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MODEL ARCHIVE
Department of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong
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BAAS Year 2 - Fall 2024
BEYOND PARKING
Advisor:
Jeffrey Widjaja
Student(s):
Wang, Tianyi Alisa
&Hui, King Hei Ken
&Li, Hin Ying Huey
Studio introduction:
In dense cities such as Hong Kong, the need for new community hubs to foster human interaction is critical. Studies show a global decline in in-person interactions, as more individuals prioritize virtual connections over face-to-face relationships. In addition, Hong Kong ranks low on the Global Happiness Index, highlighting significant mental and physical health challenges due to its high-pressure environment. With over 6,800 people per square kilometer, the city experiences intense stress from confined living and working spaces. Therefore, the development of public spaces that facilitate direct human engagement and promote well-being becomes paramount for enhancing the quality of life in the urban environments.
The studio seeks to redefine carpark as innovative hybrid space for community and in-person interaction, transforming the building from static ancillary space into vibrant communal hubs. The relationship between parking lots and public spaces has evolved with changing urban priorities. Recently, attitudes have shifted significantly, valuing public spaces for their environmental, recreational, and mental health benefits, and recognizing them as essential urban amenities. Meanwhile, there is growing awareness of the environmental impact of the use of private cars and parking structures, leading to the removal and redevelopment of some historical parking sites. By challenging common opposites such as public versus private, form versus function, and stillness versus movement, the studio will explore parking lots as a new hybrid typology for public space.
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