PUBLIC SPACE in the DERELICT OLD CITY AREA a Case Study of Mong Koþ Hong Kong

(uD34)

PUBLIC SPACE IN THE DERELICT OLD CITY AREA A case study of Mong Koþ Hong Kong

Dr. Charlie Q.L. Xue, Mr. Kevin Manuel and Rex H.Y Chung Division ofBuilding Science and Technology, City University ofHong Kong

IABSTRACT]

Public space, including recreational space, is an important index of me¿suring the living qualþ of metropolitan areas. The authors use Mong Kok ofHong Kong as a case study to explore the issues. Mong Kok was shaped during the colonial age after 1930s and it has been an entertainment and shopping hub ofHong Kong. The reasons for selecting Mong Kok for study are mainly its highest density bfurban population in the world, and its sþnificance of regional economy and tourism, which have attracted a great amount ofpatrons and tourists in the past years. With its expansion ofpopulation and extremely exuberant commercial activity, Mong Kok can hardly accommodate the d¿ily needs of local residents. Public space, which can only be seen in those leftover areas adjacent to streets, are found to be below the average and reasonable standards both in quality and quantity and also poor in maintenance among the various districts in Hong Kong. The increasing environmental problems, such as air and noise pollution ofthe area, have become a typical symptom of modern urban areas.

The article presents the existing pictures of Mong Kok and analyses the reason ofpublic space shortage. The methods of observation and questionnaires are used in investigation. The authors suggest the strategies of improving public space in Mong Kok. The analysis, method and suggestion in this article may have universal sþificance in providing experience and reference for other parts of Hong Kong or other world cities. PUBLIC SPACE IN THE DERELICT OLD CITY AREA A case study of Mong Koþ Hong Kong

P.t.Çh*!þ Q L. Xue, Mr. Kevin Manuel and Mr. Rex H.y Chung Division ofBuilding Science and Teclnology, City University ofHong Kong

[SYNOPSTSJ Public space in developed countr¡es hås been well-discussed (Marcus, 199g; Madanipour, 1996). Big cities in Asir arc undergone d¡ffercnt stories, with the ch¡ltenges from population ptersoË, mîai"g a"rliacility rg¡ng and infrastructure's insufliciency @roceertinss, 1997; Manuei an¡ xuô, rgsf¡, hrtuc sp"ace is an import¡ntindex.of living quality in city, but it has been rong ignorrd in the ciies or rapia grow6 ror exåmple' thore citie¡ in southeast Asiâ. This article uses Mo-ng-Kot<, a bu¡y commerci¡i a¡ã old traditionat district of Eong Kong, as case study to explor€ the ¡ssues of plUic Ápace in OercUct city arc.. The articþ pr€sents the existing pictures of Mong Kok Tte method-¡ of obcervation ód questionnairrs ¡re used in invest¡gation. The authors suggest the strategi€s of inpmving public space in il{ong Kok rhe rn¡lys¡$ method rnd suggestion in this article may hrve univenat signifiiince in fmviling exrtrience and rcfercnce for other parts of Eong Kong or other world cities.

Key wtds: public space, Hong Kong, Mong Kolc poticr¿ buittform

1. EXISTING PICTUR-E OF MONG KOK

1.1 Bacþround of Mong Kok Mong Kokt is located at the center of Kowloon peninsula. Its area is about 147 hectares and it has about 160,000 residents. It is an entertai¡ment and shopping hub ofHong Kong. Mong Kok village existed as early as the lBû century It lâid in-the area oftÈe presõnt nute stree! Tung choi street and Reclamation street. The residents were mostly farmers planting v_egetable. At the beginning of 20th century, as Nathan Road, the most popular road in Kowloon, was developed towards north, Mong Kok became a com.erõi¿l area for chinese people. In 1930s, its chinese name was changed to "wongKok" which means "the point of ,,Mong prosperity". However its English name remains Kok' till now.

