The trend of podium structure development and its future in Hong Kong : in the perspective of pedestrian circulation

Abstract

Hong Kong is a high density city with limited developable land. In order to cope with the growth of population, high-rise with Podium Structure become dominate building typology in the city. Positive and negative comments towards Podium Structure on affecting the urban form, street life and pedestrian circulation are being raised throughout the years. Hence, in this study, concept of urban form, Podium Structure and pedestrian network in a walkable city is reviewed with the context of Hong Kong, follow up by an introduction of the history and evolution of different types of Podium Structures in Hong Kong, and how pedestrian circulation is being used in the podium in local context. Three podiums of different typologies, which are Mei Foo Sun Chuen, Pacific Place and Elements, constructed in vary period of time with different land use program are selected for finding out their performance on pedestrian network with the surrounding. With a brief understanding on the background and the build form of these podiums, analysis of pedestrian network in these podiums is conduced. At last, conclusion and recommendations for development of Podium Structure in Hong Kong for the future are made in order to create a walkable and sustainable city.