Field Trip Visit: Yau Ma Tei [Teacher Notes]

Teaching kit for Senior Secondary School Secondary Curriculum Field Trip Visit: Yau Ma Tei [Teacher notes]

Organizer Sponsor Research Team

1 Contents

Preamble Teaching plan i Visit: Yau Ma Tei

1.1 Itinerary 01 1.2 Brief History of Yau Ma Tei 03 1.2.1 What is Localization? 04 Field Trip | 1.2.2 What is Vernacular Architecture? 04

1.3 Checkpoints Visit: Yau Ma Tei 1 Public Square 05 2 Temple Street 06 3 Mido Cafe 08 4 Yau Ma Tei Car Park Building and Gascoigne Road Flyer 09 5 Yau Ma Tei Police Station 10 6 Man Wah Sun Chuen, Man Sing Street 11 7 Prosperous Garden 13 8 Shanghai Street No. 313-315 14 9 Yau Ma Tei Wholesale Fruit Market 16 10 Yau Ma Tei Theatre 18

Summary, Key Words and Further Reading 20

Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. © 2012 Hong Kong Institute of Architects Visit: Yau Ma Tei

Major teaching areas Liberal Studies: Module 2 Hong Kong Today • Quality of life • Identity

Design and Applied Technology: Strand 1 Design and Innovation • Design in practice • Design consideration Strand 2 Technology Principles • Nature of Technology Field Trip | Strand 3 Value and Impact • Values in technology and design • Historical and cultural influences Visit: Yau Ma Tei

Learning objectives • To observe and identify the characteristics of local skills in vernacular solutions for architecture • To understand the characteristics of different typologies of vernacular architecture in Hong Kong in relations to the people’s ways of living • To understand the connection and interplay between architecture, lifestyle, social context and the environment

Teaching plan Lesson Contents Lesson 1 • Understand the background of Yau Ma Tei

Visit: Yau Ma Tei • Learn more how do the life and cultures of locals influence the architectural design through a site visit • Identify architectural features and materials typical of post-war Hong Kong • Learn more on local construction materials and solutions

i Field Trip | Visit: Yau Ma Tei 01

10 Theatre 15 min Yau Ma Tei Yau 9 Field Trip Map Field Trip for Design and Applied Technology 20 min Wholesale Fruit Market 4 2 1 8 3 15 min No. 313-315 Shanghai St. 7 7 9 Garden 15 min Prosperous 8 6 6 30 min Man Wah Man Wah Sun Chuen 5 Police Police Station 20 min 5 4 15 min Building YMT Car park 3 Cafe Mido 20 min 2 Street 15 min Temple Background 2: Building Typology Background 3: Building Material Background Background 1: Brief History of Yau Ma Tei 1: Brief History of Yau Background

Field Trip (approximately 3 hours) (approximately Field Trip • • Pre-trip Introduction (20 min) Introduction Pre-trip •

1.1 Itinerary Public

Square 15 min Field Trip | Visit: Yau Ma Tei 02

th Social and cultural life in an old district Social and cultural and temporary stalls street Localization — Shopping since late 19 as an urban space for local activities Square Localization — Public Introduction of vernacular influence on architecture and public space on architecture influence of vernacular Introduction structure portable Temporary Local craftsmanship industrial sector Home-based secondary Historic architectural style Historic architectural Use of materials and structure for historic buildings Renovation Conservation and revitalization of historic buildings (Grade I) Conservation and revitalization materials and structure Historical craft and cultural influences on architectural ventilation design for natural lighting and Vernacular Historic building built in 1913 (Grade II) style Historic architectural Use of materials and structure Design consideration for wholesale fruit market of historic buildings (Grade I and Grade II) Conservation and revitalization Evolution of housing typology needs Development of housing due to social by the Government on private housing Health and safety controls Evolution of housing typology of housing due to economic growth Improvement Scheme’ ‘Urban Improvement Government’s on public housing by the Government Health and safety controls houses — Tenement Architecture Vernacular Vernacular design for natural lighting and ventilation Vernacular development Design strategies for high-dense urban for the spatial requirement structure Appropriate Innovation and technology during the colonial history Security control (Grade III) of historic buildings Conservation and revitalization Shui considerations Feng to climate conditions Solutions in response Chinese culture and modern life and modern Chinese culture Local craftsmanship industrial sector Home-based secondary as local citizens residents Identity of Hong Kong Social and cultural life in an old district style architectural Vernacular materials and structure on architectural Historical craft and cultural influences

century • • • Design and Applied Technology — Yau Ma Tei — Vernacular Vernacular — Ma Tei — Yau Technology Applied and Design Architecture interest of Points • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Yau Ma Tei Theatre Theatre Ma Tei Yau Wholesale Fruit Shanghai Street Shanghai Street Prosperous Garden Prosperous Man Wah Sun Chuen Man Wah Yau Ma Tei Police Police Ma Tei Yau Car Park Building Car Park Mido Cafe Temple Street - Street Temple Public Square Temporary Stalls Temporary Street) (Temple Tenement Houses Tenement (Tai Kok Tsui) High- Kok Tsui) (Tai rise buildings and Gascoigne Road and Gascoigne Road

