Living in the past : assessment on housing quality of renovated tong lau by post occupancy evaluation approach, case study of the blue house cluster by

Abstract

Tong Lau, also known as Chinese typed tenement house, which is a unique housing form in Hong Kong that has long been special types of residential or commercial mixed building for low-income group which has prevailing development history since the mid-1900s. From the viewpoint of general public, Tong Lau also is a sign of urban decay due to rising criticism regarding the increasing housing issues associated with Tong Lau, which indicates the residents of Tong Lau has high tendency to encounter unsatisfactory housing quality. As a result, Tong Lau upgrade and renovation has been a hot topic and key issue when it comes to the discussion of urban renewal, especially for the Tong Lau with significant historical and social value, which reconstruction is not preferred to retain their historical significance in the community. The Blue House Cluster, a Tong Lau revitalization project completed in 2016, has been praised for its successful renovation in Tong Lau facilities and upgrade to modern standard while retained its historical and social significance, as well as existing residents in situ. The success of the Blue House Cluster project has received accreditation from the UNESCO, which the site has been awarded Award of Excellence at the United Nations Educational, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation as endorsement of its outstanding achievement on Tong Lau conservation and revitalization.