Mong Kok isnow a popular shopping place for both tourists and local people. According to visitors Profile Reporr 1998, 20 %o tourists visit "open Air Markets" in rsôs, which is oily less than "VictoriaPeak" (47Yo), "Repulse Bay" ei%) and..Ocean park" (24%). One of the major "open Air Markets" in Hong Kong is the Ladies' Market on Tung choi street in Mong Kok. All sorts ofbargain deals can be found herg including clothing foi men and women of all ages, watches, accessories, small household items, and toys. ThJplace gets its name because it is particular well known for its fashionable ladies' clothing. These items are usually locally made and the prices are very affordable. Another favóurite with shoppers is the Fa Yuen street, which also contains open-air market stalls. Although not as famous as Ladies' Market, impressive fashion items at low price can also be found here. In addition, a number ofpet shops, fresh fruit and gold fish stalls also gather along the street.

As Mong Kok is located at the center of Kowloon, it is the transportation center of Kowloon peninsular. Both Kowloon-canton Railway and Massive Transii Railway have Mong Kok station. Many bus and mini-bus lines are either via Mong Kok or taking it as a terminal. It is probably the most accessible place in Hong Kong. That is another reasón why Mong Kok is so attractive to patrons and toLrists. Although Mong Kok is not a very large place, the district can be subdivided into different areas according to their local characteristics. First of all, the shopping and commercial hub of the district is the southeast part ofMong Kok. It is bounded by Nathan Road to the west and Prince Edward Road West to the north. To most people, it is what Mong Kok means. Besides, it is also where most mini-bus terminals and the train station located. Streets axe always packed with people during peak hours. @ig. 1) The shortage ofpublic space for passive and recreation use is very severe in this area. The northeast part of Mong Kok is dominated by residential buildings. As there ¿re no shopping malls and major roads, and the majority ofbuildings are comparatively new, the environment is the best among the district. The southwest Mong Kok is the "oldest" area in Mong Kok. It has the most number of buildings that were built before 1955(Fig. 2). (Yeung Lo Guan-cui, 1988) The area is famous for selling construction materials and having many "night clubs". In all, the environment is not very favorable. At the west end ofMong Koþ Tai Kok Tsui is an industrial area. A few residential buildings are located at the boundary- Since theie are a number ofroads, namely Lai Chi Kok Roa{ Tong lvfi Road, Tai Kok Tsui Road, going through the are4 the streets are very noisy and dusty. Hence, they are not pedestrian-friendly. Although the shortage ofpublic space is not as severe âs the shopping are4 it is still far from satisfaction.

Figure scene seen Figure 2 Tþical dilapidated buildings in ldong Kok

1.2 Community Profile2

Population Due to the development of new towns, the population ofMong Kok was decreasing in the past decade. In 1996, the population ofMong Kok is 157,017. It v/as forecasted in 1992 that the population ofMong Kok would decrease to 150,300 by year 2001. (Planning Department, 1992) However, since immigrants from Mainland China have kept coming to Hong Kong in recent years, the population of Mong Kok in the future may not be as forecasted i¡ 1992. Although there is no any population forecast on Mong Kok after 1992, statistics and forecast of YauTsimMong's population may be used as a reference. Just like Mong Kok, YauTsimMong's population was decreasing before 1996. However, its population was rebounded in the 1998 By-Census. A¡d it was forecasted that the population of YauTsimMong would be increased to 318,700 by year 2001. Therefore, the population of Mong Kok is very likely to increase in the future.

86 Census 9l Census 96 Census 98 Census 2001 Popul¡tion Forccast Mong Kok 202,412 170,368 157,017 150,300 (at 1992) YauTsfuMong 353,437 282.060 260,573 300,700 318,700 (at 1998)

Age Structure The age structure of Mong Kok is similar to that of Kowloon. Yet, compared to Hong Kong

2 as a whole, Mong Kok has a higher proportion of population aged 60 and over

Under 5 5-14 Others and over Mong Kok 5v" llo/" 66Yo tav¡ Honq Kons 6yo 13r,/t 67o/o 140/"

Household Characteristics The average domestic household size of Mong Kok is smaller than that of Hong Kong and Kowloon. The average domestic household size (persons per household) ofrro-ng rõng (all land area) and Kowloon are 3.3 and 3.2; while the househóld size in 4 rÞur in Ir,i'ong Èot a.e ranging from 2.8 to 2.9.