Complex Market

Station Flyover 10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. Proposed Route Proposed Field Trip | Visit: Yau Ma Tei 03 - - - - - Argyle Street project. Argyle Street living in Yau Among the 310,000 people currently of Mong district can be found a rich mixture Tsim mainland China live New arrivals from ethnic groups. southern Asia in a from alongside minority groups dense environment. relatively early 20th century. Trading of fish, fruits and mer Trading early 20th century. the heart Ma Tei chandise blossomed and made Yau and crafts were of neighbourhood business. Goods neighbouring locally and imported from produced ports. Mid-late 20th century Residential low-rise resi With the influx of Chinese migrants, built in the early part of the dential blocks were and growth Along with the population century. industrialization in 1970s, both public and private housing solutions to ac sectors sought to provide commodate local need. Now and Residential Mix of Commercial place of local a popular remains Ma Tei Yau Today a number of heritage sites, with retains It culture. and revitalization some of them under preservation West schemes, for example the Prince Edward Road and the Shanghai Street Project Ngai Street and Yuen Before 20th century Before Port Harbour / Fishermen as to ‘Oil-Jute-Land’ name translates Ma Tei’s Yau boats gath fishing where area this used to be an materials two essential oil and jute are Tung ered. shops selling those products for fishermen, and the area. flourished around Lin in early 19th century, During the Qing dynasty against the British Chung Fort built the Kwun Tse-hsu British authority Kowloon from and successfully kept remains Shelter Typhoon Ma Tei until 1860. The Yau several reclama popular fishing harbour even after built to serve fisherman as Piers were tion projects. well as for boat access. Early 20th century Local Business in along the shore Local business began to grow 1900 2000

Shanghai Street (1900s) Shanghai Street Yau Ma Tei as fishing village in 1880s as fishing Ma Tei Yau Shanghai Street (now) Shanghai Street Shanghai Street (1960s) Shanghai Street

p p

p Tei Ma History1.2 Brief of Yau Field Trip | Visit: Yau Ma Tei 04

Some would simply .

Availability of capital Availability Local skills and technology Physical and climate conditions Regional traditions and preference traditions and preference Regional materials Nearness to building and Localization of Architecture and and Localization of Architecture Urban Planning’ Teaching Tips Teaching can be found in: information More 03: ‘Globalization Liberal Studies Topic

by people who knew no better than to fit them with native feeling’. response to actual needs, fitted into environment to actual needs, fitted into environment response American architect Frank Lloyd Wright had defined Frank Lloyd Wright American architect in as ‘folk building growing vernacular architecture

economies and ways of life of the cultures that economies and ways of life of the cultures them.’ produce meet specific needs, accommodating the values, All forms of vernacular architecture are built to are All forms of vernacular architecture and available resources they are customarily owner - they are and available resources or community-built, utilizing traditional technologies. the people. Related to their environmental contexts to their environmental the people. Related World, Paul Oliver defines vernacular architecture as: Oliver defines vernacular architecture Paul World, other buildings of ‘...comprising the dwellings and all In The Encyclopedia of Vernacular Architecture of the Architecture In The Encyclopedia of Vernacular without architects’ define vernacular architecture as ‘architecture as ‘architecture define vernacular architecture Usually, buildings designed by professional architects architects buildings designed by professional Usually, vernacular. not considered are 1.2.2 What is Vernacular Architecture? Architecture? 1.2.2 What is Vernacular 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. development: Reasons for localization in architecture and urban and architecture for localization in Reasons characteristics of the place and answer to regional the place and answer to regional characteristics of needs. The outcomes from the process reflect the cultural the reflect the process The outcomes from a particular geographical area. geographical area. a particular Localization is a development process guided by the guided by the process is a development Localization conditions of social and economic culture, customs, 1.2.1 What is Localization? 1.2.1 What

Field Trip | Visit: Yau Ma Tei 05

Public Public Square

Old shore s

1900

YMT YMT

Police Police Reclamation St. Station s

Ferry St. 1990 Reclamation （天后廟）（榕樹頭） West Kowloon West

Today’s shore Shelter Typhoon Typhoon New YMT The land reclamation at Yau Ma Tei at Yau The land reclamation Tin Hau Temple Tin complex. Hau Temple Aerial view of Tin Yung Shue Tau Yung p p p p （榕樹頭）

+ Yung Shue Tau + Yung （「眾坊」）

Public open space, Social and Cultural Public open space, Tin Hau Temple, 1840s 1840s Hau Temple, Tin Temple and Square - remnant of fishing traditions of fishing - remnant and Square Temple Party wall/screen Party Wooden columns which define the order of space Wooden and a light well halls Three Tin Hau Temple Tin Public Square Public [Discussion] Temple and Square - hub for trade and activities and Square Temple

