published_or_final_version / Urban Planning / Master / Master of Science in Urban Planning

published_or_final_version / Urban Planning / Master / Master of Science in Urban Planning

The benefits of engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity have been documented in the literature. The neighbourhood environment, which could influence large proportions of population for sustained periods of time, has been associated with physical activity in Western countries. Yet, it remains unclear that how the neighbourhood environment in ultra-dense Hong Kong, especially with respect to proximity and availability of recreational facilities, is associated with physical activity of its residents. This study examines the associations between neighbourhood recreational facility, in both perceived and objective measures, and physical activity of residents in Hong Kong. The differences between perceived and objective availability of recreational facilities, and the perceived encouraging or discouraging features of a self-reported recreational facility were also examined. The availability of recreational facilities between high and low socio-economic status neighbourhoods was compared to identify inequalities of recreational resource allocation. A total of 480 participants aged 18-65 years, living in 32 neighbourhoods of different extremes of walkability and socio-economic status, were recruited to complete an interviewer-administered questionnaire in which the perceived aspects of neighbourhood recreational facilities were examined, and to wear a motion sensor which objectively measure physical activity for 7 consecutive days. Objective availability of 14 types of recreational facilities, categorized into combinations of indoor or outdoor and public, residential or commercial facilities, were quantified by direct observations. Geographical Information Systems further provided objective data regarding the number of parks, sports centres, sports grounds, playgrounds, swimming pools, bike lanes and pavilions available in the examined neighbourhoods. The objectively-assessed numbers of residential outdoor table tennis courts and public indoor swimming pools, and the presence of tennis courts, pavilions and swimming pools, as well as the perceived presence of bike lanes and swimming pools were positively associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. In contrast, the objectively-assessed numbers of playgrounds, and the presence of soccer pitches, squash courts and playgrounds, were negatively associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Poor agreements between perceived and objective availability of volleyball courts, soccer pitches, walking trails, weight and cardio-training equipment were observed. In contrast, good agreement between perceived and objective availability of tennis courts was observed. The level of agreement between perceived and objective availability of specific types of recreational facilities was influenced by the types of neighbourhood where participants lived and socio-demographics characteristics, such as age, education level and monthly household income. Perceived encouraging and discouraging features of a regularly-used recreational facility were observed across different domains, including the conditions of changing rooms and toilets, environmental safety, and aesthetics. High socio-economic status neighbourhoods had higher numbers of pavilions and swimming pools, and had higher odds of having sports grounds, swimming pools and tennis courts than low socio-economic status neighbourhoods. The findings of this study imply that certain types of recreational facilities have the potential to promote physical activity. Public health policy makers should enhance public awareness of neighbourhood recreational facilities, improve their quality and equality in distribution among high and low socio-economic status neighbourhoods, in an attempt to promote physical activity. / published_or_final_version / Human Performance / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / Architecture / Master / Master of Landscape Architecture

Demand for outdoor recreation has been increasing, probably due to changing lifestyle, increasing accessibility and most importantly, the need to escape from the busy city life. The rising environmental awareness couples with deteriorating environmental quality in city have encouraged people to visit the countryside to relax physically and mentally, bringing about nature-based recreation which refers to activities carried in the natural environment for self-enjoyment and pleasure. Through engaging in nature-based recreational activities, conservation of natural resources and recreation needs of human can be achieved, as well as arousing environmental awareness. Hence, nature-based recreation is regarded as a sustainable way to serve the nature and mankind. Yet, recreational activities in nature can impose pressure on nature and thus planning is essential for nature-based recreation, so as to comply with the obligation of nature conservation and optimize recreation opportunities for people. This study aimed to investigate and assess the effectiveness of planning of naturebased recreational activities in Hong Kong, hence provide suggestions to improve the provisions and enhance the experiences of nature-based recreational activities. The overall planning of nature-based recreation in Hong Kong was investigated and Shing Mun Reservoir, Nam Sang Wai and Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve were chosen as studied sites for evaluation. Questionnaires and interviews had been conducted to gather opinions of visitors, green group and planner. In general, it is found that the country park system and the Management Agreement Scheme formed the skeleton of planning of nature-based recreational activities. Yet, the current planning provisions were insufficient to cover all existing and potential venues. Problems were identified in the insufficient protection to natural resources and lack of adaptability and evaluation of the country park system, lack of understanding and appreciation of the nature by the public, insufficient supports to facilitate nongovernment planning and management to nature-based recreational activities, and lack of determination in conserving the nature in macro planning. It is recommended to enhance the current country park system, including natural resources protection, nature education, regulation assessment and evaluation, and improve adaptability; enhance Management Agreement Scheme to minimize the management difficulties; and extend the coverage of Hong Kong Planning Standard and Guidelines to include nature-based recreation and creating ancillary guidelines for planning to remind key issues. Further, strong determination in nature conservation and sustainability of the government is important to guide and facilitate effective planning for nature-based recreational activities. / published_or_final_version / Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Environmental Management

