Community connection : the importance of community in the adaptive reuse of tong lau in Hong Kong : case study of Prince Edward Road West tong lau cluster

Abstract

Adaptive reuse is becoming a commonly accepted way to revitalize heritage buildings. In Hong Kong, there is a set of guidelines on adapting the tangible part of heritage buildings, however there are no guidelines on adapting the intangible part – social value ––of a heritage place. Social value highlights a strong sense of connection between community and heritage. Therefore, disconnection between heritage and its original community is a commonly seen consequence after adaptive reuse. It is of utmost importance to take social value into consideration to prevent the disconnection of the community. This thesis focuses on the Prince Edward Road Tong Lau Cluster, including nos. 190-204 and 210-212 Prince Edward Road West, the largest surviving Tong Lau cluster in Hong Kong, as a case study to investigate the importance of community in adaptive reuse projects based on concept of “community connection.” The research develops three criteria for assessing community connection, based on an extensive literature review, these include (1) connection to the past – preserving traditional activities, (2) connection to live experiences – compatibility to present-day uses and (3) shaping a cultural identity, including social interaction and collective attachment to the place. It is vital to address the three criteria for community connection together to assess the importance of community in an adaptive reuse project, illustrated by the importance of community participation and involvement to provide a comprehensive understanding of the original community and traditional activities of the place. An ideal adaptive reuse project should be able to meet all three criteria, connection to the past and compatibility to present day uses, as well as shaping cultural identity. Therefore, community connection, as assessment criteria, should be carried out at the beginning of adaptive reuse projects to provide a better understanding of the role and importance of community. The findings of this research provide more holistic and sustainable recommendations on adapting the intangible parts of heritage places. Combining community connection with the existing guidelines, can provide a comprehensive basis for future adaptive reuse in Hong Kong, which can not only prevent the disconnection from the original community but also retain and strengthen the connection after the adaptive reuse.