Emerging in mid-19th century Hong Kong, Tong Lau blends Chinese building traditions with colonial policies, with shops on the ground floor and residences above. Despite their significance, the number of Tong Lau has decreased over time, primarily due to intensive urbanisation and a lack of maintenance and funding for preservation. Tai Hang District offers a unique perspective on the transformation of Tong Lau. The area has evolved with a mix of Tong Lau clusters and new high-rises. In recent years, Tai Hang has experienced a revival of creative industries, particularly in Tong Lau's ground-floor spaces, ranging from basic necessity shops to businesses run by young entrepreneurs with lifestyle-oriented motivation. These establishments coexist with traditional businesses, creating a "lifestyle-oriented urban collage" landscape, where the traditional and modern coexist, highlighting the complexities and contradictions within urban development. Furthermore, the influence of social media and city branding has introduced a new dynamic in the perception and value of Tong Lau. Place-making activities that involve local residents offer fresh perspectives on the value of community culture. Using Tai Hang District as a case study, this research seeks to provide insights into the contextual strategies facilitated by site conditions that nurture community development. The research employs field surveys, mapping, and GIS analysis to document and analyze the Tong Lau regeneration in Tai Hang, aiming to understand how these buildings represent a fusion of historical legacy and contemporary development, evident in the contiguous and dynamic collage of location, placement, form, type, and pattern.

Authors:
Izzy Yi Jian, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Jiemei Luo, Harbin Institute of Technology, China
Wenxin Zeng, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Wanchun Ye, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Izzy Yi JIAN is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Sciences and Policy Studies at the Education University of Hong Kong, and the Director of Happy Ageing Lab Foundation.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/izzy-yi-jian-5a05b11b2/

Additional website of interest
https://scholar.google.com.hk/citations?user=M70bUVwAAAAJ&hl=en

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