The nearby Temple Street was named after this temple. Street The nearby Temple a place for worship to the nearby boat people, it is also the a place for worship to the nearby boat surrounding people from focus of the community where gather and socialize. areas The Tin Hau Temple is an important social venue in a is an important Hau Temple The Tin Not only has it provided traditional Chinese community. Tei and the remnant of fishing traditions. the remnant and Tei building, a Grade II historic previously Hau Temple, The Tin building since May has been listed as a Grade I historic community and most of the daily activities centered around around of the daily activities centered community and most Hau Temple. the Tin Ma of the Yau is deemed the heart The temple and square In the early days, Yau Ma Tei was a small Chinese was a Ma Tei Yau In the early days, old shorelines? old shorelines? pier) (old Ferry Street (b) Ferry land) (as reclaimed Street (c) Reclamation Compare to Statue Square in Central. to Statue Square Compare What are the landmarks which indicate the locations of What are (by the sea) Hau Temple (a) Tin

2010.

[Observation] • laid diagonally because each tile was Note: Floor tiles were handmade and could not be exactly aligned. Suggested Answers: • • Could you name a few traditional Chinese architectural architectural Could you name a few traditional Chinese Hau Temple? elements found in Tin

Built in: Use: 1

1.3 Checkpoints •

• Social:

• • • Historical: Significance

1 activity. activity. neighbourhood, it had, in fact, begun its life as a waterfront neighbourhood, it had, in fact, begun its life as a waterfront serving as a hub for trade and Hau Temple village, with a large Tin While harbour reclamation has made Yau Ma Tei a landlocked Ma Tei has made Yau While harbour reclamation Field Trip | Visit: Yau Ma Tei 06 . The Queen of （朝行晚拆） The Prince of Temple Street (1992). Street The Prince of Temple that operates from late afternoon (3-6pm) to midnight late afternoon (3-6pm) that operates from and, (e.g. garment, accessories, gadgets, dried food, etc.)

When the stall is closed, the metal structure at the back provides at the back provides When the stall is closed, the metal structure When the stall is opened, the entire structure is unfolded and is unfolded structure When the stall is opened, the entire

Organic temporary architecture Organic temporary architecture ] ] Famous open-air market Famous Creation of vibrant streetscape of vibrant streetscape Creation 晚拆朝行 compact but flexible space for display and storage. Use of space is maximized compact but flexible space for display and storage. Use of space is maximized with limited area. scene a unique street This deployable stall system creates Named after the nearby Tin Hau Temple. Named after the nearby Tin life. Symbol of vibrant street many movie scenes and photoshoots, e.g The vibrancy inspired (1990) Street Temple allows an ‘organic’ mode of business with The design of the stall structure

• Significance Historical: • Cultural: • • Functional: • [ Open attract customers. to maximizing shop frontage extended to the street, zinc or polycarbonate by corrugated is usually covered structure overhanging roof to shelter an extended roof canvas provides (translucent plastic) panels. The nylon by the goods when stall is opened. Light and flexible, the canvas is supported and nylon straps. bamboo or thin metal poles, sometimes stabilised by just rope [ Close storage to all merchandise Street Stalls in Hong Kong Street is a flea market Street Temple evening. Similar to many other street (11pm-1am) and becomes vibrant every in Mong Kok), Street Yuen Central, Fa in Street markets in Hong Kong (e.g. Graham of the most some which create distinctive vernacular structures stalls are the street unique public spaces in Hong Kong. （廟街） Unknown Unknown Street Market for cultural and commercial activites cultural and commercial Market for Street Temple Street Temple

Use: Built in: 2 Field Trip | Visit: Yau Ma Tei 07 [Exercise] allows flexible operating hour available local materials cheap construction with readily hazard fire be damaged by weather (rain, typhoon) to prone occupies minimum space when closed Wheels below metal box - relocation of store box - relocation Wheels below metal which drains / polycarbonate panel - roof Corrugated metal rainwater easily the goods from protecting roof, Nylon canvas - extended wind and rain - temporary support of nylon roof Bamboo / steel pole Metal box structure - storage structure Metal box [Discussion]

Techniques Used: Draw a simple sketch of the structure when it is opened. Used: Draw a simple sketch of the structure Techniques Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the flexible stall structure. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the flexible stall structure. • • • Disadvantages: Advantages: • • Suggested Answer

[Observation] • • • • Suggested Answers: Suggested • Material Used: Take a close look at the street stall. Describe the stall. Describe the street look at a close Take Used: Material function of each and suggest the material(s) you see building member.