Hong Kong Kowloon TPU 2.2.1 TPU 2.2.2 TPU 2.2.7 T.PU 2.2.9 everage

As far as the household income is concerned, the median monthly household income ofHong Kong is 17,500 (HK$); while that of Mong Kok is ranging from i2,500 to 17,000, which is slightly lower than that of Hong Kong. Note that there isã dramatic difference amor€ the four TPUs in Mong Kok. The households inTprJ 2.2.1and 2.2.9, which are the uon! Kok west and rai Kok Tsui areas, have much lower income than the households in the otåõ two TPUs, which h¿ving the median close to that of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The age and income structure of Mong Kok naturally influence roi¿"nt-.' living style and their waysîf using public space.

Hong Kong Korrloon ^rPU 2.2.1 TPU 2.2.2 TPIJ 2.2.7 TPU 2.2.9 No. ofhousehold 1,853,248 613,062 3l,tM 8461 7889 7690 lvfedian monlly household income (HK$) 17,500 ló,000 12,500 16,000 u,000 12,500

Land Use in Mone Kok Except the major roads, most ofthe area in Mong Kok is zoned for residential use. 67yo area of Mong Kok falls in these two zonings. Next to them is "Government/ Institution/ ,.open community" (GIC) that takes atmost l0olo of the area. only 5.5y0 area is dedicated to space".

USES HECTARES % 7.51 5.t2 2.t2 1.45 (GROTJP A) 40.39 27.56 s.49 3.75 GOVERNMENT/ INqTITUTION/ COMMUNITY (GIC) t4.46 9.87 8.10 5.53 8.16 5.57 58.79 40.12

1.52 1.03

PLANNING SCHEME AREA 146.52 100.00 Sou¡ce * June

Open Space Vs. HKPSG and Other Asian Cities According to the standard ser in Hong Kong planning standard and Guideline3 (f{Kpsc),

J there should be 24 hectares of open space in Mong Kok. However, according to the Mong Kok OZP, the total area of Open Space in Mong Kok is only 8. I hectares. It is not only below the standard in Hong Kong, but far less than th¿t ofother Asian cities. (Fig. 3)

Existrng HKPSG Sqùff€ M€ter p€r P€rsons Percentage Prôvide.l St¡n¡ler¡l Gxistinø HKPSG)

Open Space in Mong Kok 8.1 ha 24 h^ 346/o 0.5/ 1.5

Toþo (yr 2000 target)

Singapore (proposed)

Singapore (existing)

Tapei

Shenáen SEZ Qrangàou Hong Kong (New Toun) liong Kong (ùrban Area) M

Mong Kok E squarc ræteß per person 012345678

Figure 3 Couparìson of Open Space provision in Major Asian Citbs

Source - Planning DepaÍment, 1997

Air Pollution According to the data collected by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) monitoring stations, the overall air quality of Mong Kok is the veorst among the nine stations in Hong Kong.

Air Total Suspend€d Total Suspended Ozone Nitrogen Dioxide Stations Pãticimtes Pfiticiutes 'l l-hour l -hour 24-hoür I veâr 24-horrr ve¡¡ 24-honr I vear Kwun Tons o o x o X o X Shâ ïn o o o o o o o o Tai Po o o o o o o o o Yuen Lons o o o o o x o X Sham Shui Po o X o o X o X þntrayWest o o o o o x o x Isuen Wân o o c) o x o x Kwai Chrms o o O o o o o o Mong Kok X X X o o x not "x" violated tlìe AQO

Source - Envi¡onmental Protection Depaírnent, 1997

To conclude, Mong Kok is a high-density district with little public space ¿nd poor air quality. Residents at west Mong Kok have generally lower income. However, it is an attractive place lor both tourists and local people due to its accessibility, variety ofentertainment and vitality of activities.

