Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Government is committed to improving the effectiveness of district governance and one of the key issues of focus is improving the environment of public housing estates and creating comfortable homes.
Diligent efforts
With this in mind, the Housing Bureau announced the launch of a resident-oriented “Well-being design” guide last year, which serves as a reference for the improvement works of existing estates.
Assistant Director of Housing Michael Hong said each year about 10 estates will be selected to undergo minor improvement works.
“In general, the minor improvement works will include enhancements of the recreation facilities as well as the pedestrian routing.
“We also have five estates to carry out theme-based estate improvement works.”
Improving public spaces and amenities of public housing estates requires diligent efforts to address residents’ daily needs through practical actions. This approach leads to tangible improvements within the community.
Recently, the improvement works in Ping Shek Estate have ensured that residents enjoy a comfortable living environment. Kung Fu Court is one of the success stories.
“In Kung Fu Court, in the past, it was only green in colour. So we added some colours to it. We also added a 100m trail on the court so that elderly residents can walk or run along the trail.
“There is a kindergarten nearby, we can see that the kids can enjoy these very fun areas.
“Every day, they will come out and have some activities. And we can see the smile on their faces.”
Important input
Citizens can also play their part in promoting well-being at public housing estates.
In an effort to revitalise Chak On Estate’s public spaces, the Housing Bureau organised the “Let’s Go Well-being Chak On” Design Competition in January.
The competition was divided into two categories that include the “students” group and the “emerging” group, covering four public spaces: Chak On Plaza – Estate Stage; Communal space – Cultural & Recreational Room; Estate landmark – Sunset Plaza; and Intergeneration Fitness Playscape.
A group of master’s degree students majoring in urban design gathered extensive feedback from residents through workshops and interviews.
Their efforts allowed them to excel in the competition and ultimately win.
“Let’s Go Well-being Chak On” Design Competition (Students Category) winning team member Gia He said her team spoke to estate residents to hear their user experience and input on the design when creating their design.
“They told us their stories of this community, their life. We were touched by their love for their life and also their love for this community.
Miss He added that the team’s design was mainly based on the residents’ requests.
“The area is mostly suitable for them to use, like they have a comfortable seating area, an area for them to talk with each other or play with their children or play chess, anything they want to do.”
The winning projects will serve as a reference for the detailed design of the improvements to Chak On Estate.
Miss He and her teammates are currently working as interns at a design consultancy.
Under the guidance of professional consultants and relevant departments, the design plan was optimised in hopes of overcoming technical difficulties.
She added that they will do their utmost to transform the design project from the drawing board to reality.