1 1 Field Trip | Visit: Yau Ma Tei 08 cantiliever

types （騎樓）（美都餐室） Tong Lau (Cantilevered Living Quarters) Living Lau (Cantilevered Tong Bakery and restaurant Bakery and 1950s Unique “Cha-chan-teng” style Unique “Cha-chan-teng” Living museum for over 60 years Social space from street level to upper levels street Social space from Mido Cafe and photoshoots. Clean, functional Modernist style on the exterior On the first floor, the continuous large windows provide the continuous large windows provide On the first floor, a well-lit and well-ventilated interior space. The nostalgic of many movie scenes has been the backdrop atmosphere teng layout’, for example the zoning of seating types, separate ‘bar’ and kitchen, and some variations on ‘duplex’, ‘synplex’ and ‘terrace-type’ layouts. (e.g. mosaic tiles, hard bench seating, antique cashier, neon (e.g. mosaic tiles, hard bench seating, antique cashier, a distinct ‘cha-chan- The spatial configuration presents Original interior finishes and decoration are well preserved. well preserved. Original interior finishes and decoration are could cantilever and no longer needed to be supported by bulky columns. The cantilever type tong lau appeared because of the popular because The cantilever type tong lau appeared building after WWII. The improved concrete use of reinforced technology meant that the upper floors of post-war tong laus Since the building sits at the junction of two streets, its of two streets, Since the building sits at the junction as sharp to harmonize the feng shui corner is rounded bad energy. thought to create corners are At a micro level, the old-style building materials, admirable level, the old-style building materials, At a micro elements and rich ornamentation workmanship, tailor-made and aesthetics. of local culture all reflections are reflects the development of Hong Kong urban spaces, the the development of Hong Kong urban reflects in the past to estate-based culture a street-based shift from and mall-based ones at present. At a macro level, the interior layout of the cha-chan-teng level, the interior layout of the cha-chan-teng At a macro A more advanced type of tenement house (75-degree inclined advanced type of tenement house (75-degree A more in contrast to terraces with no external columns) cantilevered kee lau the pre-war Post-war tenement house built in 1950s Post-war

signage)

Built in: Use:

3 well as a unique interior featuring numerous types of mosaic. types of mosaic. featuring numerous well as a unique interior a typical style of the 50s. It has a distinctive rounded profile as profile 50s. It has a distinctive rounded a typical style of the Mido Cafe is located on the ground and first floor of a tong lau and first floor of a tong lau on the ground Mido Cafe is located the 1/F onwards, The building cantilevers from (tenement house).

Building Type: Building Type: •

• •

Aesthetic: • •

• •

• Cultural: • • Historical: Significance

Field Trip | Visit: Yau Ma Tei 09 Gascoigne Road Flyover Road Gascoigne The nostalgic atmosphere has been the The nostalgic atmosphere backdrop of many movie scenes and backdrop photoshoots p

（油麻地停車場大廈） 1977 (flyover) Kowloon Corridor bridge of West Vehicular 1957 (Car Park Building) 1957 (Car Park on top floors Car parking, offices : Unique solutions booth seats made in timber and covered with plastic with booth seats made in timber and covered neon light signage air- popular in the days when ceiling fan - more in a conditioning was not as common, especially targeting at locals restaurant old cash register window blind on 1/F material which is cheap, versatile, easy to maintain material which is cheap, versatile, in the hot wet climate of Hong Kong tong lau or aluminium frames of later buildings tong lau or aluminium a different 1/F reflects to steep interior staircase in the past statutory standard level glazed tiles on external wall of ground brown on G/F stainless steel window feature a and floor, a variety of mosaic tile on interior walls harmonious feng shui harmonious feng used for the 1/F enamel paint frames in green iron ones of the older pre-war instead of using wooden the building is rounded at the corner to match at the building is rounded a more to create as well as of the streets the profile Road Flyover Road YMT Car Park Building and Gascoigne Building YMT Car Park

laminate

Combined architecture with the public transport system Combined architecture Unique design strategy for a high-density urban

[Observation]

development

• • • • Furniture / Decoration / Appliance Furniture • • • • Finishing material: • • Architectural element: Architectural • Describe how it reveals the age. how it reveals Describe Answer Suggested Take a few pictures of one design feature (architectural (architectural feature design of one pictures a few Take furniture/decoration/ finishing materials, elements, of the place. that tell the age appliance) Use : Built in

4 car park building has created a unique urban scene. car park building has created span reinforced concrete bridge going through the cavity inside bridge going through concrete span reinforced noise impact by the flyover was considered minimal. The long noise impact by the flyover was considered built to bypass existing surface road and go right through the and go right through built to bypass existing surface road the building. As the original was of the building was car parking, surroundings, to solve the problem, Gascoigne Road Flyover was Gascoigne Road to solve the problem, surroundings, and Lai Chi Kok in 70s, the Car Park Building already existed. Building already and Lai Chi Kok in 70s, the Car Park impact to the the flyover cause even more Since re-routing When West Kowloon Corridor was built to connect Yau Ma Tei Ma Tei Kowloon Corridor was built to connect Yau When West Engineering Challenge • • Functional: Significance Field Trip | Visit: Yau Ma Tei 10 (

Arcade Central Kowloon Route

New Wing (1957)

and staff quarters Old Wing (1922) Wing Old the buildings were . After much controversy, Aerial view of the V-shaped layout Aerial view of the V-shaped G/F on Arcade Entrance Entrance www.central-kowloon-route.com.hk VS Urban Development” “Conservation by possible Station was threatened In 1998, the YMT Police demolition due to the planning of 中九龍幹線) was not a listed quarters, however, conserved. The staff monument, and might be demolished in the future. p p Further Reference: p

半支煙

considerations. 線

幹

(2005)” and “Rush Hour 龍九

中佐敦道

彌敦道 Fengshui Fengshui 黑社會

2 (2001)”.