4 Reference Data of 157.017 Areå 146.54

2.9 persons per household

1.3 Public space of Mong Kok

Analvsis of existing public in Mong Kok Public.space in-Ilong is provided _Kong and managed by the govemment. These spaces are generally zoned_in either "open space" or "Gove*-entl nsTitut¡on/ community'i (crci i" outline Zoning Plans (oZp). In Mong Kok oZp (No. s/I{3/r 0), there are lz -open spaces',; and one GIC space that is opened for public use. In order to ilústrate the picture bettei, we classify them into six_categories according to their functions, locations anå zunoundingis as follows. AII of the public spaces in Mong Kok are coded with numbers and labeled wiih our category.(Fig. 4)

Kok Catesorv Descrintion Ooen Soace No. Chamcteristics I rssive OÞen Space l. t7 tr Active Recreation Space 15,2t,26 ¡ Footbal pitch, Basketball ñ€lds... etc. Both Active and Passive 4, tl, t4,24,38 a Ilaving sittingout area beside active Space space, children's playground

ry Roadside Space 5-9, 12, 22,23 Länd at road or roadside strips Beside m¡in roacls

Rernainder Space (Pocket 10, 16,25,27-35,36 . Land betw€€n building blocks. Pa*) . Small in size r Sunounded by dilapidated buildings. ¡ Mostly enclosed on th¡€e sides ând lâck of trânsDa¡encv VI category I space designed for passive _is recreation use only. It provides a nice environment where people.can enjoy the surroundings in a leisurely rnanner. it occupies a certain area that there is sufficient separation between the urban area and the landscaped garden. Category.tl is space designed for active recreation use, such æ socôer pitc¡, basketball court and badminton court. laleqoy IIr is an active space with a sitting-out area beside. children's playground is included in this category as there is always sì$ing-out area beside a childrån's ilayground. category_ rv is a space that its perimeters are immediately adjacent tornain.oø..-rt it usually a land at road intersections or roadside strips. c1fe.gory v is_remainder space between buitdings. It is space that occupied one or two lots within a street block or some leftover spaces beside "GIC; buildings. It appears to be the remainder when the surrounding buildings have been provided rather than iurposely designed for recreation use. The environment ofthese spaces ii usually poor, as they are ru.,ouoaåa by dilapidated buitdings and are not large enough to provide bufiei between rácreation space and the surroundings. Due to the lack oftransparency, rorn" ofthese spaces are used by á,ug dealers for drug transaction.

5 Category VI is space that cannot be accessed and enjoyed by public. It includes amenity areas, built-over spaces and spaces that simply do not open to public. Note that active space that requires booking is also included in this category.

These spaces were observed at different times of a day by our research team. Questionnaires have been carried out at three ofthe spaces. They are area no. 7, 26 and 38. The findings and observations are as follows: l) The main users ofthe spaces are elderly people. 2) Due to the lack ofpassive space, many elderly people stay at the perimeters ofthe football pitches. 3) A public space is more popular if it provides public facilities such as toilet and playground. 4) More than 50% ofthe interviewees have no comment on the supply of open space and greenery within the district. In the remaining half, most interviewees find the supply satisfactory. The result reflects people have little concern on the issues and do not understand they deserve more public space.

NbF¡ nfl [r]t[D{ ffitl ntrtrtr H [[¡[

m F¡3!¡rr S4l sp¡ce lÐ El Â.ñrô R!€¡e¡ösn 8pâco (tÌ) prß¡tuo E @ EÞ$rÄcû!¡s ¡¡!¡I &'¿eù û$l !

Figure 4 The classification of public space in Mongkok. The numbers represcnt the \rarious public space for the convenience of resea¡ch.

Problems identified A number ofproblems are identified from the above analysis; 1) Shortage of public space: The analysis shows that many ofthe "Open Space" are actually not "open" (Category VI). They are either occupied by buildings or simply not accessible to public. The "genuine" public space is much less than that specified in the OZP. 2) Uneven distribution: There are very few public spaces at southeast Mong Kok, where is the most popular place ofMong Kok. Besides, those spaces in that area are located

6 at the edge ofthe area, which do not benefit the area much. 3) Á.ctive to passive ratio: A study on leisure and recreation preferences shows that the demand for passive recreation space is far more than active recreation space. (Planning Department, 1996) Howeveç most of the open spaces in Mong Kok are dedicated for active recreation use. There are 3 soccer pitches and 5 basketball courts in Mong Kok. Together with the facilities provided in the indoor games halls, the supply ofactive recreation space is actually quite sufticient compared with that ofpassive recreation space. 4) Quality of open space: Most ofthe open spaces are leftover or roadside spaces that are all very small in size. fmmediately beside the spaces are main roads or the back of dilapidated buildings. Instead ofa relief from the urban environment, drainpipes, choking air and noise from roads are what the users can get from the open spaces. 5) Lack ofimage: None ofthe public space provides a symbol or focus to the district. It is very important for a district -- a successf;l public place not only provides a dominant feature to the district, but also increases residents' sense ofbelonging.

