A moving heritage : Hong Kong tramcars as an iconic urban heritage

Abstract

This year is the 110th Anniversary of Hong Kong Tramways. Serving Hong Kong Island for 110 years, Hong Kong Tramways has not only been a means of local transportation, but also an urban heritage contributing to our collective attachment and the identity of our city. The tramlines largely maintained its original alignment with minor adjustments mainly owing to the relocation of tram depots. However, the rapid urban development along the northern shore of Hong Kong Island had been constantly changing the context of the tramway. Hills were leveled and harbour was reclaimed. The tramway undoubtedly witnesses the changing urban landscape of Hong Kong Island. The tramway is a unique urban feature with great contribution to the legibility of our city. It not only takes us navigate through our city, but also provides a useful reference for us in finding our direction in the urban areas of Hong Kong Island. The moving tramcar is an iconic urban heritage of our city. Its fleet is the only one in the world that exclusively operates double-deckers without government subsidies. As a fully commercial tram system, it has to improve continuously to keep abreast of the society and compete with other means of transportation. Modernization of the fleet inevitably is imperative. However, how can the tramcars be rehabilitated and upgraded with modern technology yet maintain its heritage values? This dissertation aims to maintain the heritage significance of the tramcar by identifying its character-defining elements through the votes of Hong Kong people.