The synergy between heritage and its associated open spaces

Abstract

How many heritage in Hong Kong contain open spaces within their boundaries? Looking into batch one to six adaptive reuse projects, we can see that all of these projects contain open spaces. However, due to the high-speed development in Hong Kong, people tend to focus a lot on heritage but forget about their associated open spaces. Nevertheless, from criticisms of these spaces among users and medias, we can still see that some parties value and care a lot for these spaces. Even though these heritage associated open spaces may be criticised for different reasons, there is no doubt that the design of these spaces contributes to their success to a large extent. Therefore, better design and management strategies of them will be discussed in my thesis. Heritage associated open spaces in Tai Kwun and City Hall are chosen as the case studies of this thesis as they are both located in Central and are similar in functions. They will be studied in a modernology approach, which is the study of structures from a first-person point of view based on a person’s feelings and experiences. Desktop research are also carried out to lay out a theoretical framework. Various papers in placemaking and the social value of public spaces are studied to examine the significance of heritage associated open spaces. My thesis has come up with factors which is crucial to managing and designing heritage associated open spaces. They are namely - hierarchy of space, enclosed atmosphere, freedom and control of space, cinematicity, anchorage, intermingling space, senses stimulation and public engagement and interpretation. Through these elements, public appreciation towards heritage can be enhanced, proving that heritage associated open spaces are an inseparable part of heritage. Recommendations on the inclusion of heritage associated open spaces in conservation management plans, clearer guidelines and site boundaries of these spaces are also suggested.