Abstract:
Hong Kong is a dense, urban city that is growing old at a hastening pace. With
a population of over seven million and a steadily rising number of elderlies, the
‘Fragrant Harbour’ faces its greatest challenge to accommodate future needs.
As a response, the Hong Kong Social Welfare Department is promoting ‘Ageing in
Place’[1] and ‘Active Ageing’[2] on a broader scale.
However, ‘Age-Friendly City’ assessment reports for the Wan Chai district show a
failure in the current elderly care system to adequately provide for emotional needs
and community participation.[3] In addition, the elderly population is conflicted by
several issues that are bound by cultural and political control:
The change in the inter-generational structure of living means the elderly are
more involved in the workplace while living independently. On the other
hand, some live in poverty and are socially isolated from society.
Elderlies in Hong Kong have a grounded connection with the built
environment they have grown accustomed to, raising the need to preserve
aspects of familiarity to retain community well-being.
The provision of elderly care in Hong Kong is a waitlisted service with an
estimated wait time of six years. For some who are in urgent need, the wait
time is too long.
What is more alarming is that Hong Kong is riddled with a housing crisis and land
shortage which, together, inherently force changes to the urban environment.
Districts are being gentrified, disrupting local communities and displacing socially
connected residents. These issues deter the liveability for the elderly population.
This research explores a new elderly care system designed alongside the existing
urban fabric, facilitating vacant spaces in light of change.