Missing puzzle pieces from past to present : identifying tangible and intangible elements of high social value at Kowloon Walled City Park

Abstract

Kowloon Walled City is a place that is strongly remembered in Hong Kong’s history. After it was demolished in 1993, the site was replaced with a park with a Chinese garden design. Today, Kowloon Walled City Park sits on the very site of the former Kowloon Walled City. As the only park with a declared monument and a Chinese garden design concept located in Kowloon City District, there are few academic studies focused on its garden and landscape design. It is primarily understood as a functional park rather than a place that can be identified as having social value. This dissertation will explore the social value of Kowloon Walled City Park. This dissertation focuses on an overall understanding of the historical background related to Kowloon City and Kowloon Walled City. By studying the design process of Kowloon Walled City Park, awareness of its unique significance can be better understood. In addition to field studies and interviews, this dissertation also includes a comparative documentation of the tangible and intangible heritage elements of the park. This dissertation aims to document and identify the heritage elements with social value at the Kowloon Walled City Park. Interviews are compiled and analyzed to explain how Kowloon Walled City Park has social value with significant social connections between the park and the local community.