2. STRATEGIESANDSUGGESTIONS

Sinee all land in the district has already been occ';pied b;' buildings, the most efEcient and direct way ofgetting public space is by urban redevelopment. However, urban redevelopment is always a difficult task and the result of it can hardly be seen without the efort of dec¿des. Therefore, in addition to the long-term development strategies, some guidelines for improving the existing conditions ofpublic space without the need for large-scale redevelopment are suggested herewith.

2.1 Long ïbrm Strategies for Future Development In order to upgrade the living quality of Mong Kok, more public spaces have to be provided in the district. The strategy for doing so is to develop the district in various dimensions, with the existing shopping hub as the polarizing center It means to extent the "shopping hub" not only horizontally, but vertically as well. Specifically, a number of suggestions are made; l) Elevated walkway system An elevated walkway system in Mong Kok is a must in the future Today, the streets in Mong Kok are already unreasonably crowded. The development of elevated walkway system is the only answer to the problem. Besides, there is now more and more commercial redevelopment in Mong Kok. The shopping malls of the redevelopment can provide junction points to the system, which make the proposal more feasible. Current elevated walkways in KCR station and some shops in Argyle Street are proven successful but too small scale. In fact, an elevated walkway system linking up the three KCR/IVÍTR stations (the Mong Kok KCR and MTR Stations and Tai Kok Tsui Airport Railway Station) along Argyle Street to the West Kowloon Reclamation area has been proposed. The feasibility of the scheme is still being assessed. @raft Mong Kok outline zoning plan no. S/I(3/I0, Explanatory Statement) 2) "Public Sp_acq tinihappingtmalls In addition to ease the pedestrian flow at street level, the system provides a chance of having "public" spaces at podium level, or even within the shopping malls. Although the space is actually not so "public", it is a solution to the problem. In fact, an example has been set up at the Grand Century Place in Mong Kok. There is a very popular children playground at the podium level. Parents can drop their kids there while they go shopping. For a district where there is shortage ofpublic space, it is a very successful "public" space indeed.

7 3) Expandins the shopoin_e and commercial area Since it is very difficult to "create" public space in the shopping area for their high land value, another way of improving the situation is to ease the density ofthe area by extending the shopping area. In fact, the "shopping area' of Mong Kok is expanding. In the past, the "boundary" of the area is around Mong Kok Road; while it extends to Princæ Edward (Pioneer Center) now. However, the "expansion" is confined in south north direction only. The west side ofNathan Road becomes less and less popular. Therefore, it is suggested to develop Mong Kok west ¿s another shopping hub providing modern style shopping malls; while the old shopping style (open-air markets) at Mong Kok east should be retained. Argyle Street is a potential east-\¡.est spine connecting east Mong Kok to the West Kowloon Reclamation Area. In fact, the first step has already been taken. The Shanghai/Argyle Street Redevelopment, a large-scale commercial project by LDC located at west Mong Kok, is actually a good initiator of the strategy. Once there is a large-scale shopping mall opened, its surrounding will get developed automatically. Cunently, many mini-buses take east side of Mong Kok as terminals, they clust€r and occupy the streets and make pedestrian's walking more difficult. That greatly deterioretes the situation. Only by relocating these terminals þossibly to the west side of NatÌun Road) can aiieviate the commerciai area ot east Mong Kok. 4) Developing Tai Kok Tsui as transitional area between new and old Since Tai Kok Tsui is located between Mong Kok and west Kowloon Reclamation Area, it is suggested to develop the area into a district recreation space between the new and old shopping center. It is recommended to replace the industrial buildings by a large park and other recreation facilities such as indoor games halls, theaters, plaza and govemment complex so that it becomes the civil center of the whole district. 5) Active to passive ratio As proposed by the Planning Department, the active to passive recreation space ratio should be varied according to the needs ofthe district @lanning Department, 1997). In district like Mong Kok where the majority of public space user is elderly peoplg more passive space should be provided. As far as active recreation facilities a¡e concerned, they can be provided in indoor games halls and in other govemment complex so that the supply offacilities are not to be affected and the open spaces can be available for passive recreation use.