油麻地警署 YMT Police Station Police YMT Colonial architecture adapted to Colonial architecture local context barracks and staff quarters) and staff barracks Police station (including the police office, police office, (including the station Police 1922

Grade III historical building 渡船街 Popular movie scene Popular : 西九龍走廊火拼時速 Yau Ma Tei Police Station Police Tei Ma Yau （油麻地警署）

Public safety & security during colonial era Public safety & security (1999)”, “Election Popular filming location for gangster-themed filming location for gangster-themed Popular movies in 1990s, e.g. “Half Cigarette Recognized to be one of the most significant Recognized local landmarks. Listed as a Grade III historical building in 1988. building, and facilitates natural ventilation. building, and facilitates natural ventilation. on the upper floor is currently Original arcade concealed to adapt to functional needs. covered walkway on ground floor for walkway on ground covered to pedestrian use, with external wall recessed entering the sunlight from avoid direct The arcade was designed along Canton Road was designed along Canton Road The arcade a It provides Street. and Public Square building with plaster finishes) in contrast building with plaster finishes) in contrast Court in granite in Central (e.g. Old Supreme the corner due to Employing a formal elevation (Neoclassical Style / concrete Main Block in Edwardian Free Building blocks were configured in two wings, configured Building blocks were at layout. Wedge-shaped forming a ‘V-shaped’ as monitoring point for marine order. for marine order. as monitoring point District at It serves the Yau-Tsim-Mong Built by the waterfront in the 20s, the building in Built by the waterfront as well security control was the base for local :

stone). administrative buildings to higher hierarchical

present.

5 Built in Use

• Cultural:

• • Historical:

• •

Architectural: •

Social: • Significance Field Trip | Visit: Yau Ma Tei 11 different textures and plants. This is one textures different example of localization against the genericity of Modernist architecture. intended to preserve sunlight at street level sunlight at street intended to preserve (see image on (Daylight Law of 71.5 degree). the right) with nearby Public Square. and attractive streetscape. ordered according to their personal taste and interest, and plants. This textures using different composes a very localized unique scene. according to their personal taste and interest, details on the façade e.g. in different resulting Recess of building mass on upper floors is Recess level development. Less concern about street Lack of public space planning, e.g. strategy an grid creates The arrangement of a street decorate their window frames Residents decorated their window frames Residents Man Sing Street high-rise residential towers. high-rise residential Man Sing Street Upper levels are set back to preserve sunlight set back to preserve Upper levels are level. at street p

Functional : Statutory regulations on private on private Functional : Statutory regulations buildings • • • Aesthetic : Grid and Localization • • • （文華新村）

71.5’ Residential use from 1/F onwards use from Residential Around 1965 Around : on G/F, use : Commercial Man Wah Sun Chuen Sun Wah Man

This resulted in a relatively low rate of rent that attracted low rate of rent in a relatively This resulted new immigrants to the area. the flats, so today many parasitic elements can be seen. the flats, so today many parasitic elements and the As time passed, the nearby land reclamation conditions. highway development worsened living At the time of its development, the building regulations building regulations At the time of its development, the to renovate free were looser and residents were The 8 massive blocks are connected, allowing effective effective connected, allowing The 8 massive blocks are space design and layout. It provided a housing solution for the rising demand of a housing solution It provided the 1960s. units due to population boom in residential and Vietnam. It was one of the most significant and the biggest private most significant and the biggest private It was one of the of the time. developments residential Mainland China immigrants from It first attracted rich Modernist beauty - high-density buildings

Section showing the setback on top floors in compliance with daylight law.

Use Built in 6 p

• • • Cultural : Organic settlement and development Cultural : Organic settlement and development • • Social : Housing solution for population boom Social : Housing solution • • Historical : Planned mass housing in the 1960s Historical : Planned Significance Field Trip | Visit: Yau Ma Tei 12

PROFILE

Name Age Occupation Nationality

My relationship with the building:

How is his/ her living condition?

[Exercise 1] [Exercise

How is his/ her living condition? condition? living her his/ is How

My relationship with the building: the with relationship My

Nationality

Occupation

Age

How is his/ her living condition? condition? living her his/ is How Name

PROFILE

My relationship with the building: the with relationship My

Nationality

Occupation

Age

Name PROFILE

What are the commons and differences you find in them ? you find in them and differences the commons What are Interview the residents at Man Wah Sun Chuen and Prospect Garden (the next checkpoint). next checkpoint). Garden (the and Prospect Sun Chuen at Man Wah the residents Interview Field Trip | Visit: Yau Ma Tei 13

Cruciform building block some old districts to improve living conditions. living conditions. some old districts to improve Public Kun Street, included Tung The ‘6 streets’ Cheung Shui Street, Street, Lee Tat Street, Square consisted and Canton Road, Ching Ping Street blocks, mainly 5-levels high, of 120 residential In 1984, affected. and about 5000 people were was taken up by the Hong Kong the project Garden, comprised Prosperous Housing Society. with towers, 1 shopping centre of 5 residential built on the a cinema, and an open space, was site. original 6-street Yau Ma Tei ‘6-street’ redevelopment redevelopment ‘6-street’ Ma Tei Yau Planning Department In 1970s, the then Town began to study the feasibility of redeveloping p estate, )

