Rethinking uselessness : analysing heritage conservation in 21st century Hong Kong through the case of Western Market

Abstract

This thesis critically examines the concept of ‘uselessness’ in the context of 21st century heritage conservation in Hong Kong, specifically through the case study of Western Market, introducing a perspective beyond the binary opposition ‘useful’ and ‘useless’. Despite Western Market’s apparent characterless nature, it retains humanistic warmth and an exclusive cultural significance within its walls. Supplemented by Zhuangzi’s notion of utility, which provides an extra layer to the discussion through an oriental cultural lens, it is argued that Western Market should be understood not through a dualistic perspective, but as a ‘void’ that is ready to be filled with new meanings, negotiations and conversations. Western Market as a void can be further divided into the tangible ‘heterotopia’, capable of hosting diverse events, and the intangible ‘thirdspace’, where cultures hybrid and identities intersect; turning the market into a reflective space for contemplating the essence of being a ‘Hong Konger’, and encouraging visitors to interact with the site in an exploratory manner. Towards the end, the future of Western Market and heritage conservation in 21st century Hong Kong is being discussed. There is a growing need to add value to seemingly characterless heritage sites like Western Market to justify their preservation in a city with limited land, resources and staggering prices. Therefore, the revitalisation of heritage sites should focus on creating new collective memories and fostering public engagement, rather than merely re-enacting the past or turning sites into static museums to breathe new life to both the city and the sites.