2.2 Immediate Measures for Improvement Before the long-term strategy is caried out, some immediate measures have to be taken to improve the environment. The strategies for improving public space in Mong Kok should be in two directions. One is to "create" more public space in the shopping area while the other is to improve the design ofthe existing public space.

Figue 5 Pedest¡iarized shopping plaza Figure 6 Tree planting and paving extending to curb Source - Ma¡cus, 1998 I Suggestions for "creating" space at Mong Kok east Use of public space can be flexible. For example, certain streets should be "pedestrianized" during certain hours. In fact, some streets, such as Nelson Street, have already been dedicated to pedestrians use during Sunday. However, more streets should be included in the scheme so that the whole shopping area can be free f¡om traffrc. It is suggested that the area bounded by, Nathan Road, Argyle Street, Sai Yee Street and Dundas Street boundary should be "pedestrianized" during holiday, say within 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Fig. 5) Ther\ the whole area can become an urban plaza for shopping and leisure activities.

Suggestions for imoroving existing public space Many of the public spaces in Mong Kok are "pocket" parks. Although their locations and size may be different, the design of them is similar. The main problem ofthese parks is that they are too enclosed -- many troublesome out-of sight spaces only accommodate for drug dealing and sca¡e the normal users. Besideg some ofthese parks are situated in a poor environment, for example, besides the workshops and garages. However, no matter hovr poor the environment is, there are users, mainly elderly people in these pocket parks. That indicates the societal needs for public space in the district. Ifthe design ofthese existing parls is improved, more people will use the space. Specifically, a few guidelines are made for pocket parks improvement. l) Entries to parks should be carefully designed to allow passing pedestrians to watch the activity inside. 2) People can be attracted to hard+o-find mid-block parks by extending tree planting or paving Êom the parks out to the curb. (Fig. 6) 3) Benches for resting should be located at the entrance ofthe parks so that more people can use them without going into the parks. 4) A sitting area should not be too enclosed that it is lack of public surveillance. 5) The layout of these small parks should be simple and clear. For o

2.3 Case Study An open space is selected as an example to show how an open spaæ can be better used and organized. The focus ofthe exercise is not on the aesthetic issue ofthe open space design, but the functional performance ofthe space. The aim ofthe design is to make the space more enjoyable for public use.

The Site The open space (area no. 7) is a triangular island site bounded by Nathan Road, Li Chi Kok Road and A¡ran Street. Its area is approximately 830 square meters. It is a typical open space in Mong Kok -- a land at road intersections. Since it is located at the junction of two major roads, Nathan Road and Li Chi Kok Road, many pedestrians and vehicles pass through it. It has every potential to be a focal point or point-reference ofthe district. Therefore, it becomes the subject ofthis exercise. (Fig. 7)

Existing conditions The site has a very simple layout, a triangular water feature in the center, trees along the

9 boundary and a concrete canopy sitting area at the "back". It is not a very popular place as it is too close to roads. Users are mostly passer-by people and seldom sit for a long time. Most people sit by the fountain instead ofunder the R.C. canopy. It is probably because people do not want to go inside the space when they do not decide to sit for long. Besides, the sitting area is not comfortable as it is too isolated and enclosed. @ig. 8)

