Organic Development - An Alternative Approach for Urban Renewal in Hong Kong - Part 1

Citation
HKIA journal: the official journal of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (香港建築師學報), no.28, 2001, pp. 54-59
Abstract
This article revisits the concept of 'organic development' in comparison with other types of development in Hong Kong. The weaknesses of large-scale development and small-scale in-situ development are discussed. The objective of 'organic development' is to conserve the existing fabric and heritage of a district during the process of urban renewal and also to avoid the long painstaking process of evacuation. Unlike 'pencil towers' which are typical of in-situ development, the principle underlying organic development is that the design fits into the site's context, ensuring that the ambience of the district is retained. Examples of existing organic developments are cited to show the vitality of this approach. An experimental design is presented to illustrate its possibilities in an old urban area of Hong Kong. (1) Introduction (2) Problems of comprehensive redevelopment (3) Deficiencies of small-scale in-situ urban redevelopment (4) Organic development (a) Concept (b) Advantages (5) Case studies of organic development (a) Redevelopment of Courtyard Houses, Ju'er Hutong (Lane), Beijing, 1989-1992 (b) Regeneration of Shanghai Lilong (Terraced Lane) - Development of Xintiandi ('New Horizon')
Description
Type
Article
Date
2001
Language
en