Adapt with the people : developing a community-based evaluation methodology for community built heritage, using the case of Tsuen King Circuit Market, Hong Kong

Abstract

The current approach for evaluating built heritage in Hong Kong is grading-based conducted by the Antiquities and Monuments Office and endorsed by the Antiquities Advisory Board. The evaluation focuses on the historic and architectural values of heritage buildings and then the buildings are graded according to the identified heritage value(s) in the two areas. Public involvement is barely present in the process and the community does not know about the evaluation until the heritage building (or site) is opened to the public. In general, there is no specific academic research about developing community-based adaptive reuse option(s) with a well-illustrated model. Previous studies demonstrated that conservation in Hong Kong is administrative-driven and community involvement in the process of conserving a building from the perspective of building conservation is limited. This dissertation will fill the knowledge gap by discussing the possible model of involving community in the conservation process; and introducing a form of “community-based assessment” to help determine adaptive reuse options that will benefit the local community. In this dissertation, the author references an evaluation methodology for identifying the significant assets and capacities already embedded within individuals, community networks, as well as formal and informal institutions, so as to enhance them for the benefit of future community development. In this dissertation, the author adapts this model to develop a community-based evaluation of built heritage valued by the community concerned. Using the case study of Tsuen King Circuit Market – a potential community built heritage – the author applies the model developed to demonstrate the applicability of the model.