Bi-objective assessment model on transitional housing in Hong Kong : maximizing quality and affordability

Abstract

Hong Kong has an urgent housing crisis. Transitional housing — social housing that helps individuals or families transition from unfavourable living conditions to permanent housing — has emerged as a short-term solution. However, current transitional housing solutions received concerns about compromised quality and functionality that undermine their effectiveness. This dissertation presents a systematic bi-objective assessment model to gauge and optimize the transitional housing solutions in two contradictive dimensions: affordability and quality. This dissertation employs a mixed method research, integrating literature review, on-site investigation, questionnaire surveys, and stakeholder interviews. First, a literature review establishes the theoretical framework by analysing Hong Kong's transitional housing landscape and synthesizing quality-affordability metrics. Second, on-site investigation, questionnaires, and stakeholder interviews were employed to gather multidimensional data. Third, an XY plot analysis identifies Pareto-optimal solutions, with validation through interview cross-referencing revealing implementation tensions. The assessment model demonstrated clear stratification among Hong Kong's transitional housing solutions, with three approaches emerging as Pareto-optimal. Newly built Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) projects represented the most balanced solution. Conversions from non-residential buildings and Conversions from hotels and guesthouses were also evaluated as Pareto-optimal solutions. Meanwhile, idle residential buildings showed underperformed metrics in both quality and affordability than the Pareto optimal. For additional recommendations for operators, residents prioritized private sanitary facilities (69%), cooking amenities (56%), and ventilation (51%) for quality assessment in this study. A 30% rent-to-income ratio emerged from discussions as a socially acceptable reference point. This offers operators a flexible guideline for affordability considerations.Click or tap here to enter text. The study contributes a systematic practical decision-making model — the Quality-Affordability XY Plot. The bi-objective assessment on the plotted chart provides policymakers with an quantitative evidence to compare existing options and allocate future resources effectively, for Hong Kong's unique high-density urban environment.