusive spaces for these citizens, where contrary to the conventional notions of urban planning, the residual spaces are in fact teeming with life, contributing to the culture of the society. How does the appropriation of residual spaces occur and who are the users? What are the characteristics of these appropriated residual spaces? The research addressed these questions through a diagnostic approach focusing on the activity patterns of the users and the characteristics of the corresponding residual spaces in Kwun Tong Central, with the findings that vendors, musicians and artists were the main users appropriating the residual spaces, contributing to not only a vibrant street culture, but also an emerging arts culture unique to Hong Kong. As the Hong Kong Urban Renewal Authority rolls out more urban redevelopment projects to be implemented within the next six years, this dissertation concludes with the need to consider an alternative form of urban renewal that is not only more flexible, but also more negotiable and participatory.