Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Building for Affordable Housing in Hong Kong

Abstract

Abstract: In response to the sub-theme of housing affordability, this paper elaborates on research findings on potential housing solutions for alleviating the current housing crisis in Hong Kong by investigating opportunities and constraints of transforming industrial warehouses into residential units from urban planning and architectural perspectives. Hong Kong is one of the most populated and dense 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, tremendous time and resources will be needed, and finding an immediate solution to alleviate the current housing crisis remains doubtful. Rapid urbanization in some industrial districts, such as Kwun Tong and Tsuen Wan, has left many old industrial buildings vacant. This paper proposes revitalizing some abandoned industrial buildings and converting them into public housing for local people. 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.