published_or_final_version / Urban Planning / Master / Master of Science in Urban Planning

Wong Yin Catherine. / "Architecture Department, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Master of Architecture Programme 1998-99, design report." / Includes bibliographical references (leave 31 (2nd gp.)). / Introduction and Summary / Project Issues and Goals / our lost connection with nature --- p.2 / "something about leisure, health, nature and pleasure - introduction to hiking" --- p.3 / understanding of experiences and delights --- p.4 / Project Summary / programme --- p.5 / site --- p.6 / context and sites / client and users / the landscape as a setting for recreation / water features / The Project Brief / Site and Constraints --- p.7 / Space Program --- p.9 / Calculations --- p.10 / The Process / Outline of Process / concept of displacement --- p.10 / concept development [site planning] --- p.13 / The Design / Development of the Design / "diagrams (trail analysis, trail condition and trail intervention)" --- p.14 / succeeding concept layouts --- p.18 / "final plans, sections, elevations" --- p.20 / special studies (drainage and lighting detail) --- p.28 / perspective and isometric illustrations --- p.29 / Appendices / [programming report] / "Interviews, Surveys" / Precedents / Bibliography

Wong Chung Yee, Joyce. / "Architecture Department, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Master of Architecture Programme 2006-2007, design report." / Includes bibliographical references. / Introduction --- p.3 / Background (Regulations) --- p.4-5 / Precedent Study --- p.6-7 / Specific Study - Kwun Tong District - Yuet Wah Street Playground --- p.8-20 / Case Study - Different Districts --- p.21-26 / Case Study - Kwun Tong District --- p.27-88 / Bibliography --- p.89

Leung Chi Keung Pal. / "Architecture Department, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Master of Architecture Programme 1996-97, design report." / Includes bibliographical references. / Acknowlegements / Chapter 1. --- Background --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Client & Needs --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Design Objectives --- p.1 / Chapter 1.3 --- Planning (statutory) Constraints --- p.2 / Chapter 1.4 --- Site Selection --- p.2 / Chapter 1.5 --- Site Context --- p.3 / Chapter 1.6 --- Programme --- p.4 / Chapter 2. --- Planning Strategy --- p.5 / Chapter 2.1 --- Phasing of Development --- p.5 / Chapter 2.2 --- Design Philosophy --- p.7 / Chapter 2.3 --- Design Development --- p.8 / Chapter 2.4 --- Zoning --- p.9 / Chapter 2.5 --- Site Planning --- p.10 / Chapter 2.6 --- Functional Relations --- p.13 / Chapter 3. --- Environmental Issue --- p.16 / Chapter 3.1 --- Climatic Control --- p.16 / Chapter 3.2 --- Lighting Strategy --- p.21 / Chapter 3.3 --- Acoustics --- p.25 / Chapter 3.4 --- Plumbing & Drainage --- p.25 / Chapter 3.5 --- Power --- p.25 / Chapter 4. --- Life safety --- p.27 / Chapter 4.1 --- Compartmentation --- p.27 / Chapter 4.2 --- Fire Engineering --- p.27 / Chapter 4.3 --- Means of Escape --- p.29 / Chapter 5. --- Structure & Construction --- p.30 / Chapter 5.1 --- Structural Strategy --- p.30 / Chapter 5.2 --- Construction & Maintenance --- p.34 / Appendix --- p.35 / Presentation Drawings / Programming Report

published_or_final_version / Architecture / Master / Master of Landscape Architecture