Public open space in high density cities: the case of Hong Kong

ABSTRACT

Using a combination of empirical research methods such as spatial analysis and on-site observation, this article aims to shed light on the physical and social characteristics of 27 Public Open Spaces (POSs) in Central and Western Districts in Hong Kong. This study will contribute to a better understanding of their role, function and usage, so as to help establish a broader strategy for the revitalisation and upgrading of these important public resources. The results of the analysis indicate that a large percentage of the POSs examined have several shortcomings that may contribute to their low usage, and which render them unattractive. Poor accessibility, outdated design principles, the absence of active frontages and a lack of flexibility in the use of the space are some of the factors that the rigid application of planning policies have produced over the years. As such, this study suggests that a revision of current urban design guidelines, in light of the shortcomings that they have inadvertently generated, could establish a new direction in the provision and management of POSs in Hong Kong, providing new opportunities to create a more sustainable and people-friendly urban environment.

KEYWORDS:

• Public Spaces
• Urban Design Guidelines
• Spatial analysis
• On-site Observation
• Hong Kong

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/17549175.2022.2123380

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Early Career Scheme (ECS) of the University Grants Committee of Hong Kong. Project code: 2191141.

Notes on contributors

Francesco Rossini

Francesco Rossini is an architect and urban designer and is an Associate Professor at the School of Architecture at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). In 2020 he also taught in the Columbia GSAPP’s Urban Planning program as Adjunct Assistant Professor. Francesco graduated with honours from the faculty of Architecture of University of Napoli Federico II obtaining a master’s degree in architecture. In 2014, he completed (cum laude) his Ph.D. in Urbanism from Polytechnic University of Catalonia (Barcelona Tech UPC), where he explored the role of public spaces in private developments in Hong Kong. During his doctoral studies, he was awarded a grant by the Ministry of Education of the Government of Spain. Before joining CUHK, Francesco Rossini has participated in different research programs, collaborating with the University of Napoli Federico II, Politecnico di Milano, Barcelona Tech UPC, and Tongji University in Shanghai. At CUHK, Francesco is currently working on the establishment of urban design guidelines to enhance the spatial and social conditions of Hong Kong’s open spaces in old urban areas; his work focuses on the relationship between formal and informal urban processes and how the spontaneity of informal spaces can be coded and injected into dysfunctional spaces generated by rigid, top-down planning approaches. In the last five years, he realised different placemaking interventions in Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Manila exploring how temporary urban actions influence the behaviour of the people by provoking new social interactions.