2021

Vertical Commons: Reimagined Market Centres

Vinnie Law

Section Center St 841X1400Mm

With a growing population and limited buildable land, Hong Kong lacks common public spaces. The existing public spaces in the central city are not only sparse and small in size, but are also under-utilised or under-developed. This is a growing issue where locals value public space as the centre of their community activities and as a place of social encounter that is a vital part of their daily life.

This thesis examines the Sai Ying Pun area, a historic district on Hong Kong Island that is undergoing gentrification. The district’s public space has been affected by rapid urbanisation and is often poorly integrated or ignored in planning and urban development. Despite the transformations, the market remains a key public space which is examined in this thesis for an architectural intervention.

This thesis will introduce the concept of urban commons, as well as the elements of collective participation and hands-on engagement that are associated with it, to repurpose the underutilised market complexes as a resource for community development. Through reimagining this district’s central public space, the thesis aims to create a social machine with appropriate and sufficient facilities and infrastructure that foster a sense of community and cohesion among the locals.

 
Site Map 841X594Mm New
Render Int 748X420
Centre Street Market Green Space
Centre Diagram
Centre Street Market Element Diagrams
New Section Syp 841X1400Mm
Syp Diagram
Sai Ying Pun Market Element Diagrams
Ext Render
Sai Ying Pun Market Entrance View
Garden
Sai Ying Pun Market Rooftop Garden Space
Gallery
Sai Ying Pun Market Gallery
Kitchen 748X420 Min
Centre Street Market Community Kitchen
Market 748X420 Min
Sai Ying Pun Market Space