Adaptive reuse of industrial buildings for affordable housing in Hong Kong

Abstract

In response to the urban shortage of affordable housing, this paper elaborates on research findings on potential solutions for alleviating the current housing crisis in Hong Kong. This research specifically investigates the opportunities and constraints inherent in transforming industrial warehouses into residential units, from urban planning and architectural perspectives. Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, and it is currently facing an urgent call to provide adequate housing for its citizens. Although the Housing Authority is expending great effort to expedite public housing construction, finding an immediate solution to alleviate the current housing crisis remains doubtful as tremendous time and resources would be needed. At the same time, rapid urbanization in some industrial districts, such as Kwun Tong and Tsuen Wan, has left many old industrial buildings vacant. This paper proposes revitalizing selected abandoned industrial spaces and converting them into habitable units. In a larger sense, it proposes a theoretical framework for a sustainable methodology for urban revitalization and adaptive reuse. While focusing on developing an integrated strategy for converting specific old industrial districts into public housing, the ultimate goal of this research is to become a model for other old industrial districts and provide a new affordable housing solution.