Hong Kong is a highly urbanised and densely populated built-up city. We understand that the public hopes for quality and accessible public open spaces (POSs). In this connection, the Architectural Services Department (ArchSD) under the Development Bureau has held a one-year project on the improvement of the local POS design with a view to explore the ways to design a creative and sustainable POS that satisfies the needs of the general public. This time, I have invited a colleague from the ArchSD to introduce the project details. Also, the design thinking advisor will share the results of the project.

A large-scale year-long project

The project “POSsible! Public Open Space Design Lab” implemented by the ArchSD focuses on exploring the design of six types of POSs, including sitting-out areas, parks, playgrounds, waterfront promenades, etc. The project was implemented in two phases: the activities for the first phase, including field studies, literature review and workshops, were conducted between last October and January this year, while those for the second phase, covering workshops and a symposium, were conducted between mid-August and early September this year.

The finale symposium successfully held

Recently, the ArchSD successfully held the finale of the project, “POSsible! Symposium – POS Design”, at the Zero Carbon Park in Kowloon Bay. Chief Project Manager of the ArchSD, Mr KAN Chun-yuk, says that the symposium invited 16 local and international experts to share cases and ideas to exploring the ways to apply innovative thinking in designing POSs. It attracted more than 350 people to participate on site or watch online.

Experience sharing by local and international experts

At the symposium, local studios and scholars shared their experience of engaging over 1 000 children in designing a POS. A local art organisation also shared how they promote creative art and culture at a vacant site under the Kwun Tong Bypass. Moreover, the representative of a multinational architectural firm explained how it applies the experience gained in Asia to projects in other international cities, while the representative of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) shared the experience of cross-sectoral collaboration. In addition, architects and experts from Beijing, New York, and Melbourne discussed the directions for POS development. I believe that the symposium has provided a platform for the experts from various places to share their best practices and enabled the local industry practitioners to broaden their experience and horizons.

Workshops with more than 300 participants

In addition, a series of workshops attracted more than 300 participants. They included representatives from the Government and non-government organisations (NGOs), scholars and people from various sectors. Under the guidance of local and international experts, the participants, through simulation, did have a taste of the work relating to the planning, design, procurement, use and follow-up matters of POSs. This enabled the participants to understand the difficulties in creating POSs and try working out the solutions to them. The project team also invited more than 100 members of the public to share their thoughts on and visions towards the design of POSs in a street poll.

Tailor-made toolkit and guide for Hong Kong

According to Mr KAN Chun-yuk, in the whole inter-departmental and cross-sectoral activity, the ArchSD brought together colleagues from other departments, POS users, design and management professionals, businesses and NGOs to explore how to improve the design of local POSs. After gathering their views on the use and management of POSs and making reference to the UN- Habitat Quality Public Open Space Dimensions, the project team will prepare a set of tailor-made design tool, including the “POSsible! Design Thinking Toolkit” and “POSsible! Design Guide”, for upgrading and creating future POSs so as to facilitate sustainable POS development in Hong Kong by providing directions and various “possibilities” for design.

The project team is preparing the toolkit and guide, when available, they will be uploaded to the ArchSD's website for the public to download. The design thinking advisor, Ms Sam LAM, says that currently many POSs in Hong Kong need renovation or upgrading. The project team hopes that every stakeholder can become a POS designer with the help of the user-friendly and efficient design guide and toolkit. We look forward to the wide application and implementation of the two design tools in future POS development projects.

Quality POSs, which form part and parcel of the urban experience, play a pivotal role in uplifting our liveability. We will maintain an open mindset in reviewing the existing policies, guidelines, functions, designs and management of POSs so as to create a quality living environment and a liveable community for the public. The Government will play an enabling role in facilitating cross-sectoral co-operation and collaborative efforts to make our POSs not only functional, but also welcoming for the general public to enjoy.