Form-based urban planning code and its implications in Hong Kong

Abstract

Form-based codes have been part of an innovative design reform since they were suggested in early 1980s. Still in the development stage, Form-based codes have limited precedent examples to demonstrate its applicability in high dense and compact cities, and their advantages as prescriptive design tools for creating the predictable result of the built environment, in urban design projects and the plan-making process.

In the search of potential improvement to avoid bulky buildings, lack of streetscape, non-environmental friendly building massing, lack of directionality and relevance to the surroundings, this research has analysed whether and how Form-based code is effective and applicable to address the existing urban planning problems in Hong Kong. It also addresses other implications to the existing urban planning system if Form-based code can be fully, partially imbedded or cannot be affiliated.

Form-based code can by no means be isolated from social, economic and lands issues in Hong Kong. With the principles associated with New Urbanism for the development of urban communities, Hong Kong and many cities have different degrees of difficulty in introducing and balancing the factors.

With Hong Kong’s massive land values, finance-dominated lands and urban renewal criteria, Form-based code can be valid in small communities as an alternative to suburbia, but it is very difficult to apply in a high-rise high-density city situation. Therefore, detailed analysis and evaluation is precisely needed on why Form-based codes are necessary in cities, as opposed to small-torn American growth areas which are often promoted by a single developer.

In Hong Kong, a combination of Outline Zoning Plans and building and public health regulations tend to dominate considerations of form. The generated form has little to do in practice with sensible considerations of connectivity, transportation, workability and urban design.

The research examines the whole issue of form based codes - essentially. This seeks to extract in what urban situations Form-based codes succeed in meeting physical, social, economic and sustainable objectives. The research also critically evaluates the existing planning and lands system and the system of prevailing controls in order to identify the benefits and drawbacks in producing good urban design, and the opportunities and constraints in realistically introducing Form-based code. These urban design components including building form standard, frontage type standard, building type standard, architectural standard and public space standard are evaluated.

The research concludes what Form-based code in Hong Kong can technically achieve, the factors need to be considered in the planning process, the preventive constraints in achieving Form-based objectives. The implication of the needs of change in terms of urban planning, management and organizational mechanisms including aspects of bureaucracy, policy ‘silos’ and lack of overall value system is evaluated. Last but not least, an appraisal of what can or cannot be achieved is included.

Despite the hypothetical advantages of Form-based codes over the conventional zoning, the important point is that Form-based urban planning code in Hong Kong cannot be simply a replacement for, but a supplement to urban planning tools. Physical Form-based components in present framework should absorb Form-based code to make them compatible with the conventional zoning and city comprehensive plans.