The urban fringe

Abstract

Between the Hong Kong’s densely developed urban flatlands and its lush and well-protected country parks lay a discontinuous and ill-man- aged network of “green-belt” areas. Serving neither as effective buffers, nor for ecological purposes or recreational opportunities, this fractured network of spaces has the potential to be recalibrated within the surrounding matrix of land-uses in the city. The project explores possibilities in reconnecting, redevelop and reclaim on the existing fragmentized green belt area in the Kowloon peninsula. Work along with the current planning framework, the project raises strategies to reconnect the disconnected green belt in alignment with the surrounding land use matrix. Suggesting the utilization of green belt by analytical logic with framework planning proposed. Further- more, the strategies allow reclamation of the green belt areas and improve its ecological status while increasing its bio-diversity. Ultimately, consolidate the position of underutilize green belt land- scape as a boundary free from development eyeing yet beneficial to the citizen as the new urban fringe.