) 房協市區改善計劃 ( (駿發花園) 1991-1995 (by Housing Society (by Housing Society 1991-1995 Residential Residential New strategy for residential planning New strategy for residential Langham Place (redevelopment of Argyle Street / Shanghai Street) of Argyle Street Langham Place (redevelopment and revitalization) (heritage preservation Project Ngai Street West/Yuen Prince Edward Road and revitalization) (heritage preservation Project Street Shanghai Street/Argyle Units are not facing each other directly, providing greater privacy for habitants; privacy greater providing not facing each other directly, Units are amphitheatre. Garden’s an outdoor cinema at the Prosperous The nearby cinema: initially planned to provide an entertainment/cultural venue cinema could still provide the resulting Although the plan was not realized, other districts. and attract customers from for the area Sun Chuen. in Man Wah not provided facilities were These leisure Improved living condition for the community, more spacious living units, improved security, less crowded less crowded security, spacious living units, improved more living condition for the community, Improved built environment; level facility and public open space; Planned with street [Discussion] Prosperous Garden Prosperous Improvement of living conditions of living conditions Improvement

Although the plan was not realized, the resulting cinema cinema the resulting Although the plan was not realized, venue for an entertainment/cultural could still provide other districts. and attract customers from the area building envelop, creating a clean building elevation. building envelop, creating an to provide The nearby cinema: initially planned amphitheatre. Garden’s outdoor cinema at the Prosperous the internal core of the tower as part of the design (being of the tower as part of the the internal core like utilities hidden in internal vertical ducts). Therefore, the enclosed within water pipes and cloth racks are directly opposite to each other. directly efficiency Cruciform building blocks - great into incorporated Unlike tong lau, building services were Compared with Man Wah Sun Chuen, greater privacy was Sun Chuen, greater with Man Wah Compared distance was the layout as a reasonable achieved from not facing were kept between towers and living units the street level (below the residential towers) due to the residential level (below the the street component invention of ‘transfer plate’, a structural Facilities and public spaces could be accommodated on spaces could be accommodated and public Facilities An ‘Urban Improvement Scheme’ Scheme’ An ‘Urban Improvement carried out by projects redevelopment it was one of the 1980s the government in

• • Suggested Answer • • • • • Suggested Answer • Prosperous Garden (1990s) with Man Wah Sun Chuen (1960s)? Garden (1990s) with Man Wah Prosperous Can you name one other urban renewal projects in Yau-Tsim-Mong district? in Yau-Tsim-Mong projects Can you name one other urban renewal Could you name some of the improvements made in terms of planning and design if we compare made in terms of planning and design if we compare Could you name some of the improvements

Use: 896 flats) (total: 8 flats/storey sale, 28 storeys, Blk 1-4 for flats) (total: 669 28 flats/storey storeys, 27 rental, Blk 5 for Built in:

2 1 Comparison on housing developments in different time periods Comparison on housing developments in different •

• • •

• Functional: • Social: Significance Field Trip | Visit: Yau Ma Tei 14 pedestrian from sun pedestrian from and rain, and serves the It is a design lively street. to the adapted in response local climate. The tenement house The tenement house the (tong lau) is one of few surviving pre-war Kong. shophouses in Hong On upper floors, residential connected by a flats are Often, single staircase. subdivided the flats are out to multiple and rent a densely tenants, creating populated living quarter. floor is taken The ground up by a variety of shops. protects The arcade century. th

residential units Teaching Tips Teaching to refer further information, please For in topic 06 ‘Health and Safety Controls Buildings in Hong Kong ’. Residential shop Verandah Type Tong Lau (1920-) Tong Type Verandah Arcade Verandahs p Shanghai Street was irigionally named Station Street Street named Station was irigionally Street Shanghai Since nearby. police station to the presenceof due on Hong Street Upper Station an was a lready there soon was Ma Tei Yau in Street Station the Island, Kong Street. Shanghai as renamed - Five footway, meaning 5-feet wide arcade) meaning 5-feet Five footway,

五腳基 Representative of the architectural typology in Southern China of the architectural Representative Residential use from 1/F onwards use from Residential : Commercial use on G/F, use : Commercial : Around 1920s-1930s : Around

Pre-war type since 1925 type Pre-war Shanghai Street No. 313-315 No. Street Shanghai Tenement Houses (Tong Lau) on on Lau) (Tong Houses Tenement clothes for example and housing development of Hong Kong, a place with limited buildable land. and housing development of Hong Kong, a place with limited buildable The various window decorations and façade elements reflect the age and vitality of the habitants. The various window decorations and façade elements reflect (large windows, high ceiling and balcony), essential for the climate of Hong Kong Cross-ventilation can dry their residents as multi-use work platforms where - for ventilation and serve also Verandahs Vertical commercial signage on the columns commercial Vertical ( Columns form an arcade Tong Lau is a combination of commercial and residential units. Such mixed use is crucial to the economic and residential Lau is a combination of commercial Tong These rare surviving shophouses are part of our living heritage surviving shophouses are These rare the history of influx of Chinese immigrants in early 20 The shop houses also reflect