N* t^

Figure 7 Block plan Figure 8 Existing plal Figure 9 Proposed plan

Suggestions As open space is very valuable in Mong Kok, every inches of space should be well used. The idea ofthe proposal is to extend the boundary ofthe space to the curb ofthe roads, making the island site to be a piece ofopen space rather than an open spaoe surrounded by walkways. In additiort since the space is adjacent to the main roads, few people will find the space enjoyable to stay for a long time. Suqgestions for improving the environment will also be made. Specifically, the suggestions are: l) The walkways should be properly paved so as to provide a different environment for the pedestrians. Instead of walking alongside an open space, a sense ofwalking through an open space should be delivered to them. 2) Trees should be planted on both sides ofthe walkways. They can create a "buffe/' space between the roads and the recreation space so that people sitting in the space are not immediately adjacent to the roads. 3) Water is an important element in park design. People always want to sit by the water. Besides, it helps to cool the space in summer Thereforg it is recommended to retain the fountain not only for aesthetic reason, but for functional need as well. 4) The existing sitting area under the concrete canopy is too enclosed. It is recommended to replace the concrete canopy by a number ofbig trees. Then the seats not only have protection from sunshine in summer, but also have visual connection with the surroundings. 5) A monument should be erected on the space so as to assign a meaning to it. As mentioned before, there is lack of focal point in Mong Kok. Since the site is located beside Nathan Road, the major spine ofthe district, and is nea¡ the "entrance" ofthe district, it is a perfect location to set up some monument to signify the tenitories of YauTsimMong. 6) An entrance structure is provided in the space in order to provide a sense of entering and direction for pedestrians.

10 3. CONCLUSION

Urban renewal in the old derelict area is so compiicated that it is usually entangled with financial implications and vested interests ofgovemment, developers, building owners and tenants. Public space is only a small portion ofthis big probleÍL hence it is usually ignored when other "more urgent" issues, e.g. re-housing, shelter or govemmental compensation" emerge. Relatively, the built form design of public space is simply, if it is only confined in the field of "design". Some design skills plus concerns of man-environmental relationship are good enough to create a lovely and intimate public space. People in the crowded environment such as Hong Kong ought to have more awareness of public right, participation and civic life. Although living in small flatg people in Hong Kong should understand that they deserve the public space for leisure, the clean air for breathing and the blue sky for seeing. The city authority should providg by any means, such as high plot ratio and transfer ofplot ratio, the conesponding urban space in the renewal project or new urban infills. The provision of public space in the old derelict area and enhancing the living quality could only be realized in a total and comprehensive approach.

(This study is supporæd by the Strategic Research Fund ñom City University ofHong Kong, DñiÃ,+ l\I^ Tnnlro/l', lll^^ Àr:-- \It^L c^ arr---- \t-- ,-,¿w.'r'rfl rvvu ¡v¡urË vv

Endnotes:

I . The study area, Mong Ko( is bounded by the waterfront to the west, the Kowloon- Canton Railway line to the east, Boundary Street to the north and Dundas Street to the south. This area is identical with the area included in the Mong Kok Outline Zoning Plaq a statutory plan that used to control the development ofbuildings in urban areas in Hong Kong. In addition, it was the area of Mong Kok District Board district. However, Mong Kok District Board district was combined with YauTsim District Board district forming YauTsimMong District Board district in 1994. District Board district is an administrative district established under the District Administration Scheme introduced by the Government in 1981. The aim ofthe Scheme is to achieve a more effective co-ordination ofthe provision of services and facilities at the district level, ensure that the Government is responsive to district problems, and promote public participation in district affairs. Advisory in nature, there are now 18 District Boards in Hong Kong, nine in the urban area and another nine in the New Territories. (YauTsi mMo ng, 1997) 2. The figures are mainly based on the 1996 Population By-Census, the latest By-Census. In the By-Census, Mong Kok was divided into 4 smallest ¿ssessment unit - Te"tiary Planning Unit (TPU). The figures of Mong Kok are obtained by the summation of the 4 TPU's data. Note that the 1998 By-Census was carried out on district base only. No breakdown was provided in the By-Census. 3. The Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines is a working manual for use by town planners in carrying out their day-to-day planning duties

Reference:

Au, Chi-wai, David (1995), A Review of Urban Green Space (open space and amenity area) Planning in Hong Kong, Planning and Development, Vol. I l, No. 1, 1995, pp. 30-35 Census and Stâtistics Department (1996). 1996 Population By-census -Basic Tables for Tertiary Planning Units: Kowloon, Printed by the Government Printer, Hong Kong

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Further contact: Dr Charlie Xue. [email protected]