Adaptive reuse of heritage buildings in Hong Kong

Abstract

Purpose – Adaptive reuse is commonly applied to heritage buildings in western countries. In Hong Kong, heritage conservation has become a heated topic in recent decade. The strategy of adaptive reuse is widely testified in the heritage buildings, whereas a greater degree of variations is normally found. To address this issue, this dissertation aims at evaluating the success and unsuccess of undertaking adaptive reuse in Hong Kong. Possible measures to resolve the problem can be worked out in this light. Methodology – To analyze the current situation, I will look into the actors’ perceptions and behaviors in the process of adaptive reuse. I will adopt a comparative case studies approach, and four selected cases will be discussed. Major determinants in shaping the success of adaptive reuse will be highlighted so as to substantiate my hypothesis: The government incentive is the key to the success in the adaptive-reuse project. Findings – Both primary data and secondary data will be used. Primary data is mainly based on the interviews with a non-profit organization and site visits on selected heritage site. Secondary data comes from official publications, articles, academic journals and documentary. Implications - Government incentives are necessary to ease the financial difficulty for the operators in a short run. Adequate incentives to the private owners help to lobby for the acquisition of the heritage ownership. It is significant that a high degree of transparency on using the incentives can relieve the public tensions. To a large extent, it facilitates the process of adaptive reuse of heritage buildings.