Front façade and arcade on G/F and arcade façade Front

Built in Use 8

• • • • • Features

• Cultural and Aesthetic: • Historical: • Significance p Field Trip | Visit: Yau Ma Tei 15

added window on original balcony to create additional internal floor space to create added window on original balcony level for extra rent additional zinc shed on roof oversized advertising signage

[Observation]

• • Suggested Answers • Describe the addition / alteration to original structure of tong lau and the respective usage. of tong lau and the respective original structure Describe the addition / alteration to

Building Typology summary diagrams Tong Lau Tong

Field Trip | Visit: Yau Ma Tei 16

Temporary structure Temporary (zinc/canvas canopy) (zinc/canvas . ) 朝行晚拆 ( replace the earlier temporary structures. the earlier temporary structures. replace The top picture shows the 16 shops built to shows the 16 shops built to The top picture [Fig 1] The temporary structures also provide also provide [Fig 1] The temporary structures extended business space like Temple Street. Street. extended business space like Temple an organic This deployable system creates scene street Permanent structure structure Permanent p (pre-war brick building) (pre-war p

草棚

（油麻地果欄） found on site

in 1913

草棚

found on site are: found on site are:

to be

Before 1965, it was the wholesale market for 1965, it was the wholesale Before and fish. After 1965, the fruits, vegetables in fruit trading, market began to specialize of New Cheung Sha along with the emergence and Wholesaling Market Vegetables Wan Market. Fishery Wholesaling Cheung Sha Wan Current brick buildings were built in 1920s, 1920s, in built were brick buildings Current Started in 1913 as straw bale sheds 1913 as straw bale Started in Cantilever Corrugated asbestos sheets Stucco surfaces Light iron truss Light iron Brick pillars purlins (roof) Timber lintel concrete Reinforced : Commercial (Wholesale Fruit Market) (Wholesale Fruit : Commercial : YMT Wholesale Fruit Market Wholesale YMT 7. 4. 5. 6. 1. 2. 3. were built by the same contractor. built by the same contractor. were and structures [Fig 2] Nowadays, the most common Began as straw bale sheds started selling land to [Fig 1] Until 1920-30s, government Rad) Waterloo houses (along wholesalers and 16 brick row of the trade and history of the building. needs for business (e.g. contractable canopy) needs for business (e.g. contractable preference according to personal A variety of enclosure identity parapet speaks for the signage on the roof Pre-WWII wood, zinc, nylon)... makeshift structures using whatever using wood, zinc, nylon)... makeshift structures available on site device to suit the Rigid buildings with flexible additional Low-tech, low budget solutions and materials (brick, ply Low-tech, low budget solutions and

[Fig 2] common structures and materials [Fig 2] common structures

materials

Use 1950s Built in 9 6

p boxes of fruits are traded daily. boxes of fruits are Daily operating hour is from around 1:00am to 6:00am. 50,000 1:00am to 6:00am. around Daily operating hour is from The Wholesale Fruit Market has functioned as the heart of fruit Market has functioned as the heart The Wholesale Fruit Island and Kowloon for a century. trade for Hong Kong • • Evolution of structure and material Evolution of structure • • •

• Features • Field Trip | Visit: Yau Ma Tei 17 ). 朝行晚拆 [Discussion] both are covered by corrugated zinc / by corrugated zinc covered both are / nylon fabric polycarbonate panels business space during both allow extendable operating hours

activities between daytime and nighttime activities between daytime and nighttime ( due to the unique operating mode Imagine and describe the change in street street Imagine and describe the change in Yau Ma Tei Theatre Theatre Ma Tei Yau Suggested Answer Suggested • • structures in the fruit market and on Temple Temple fruit market and on in the structures Describe the similarities between the temporary the temporary the similarities between Describe Suggested Answer and Reclamation Road During Daytime, Waterloo occupied by busy vehicular traffic. are street transformed by are During Night time, both streets for fruit traders and become the trading ground fruits. pedestrian path Fruit boxes take over the narrow parked beside Lorries are and the vehicular road. loading and unloading take place. where stores shuttling carry the carton boxes by trolley, Workers between lorries and stores. 1 p Street. 2

both were built with bricks and have pitched built with bricks both were 1920s around period, built in pre-war both were a share parapet roof on the the curved features language similar architectural roofs

Exercise Exercise • • • Suggested Answer Suggested structures in the fruit market (facing Waterloo Road) Road) Waterloo fruit market (facing in the structures Theatre. Ma Tei and Yau Describe the similarities between the permanent the permanent the similarities between Describe Fruit market brick buildings along Waterloo Road Road Fruit market brick buildings along Waterloo

