Historic urban landscape in Hong Kong: the evolution of the city of Victoria cantonment

Abstract

Although the field of heritage conservation has evolved over the last fifty years, many places around the world, particularly in Asia, are still catching-up in terms of best practice. This is certainly the case in Hong Kong, especially with the more recent introduction of the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) concept. Although Hong Kong has made progress in terms of heritage conservation, it has not caught up to the global thinking of the field. This paper outlines and argues that the HUL approach would be very appropriate and beneficial for Hong Kong, particularly at this critical juncture where there is a re-evaluation taking place for how to best practice heritage conservation in this complex and dynamic city. This paper provides a Hong Kong case study of the first step needed before the HUL approach can be fully implemented citywide. It traces the history and development of one of the oldest urban areas of Hong Kong, to comprehensively assess the area’s resources and to lay the foundation for applying this concept locally. Such a study provides a greater appreciation and understanding of the development and evolution of this prime area of land, in order that more informed decisions be made in relation to its future.