An area-based conservation approach : restoring the heritage values of Western Street, Sai Ying Pun District

Abstract

Conservation becomes a hot topic in Hong Kong, the government planning and development policies do not meet the today’s conservation needs. The government prefers to preserve an individual building instead of historical zone or street. The Star Ferry Pier is a good example, the Star Ferry Pier historical zone include the city hall, the Queen’s Pier and the Star Ferry Pier itself. The government always isolate the citizen’s opinion and demolish the historic building one by one. The bonding of the historical zone is no longer existed, the value of the individual building is reduced and that kind of conservation is not sufficient for sustainability. Due to intense pressure for urban development, there are many obstacles in preserving historical buildings in Hong Kong.

I choose Sai Ying Pun Western Street as my dissertation study area as I grow up and live there for over 25 years. My conservation thinking is generated and developed by the SYP unique historical atmosphere. There are number of historic buildings, shop houses and traditional shops along Western Street. Therefore, Western Street is living history book to tell the transformation of the district. Western Street is important to the SYP district as it bookmarked every single significant development moment.

As you may know SYP is a declining district in terms of the buildings and population structure. Developer may think redevelopment and demolition of the whole street block is the best way to improve the living quality and generate the biggest profit. Nevertheless, preserving the existing urban context and the human activities are also important for enhancing the cultural landscape to vibrant the district.

I am shocked to see the changes caused by the West Island line construction and the urban renewal projects. Due to the developments in SYP district, its structure in terms of streetscape, population, building form and shop type, people may think that the developments destroy the old district urban unity. However, they can also benefit the community under certain tailor-made conservation and development controls. Historic district can be resumed and grown sustainably through evaluating its unique characteristics.

SYP is being a district with unique background, streetscape and Tong Lau buildings. Therefore, the hypothesis of this assignment is to evaluate the character defining elements of the SYP district and try to find the balance point between preservation and development. The design proposal will illustrate the possible way to enhance the existing urban characteristics and add value to the Tong Lau in order to invest money for its own preservation. Nice living and working environment will be provided to attract new generation to live there, so that our district can be rehabilitated. Rehabilitation is not only about the buildings but also the population structure.