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

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

Hong Kong’s extremely high density has mesmerised many outsiders for years. Through the devastations of the World War II to the influx of immigration from the Mainland China, Hong Kong has managed to build a remarkable city within the severely limited land mass and inhospitable topography. Hong Kong’s skyscrapers sores into the sky, leaving crevasses of spaces between towers for people and vehicles to flow through. In the Central Business District, elevated walkway connections hovers and criss-crosses every major roads, moving thousands of people on a daily bases. Some people descend into the CBD by hopping on hill-side escalator from nearby residential area of Mid-Levels. Seemingly chaotic yet orderly typical scene of Hong Kong’s CBD is enough to intimidate first timers to Hong Kong. Add flying cars and people in futuristic suits, it will be enough to resemble those images of future envisaged by film makers and architects from the early 20th century. The vertical city of Hong Kong has emerged as one of the first embryonic volumetric cities in the world. Hong Kong continues to defy the conventional Western beliefs in urban planning and development establishing itself as an efficient, vibrant and safe urban model with an extreme density. Yet, the city’s experience remains peripheral to the mainstream debates despite many lessons to be learned from Hong Kong as more cities aspire to intensify in an attempt to establish sustainable living. The reasons for this can be attributed to the general lack of evidence-based research on Hong Kong’s model, especially in vertical urbanism, as well as the reluctance to adapt higher density living in the West, shrouded by grossly misunderstood notions of density. This research begins by demystifying the (mis)understandings of density using Hong Kong as an example and attempts to decode the complexity of Hong Kong’s urban model. The research does this by developing and applying a quantifiable tool – the Volumetric Study - to assess and analyse the current practice of building in Hong Kong and to identify the emerging condition of multiple ground. The complexities of vertical and/or volumetric living are assessed using readily available data and simple field work. It is hoped that the Volumetric Study offers insight into the understanding of how existing buildings operate as well as providing potential guidance for future improvements and development. / published_or_final_version / Architecture / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / Geography and Geology / Master / Master of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / Geography / Master / Master of Philosophy