1 Field Trip | Visit: Yau Ma Tei 18 elevation facing Reclamation Street elevation facing Reclamation Front façade facing Waterloo Road, side Road, façade facing Waterloo Front p

venue in （戲曲）（油麻地戲院）

opera activities, in particular, Cantonese opera. particular, opera activities, in The original Yau Ma Tei Theatre ceased operation in ceased Theatre Ma Tei Yau The original Red with the nearby In 2012, together July 1998. graded historic buildings, had Brick Building, both a territory-wide performing been converted into Chinese for promoting arts venue designated Cultural 1928

Witness the evolution of local food trading Witness the evolution A living Heritage in Hong Kong : Yau Ma Tei Theatre Tei Ma Yau Key entertainment venue for working-class Ma Tei neighbourhood. It was an important entertainment Ma Tei place in the as a key social gathering venue and regarded District Development Hong Kong, and is part of the West Kowloon Cultural Hong Kong, and is part of the West some even had two levels. It wasn’t until the 1990s that some even had two levels. It wasn’t multiplex-cinemas appeared of Hong Kong). It by NPO (The Chinese Artists Association shall become the newest ‘xiqu’ past because they also served as venues for Cantonese past because they also served as venues Opera performances. Its audience had always been the working-class of the Yau of the Yau Its audience had always been the working-class YMT Theatre Complex is now being revitalized and reused and reused Complex is now being revitalized YMT Theatre Back then, a theatre normally had about 1,000 seats; normally had about 1,000 Back then, a theatre Cinemas in Hong Kong were often called “theatres” in the often called “theatres” Cinemas in Hong Kong were Classified as a Grade II Historic Building. Classified as a Grade in Kowloon. theatre The only surviving pre-WWII

: Elevations and Section (AMO report. Photo source: ArchSD) Photo source: (AMO report.

Use Built in 10

p district.

• Social:

•

• Cultural: • Historical: • Significance Field Trip | Visit: Yau Ma Tei 19 Teaching Tips Teaching Conservation in further information on For to Liberal Studies Hong Kong, please refer and Revitalization topic 08 ‘Conservation and topic 09 ‘Conservation of Architecture’ in Hong Kong’. Policy Red Brick Building Red p from 1895 to 1911 from Originally the Yau Ma Tei Pumping Station Pumping Station Ma Tei Originally the Yau 1895. Grade I historic building (June1895. Grade I historic 2000) : : [Discussion] will be affected? How do you think the local culture of YMT District of YMT District How do you think the local culture different roles to serve the community. to serve the roles different It remains its strong tie with the neighbourhood despite tie with the neighbourhood despite its strong It remains District by adapting to Ma Tei the rapid changes of Yau adaptive reuses as a post office, hazardous goods as a post office, adaptive reuses sleepers’ shelter and hawkers control street store, office. multiple Brick Building underwent After 1911, the Red Red Brick Building Red Built in Use with small multi-function rooms, office and a souvenir shop. office rooms, with small multi-function The converted Yau Ma Tei Theatre would hold a seating capacity of about 300 while the Red Brick the Red a seating capacity of about 300 while would hold Theatre Ma Tei The converted Yau the Theatre, become a supporting facility of would Theatre, Ma Tei to Yau proximity Building, in close The Chief Executive, in his 2007/08 Policy Address, announced that the Government had decided Government had that the announced Address, 2007/08 Policy Executive, in his The Chief would serve as a which Opera Centre into a Cantonese Theatre Ma Tei the former Yau to convert Opera troupes. for Cantonese performing venue permanent Yau Ma Tei Theatre and Red Brick Building Brick Red and Theatre Ma Tei Yau Centre the Chinese Opera becomes

sustained, it can be treated as an opportunity to celebrate sustained, it can be treated to the tourists. the local cultures and promote On the other hand, if suitable policies are made to ensure made to ensure On the other hand, if suitable policies are and and traditions can be protected that these local cultures cater to tourists more than locals. This may impose negative cater to tourists more Ma Tei impacts on the local and traditional business in Yau and disturb the peaceful local neighbourhood. The district, with its multiple attractions, is already popular The district, with its multiple attractions, is already with Chinese and overseas visitors. This change will chains which retail visitors, attract more encourage more Suggested Answers

1 District. Cantonese Opera and the entrance of the West Kowloon Cultural of the West Cantonese Opera and the entrance The Yau Ma Tei Theatre will become a new hub for promoting become a new hub for promoting will Theatre Ma Tei The Yau Summary

Yau Ma Tei is going through an urban renewal process which creates an interesting mix of the old and the new. There are post-war restaurants, open air flea markets and new residential developments. By studying the various checkpoints in the field trip, we can observe that for any kind of building development, it is essential to establish connections with the local contexts through the localization process. We should rethink the impacts urban renewal has on a neighbourhood with strong local cultures such as Yau Ma Tei, and while upgrading the life quality of residents, effort should also be invested in sustaining the local traditions, which are a valuable part of our intangible heritage with deep roots in history.

Key Words Adaptive reuse Tong Lau Arcade Vernacular architecture Organic Local culture Deployable stall structure Localization Intangible heritage Revitalisation Tenement house Urban renewal