The sense of place and gentrification : the case of Centre Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong

Abstract

Bringing in urban facilities and convenience to residents has always been on the agenda of many District Councillors in Hong Kong. The installation of urban infrastructures aims to improve life for citizens, however, at the same time, it is one of the major factors leading to gentrification in a specific area. Despite vast research done on gentrification in Hong Kong, little research has been done on the specific gentrification effect upon sense of place. This paper is a study and record of the changing sense of place of the studied site, Centre Street, before and after the installation of an escalator. The case study provides a platform to identify change with sufficient historic record and fresh data to be analysed through the methods of secondary, cognitive and behaviour mapping in order to identify if there was a “loss of spirit” in the case of this historic street. The mapping data will be further analysed to frame the behavioural image of the place, under the three city elements: paths, nodes, and landmarks identified by Lynch in the Image of the City. Through these techniques, it is observed that the sense of place has been changed yet some of the character-defining elements remain. Thoughts upon sustaining sense of place is given.