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

緊張、煩囂的城市生活加上擁擠的環境使都市居民承不同受環境問題的威脅，罹患疾病的風險亦隨之增加，不禁令人懷疑都市是否理想的居住地點，亦令其可持續發展潛力受質疑。不論國界，噪聲污染、壓力大以及認知超負荷 (cognition overload) 等都是都市居民所面對的問題，但要解決問題談何容易，尤其是這些問題都受都市密集的設計而變得更複雜，因此一個可以讓人逃避噪音和放鬆心情的地方就更顯重要。不同的研究都指出靜謐的環境，無論是在鄉郊或是都市，都可以提供以上的功能以及其他的好處 (Mayor of London, 2004; Pheasant et al., 2008, 2009a, 2009b, 2010; Environmental Protection UK, 2009)。雖然不少學者都認為靜謐環境十分重要，但就香港本地居民如何理解和看待「靜謐」這個概念和「靜謐環境」 (tranquil environments) 卻沒有有系統的研究，因此這項研究可以視為本地靜謐研究 (tranquility research) 的先驅。本研究在 2011 年 12 月至 2012 年 4 月在兩個市區公園進行問卷調查以了解本地居民的認知，研究結果顯示不同地域的人對「靜謐」這個概念有相同和不同的理解和領會，本土的文化會影響靜謐環境的建構。其他重要的研究結果包括：受訪者認為靜謐環境的主要功能讓人放鬆和減輕壓力，其次是逃避噪音污染和精神或心靈需要；九成的受訪者認同靜謐環境乃重要的資產應該得到關注和保護。除此之外，一個安靜的環境並不等同於靜謐的環境，一些有利的因素(例如：聲音、景色、設計或設施)也會令人感覺靜謐，所以靜謐環境並不只在郊外才可以找得到，只要配以適當的設計，都市都可以擁有靜謐空間。這個研究提供了的結果讓人了解靜謐環境的特點、功能和建構，有助保護靜謐空間和為都市設計提供建議。 / Urban livability and sustainability has been questioned as urban dwellers often suffer from various environmental and health problems. Noise pollution, high stress level and cognition overload are universal phenomena and environments allowing people to respite from noise and relax are therefore indispensable. Although various studies ascertained that tranquil spaces, no matter in rural or urban context, are able to serve the abovementioned functions and provide other benefits (Mayor of London, 2004; Pheasant et al., 2008; Watt et al., 2009a, 2009b, 2010; Environmental Protection UK, 2009), how local people of Hong Kong perceive tranquility is not fully understood. This research therefore is a pioneer study to investigate people’s perception on tranquility. Questionnaire surveys were conducted in two urban parks of Hong Kong during December 2010 to April 2011. Some main findings are that concept of tranquility does exist in the local culture and local culture influences its construct; relaxation and reduction of stress is the most important functions of tranquil areas, followed by respite from noise pollution and spiritual function; majority (90%) of the respondents agreed that tranquil areas are important assets that deserve attention and preservation. In addition, tranquil areas are not merely quiet environments but rather areas with presence of favourable sounds, features or facilities and they are not confined to countryside or rural areas neither. With suitable design, tranquil environments can be fabricated in urban context. These provide in-depth understanding of the notion of tranquility in the local context and offer guidelines for the enhancement and design of tranquil spaces and future planning. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Chan, Sze Wing. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2012. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 98-110). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts also in Chinese. / ABSTRACT --- p.i / 摘要 --- p.ii / ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS --- p.iii / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.iv / LIST OF TABLES --- p.vii / LIST OF FIGURES --- p.viii / CHAPTER ONE / INTRODUCTION / Chapter 1.1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Research background --- p.2 / Chapter 1.3 --- Research objectives --- p.6 / Chapter 1.4 --- Research significance --- p.6 / Chapter 1.5 --- Thesis outline --- p.6 / CHAPTER TWO / LITERATURE REVIEW / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.8 / Chapter 2.2 --- Noise problems in urban living space --- p.9 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Sound and noise --- p.9 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Causes of noise pollution and difficulties in elimination in urban living space --- p.11 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Health problems posed by noise pollution in urban living environment --- p.15 / Chapter 2.3 --- Tranquility and tranquil environments --- p.16 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Relationship between tranquility, preference and danger --- p.16 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Mapping of tranquility --- p.19 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Tranquility rating tool --- p.21 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Benefits of tranquility in urban living space --- p.25 / Chapter 2.4 --- Knowledge gaps --- p.28 / CHAPTER THREE / METHODOLOGY / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.32 / Chapter 3.2 --- Research framework --- p.32 / Chapter 3.3 --- Research design --- p.33 / Chapter 3.4 --- Research methodology --- p.34 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Pilot study --- p.35 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Pilot study questionnaire design --- p.36 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Social survey --- p.37 / Chapter 3.4.4 --- Site selection --- p.38 / Chapter 3.4.5 --- Social survey questionnaire design --- p.42 / Chapter 3.4.6 --- Data analysis --- p.42 / CHAPTER FOUR / RESEARCH RESULTS AND DISCUSSION / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.43 / Chapter 4.2 --- Pilot study results --- p.43 / Chapter 4.3 --- Social survey results --- p.48 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Characterization of tranquil environments --- p.50 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Characterization of non-tranquil environments --- p.57 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Descriptors of tranquil environments --- p.62 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- Importance of tranquil environments --- p.66 / Chapter 4.3.5 --- Functions of tranquility --- p.70 / Chapter 4.3.6 --- Factors promoting or detracting from tranquility --- p.77 / Chapter 4.3.7 --- Location of tranquil and non-tranquil environments --- p.79 / CHAPTER FIVE / IMPLICATIONS OF TRANQUIL ENVIRONMENTS / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.84 / Chapter 5.2 --- Implications of tranquil environments --- p.84 / Chapter 5.3 --- Measures to manage and protect tranquil areas --- p.86 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Instruments monitoring tranquil environments --- p.87 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Environmental objectives addressing tranquil environments --- p.88 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Researching and networking --- p.90 / CHAPTER SIX / CONCLUSION / Chapter 6.1 --- Introduction --- p.91 / Chapter 6.2 --- Summary of findings --- p.91 / Chapter 6.3 --- Limitations of the research --- p.95 / Chapter 6.4 --- Recommendations for further research --- p.96 / REFERENCES --- p.98 / Appendices --- p.112

