Make the place, serve the people : the concept of people-oriented place-making applying to district-based conservation in Hong Kong

Abstract

Place-making is an urban theory which emphasizes community-based participation and utilization of public space with the objective of sustainable development. Although the adoption of place-making is a new and innovation city development trend in the world, the concept remains as an abstract idea. No study has specifically focused on the interaction of place-making with area conservation and there is a lack of practical framework towards its application. This study is an examination on the feasibility utilizing this concept in the Hong Kong context, by applying it to the case study of the Yau Ma Tei district. Yau Ma Tei is one of the oldest district in Kowloon, rich in heritage and culture, yet the district is declining, and heritage sites are facing the risk of urban redevelopment. This study will not only provide a platform in assisting the formation of a district-based conservation policy in Hong Kong with the advocacy of place-making, but also will provide development of feasible conservation framework and guidance. This dissertation will investigate theories of place-making and structures the concept into an organized theory with key principles that fit into the context of district-based conservation. The place-making concept will be merged with Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) and Urban Design approach in the Yau Ma Tei district. An analytical and applied model for place-making will be developed and criteria for the application will be stated. This paper aims to lay the foundation for applying the place-making concept in the local context and establish the status for Yau Ma Tei as Hong Kong’s fist sustainable conservation district with the avocation of the place-making concept as a helpful reference for future planning.