Underground mandate : adaptive reuse of Hong Kong's air-raid precaution (ARP) tunnels : a case study of Star Street ARP system

Abstract

Being a major urban center in the Asian region during World War II, many military facilities were constructed in Hong Kong by the government in preparation for the potential attacks. Air-Raid Shelters, particularly Air-Raid Precaution (ARP) Tunnels, were the only type of civil defense provided by the Hong Kong government to the public. These tunnels, constructed underground into hills and located near residences and major urban areas, played a significant role in protecting civilians’ lives and became an important part in people’s memory of this time period. However today, most of the tunnels remain vacant, left abandoned and unused, without any plans for their adaptive reuse. As a result of urban development pressure, lack of maintenance and use, the integrity of the ARP networks in Hong Kong is at risk. The history, significance and values of these sites are slowly fading away with obscurity from the public. The story of Star Street Network No .9 ARP Tunnel reminds us of the cruelty of war, the death of innocents, and additionally it raises attention of the fading war history of Hong Kong. World War II should be commemorated by society for the changes it brought about on our city history and people’s lives and memories. An understanding of the mission of ARP tunnels should not stop after the war, ARP sites can continue to carry a mandate to highlight the importance of peace to the world. This paper highlights and focuses on the need for adaptive reuse of ARP tunnels in Hong Kong and explores adaptive reuse and interpretative opportunities for them. It is hoped that the adaptive reuse of these ARP sites will not only facilitate the preservation of their values but also give new life to the structures so that they can serve the community again and deliver a message of peace to future generations.