Hung, Jimmy. / "Architecture Department, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Master of Architecture Programme 2002-2003, design report." / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 87). / Chapter 1. --- INITIATIVE & INSPIRATION OF THE THESIS / Chapter 1.1 --- Preface --- p.001 - 002 / Chapter 1.2 --- Issues Raised from General Observation --- p.003 - 007 / Chapter 1.3 --- North Point as Preliminary Case Study --- p.008 - 011 / Chapter 2. --- """BRAINSTORMING"" SESSION FOR FIGURING OUT SPECIFIC ISSUE TO BE STUDIED" / Chapter 2.1 --- Preliminaiy Framework of the Issue Study --- p.012 - 015 / Chapter 2.2 --- Possible Case Studies among Different Urban Fabrics Having Different Conditions for Public Open Spaces --- p.016 - 018 / Chapter 2.3 --- "Ref. Materials - Pu Mioa Public Places in Asia Pacific Cities, 191-211" --- p.019 / Chapter 2.4 --- Ref. Materials - Roger Trancilc Finding Lost Space --- p.020 - 021 / Chapter 2.5 --- Ref. Materials - Miscellaneous --- p.022 / Chapter 3. --- ISSUE SPECIFIED: INSERTION OF VOIDS / CRAFTED OUT SPACES IN HONG KONG URBAN CONTEXT / Chapter 3.1 --- Social Significance and Unique Qualities of Pu blic Open Space in View of Urban Life --- p.023 - 026 / Chapter 3.2 --- """Urban Voids"" as ""Pausing Nodes"" towards ""Media Layer of Strangers""" --- p.027 - 028 / Chapter 3.3 --- Specific Case Study --- p.029 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Hennessy Road Playground --- p.030 - 032 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Nullah Road Garden ( Prince Edward Road ) --- p.033 - 035 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Palley Park ( New York City) --- p.036 - 037 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Victoria Park (Causeway Bay) --- p.038 - 043 / Chapter 3.3.5 --- Tai Pei Sq. & Yl Pei Sq. (Tsuen Wan ) --- p.044 - 047 / Chapter 3.3.6 --- Lek Yuen Playground (Shatin ) --- p.048 - 053 / Chapter 4. --- SITE ANALYSIS - NORTH POINT AS DISTRICT FOR REAL CASE STUDY / Chapter 4.1 --- Out Line Zoning Plan --- p.054 - 055 / Chapter 4.2 --- Pattern of Urban Fabric --- p.056 - 057 / Chapter 4.3 --- """District Core"" of North Point - Studied Area" --- p.058 - 059 / Chapter 5. --- STRATEGIES FOR THE SELECTION OF SITE WITHIN THE STUDIED AREA / Chapter 5.1 --- Urban Structure of Central North Point --- p.060 / Chapter 5.2 --- Strategies Towards Existing Urban Structure - --- p.061 / Chapter 5.3 --- Qualities of Voids to be Imposed --- p.062 / Chapter 5.4 --- Building Sites Likely to be Chosen for Insertion of Voids --- p.063 / Chapter 6. --- PROJECT DESIGN OF THE 3 SPECIFIC VOIDS / Chapter 6.1 --- Design Methodologies --- p.064 - 068 / Chapter 6.2 --- Void No.1 Design Details --- p.069 - 074 / Chapter 6.3 --- Void No.2 Design Details --- p.075 - 080 / Chapter 6.4 --- Void No.3 Design Details --- p.081 - 086 / Chapter 7. --- REFERENCE MATERIALS --- p.087 / Chapter 8. --- COMPLIMENT --- p.088