Research on Participatory Design in Architecture:
Kowloon City Themed Walking Trail
Course | MArch Elective, HKU |
Institute | Department of Architecture, HKU |
Partner NGO | Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council Limited |
Year | 2018/19 2019/20 |
+ Info
Teacher: Rosalia Leung Ho-Ching
Students:
2018/19: Das Shivangi, Hu Chi Hing, Lau Cheuk Fung, Lau Cheuk Hin Lincoln, Lee Bianca, Ng Cheuk Yin, Wu Chi Yu, Cheung Vernon Wai-Lun, Liu Yijun
2019/20: Chiew Yi Zheng Nicole, Chow Jerry, Kam Ching Tung, Tsang Ka Lee Candy, Wang Ruei-cyuan Richard, Chan Pok Kwan Patrick, Cheng Chi Yau Stephanie, Cheung Chun Hin Alex, Lee Rachel Tsz Man, Man Janice Koon Ting, Ng Chun Yip Gavin, Ng Sze Long Julian, Poon Nap Ho Gordon, Tsang Hin Kok Robert, Wong Tsz Ching Ceci, Yeung Hin Oswin, Jiang Yaoqianying, Wu Dan, Ng Kwok Jing James
Course Abstract
Themes: Participatory Design, Community Engagement, Co-design, Architectural Practice
“Participatory design” and “public engagement” are terms which appear more and more often in contemporary architectural discourse. While the power distribution between architect, client and users always falls into the realm of open-ended discussion, the “participatory” approach has been highly promoted due to its consideration of the voices of all stakeholders, especially the users, in the production of architecture and is often seen as a way to bridge between the profession and general public.
This project is an action-research on the topic of participatory design in architecture.
A number of research questions, but not limited to, will be reflected and discussed throughout the semester:
• Who are the key actors in wider social participation in the architecture process and how does this affect other roles and relationships?
• How and in which context should the public engage in the production of architecture?
• What are the tools for participation to communicate more openly in the process and how can this affect the use of conventional design tools and representation methods?
• To what extent does the architect need to embrace the voice of client/ user/ wider public, to investigate their underlying interest/ awareness, yet maintain his/ her status as a professional and a guiding role?
To design the design process
Partner with Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council Limited, architectural students from University of Hong Kong were invited to redesign the Kowloon City Themed Walking Trail Route 4 – Hoi Sum Promenade with the engagement of local communities.
To improve the quality of public space and to introduce more recreational facilities were the primary design agenda. Using participatory design was the key focus and how architects can use different engagement tools to achieve a more comprehensive design outcome was being explored in this project.
The design outcome has been further studied by the NGO as part of the Kowloon City Themed Walking Trail.
Student Work Samples
credits:Das Shivangi, Hu Chi Hing, Lau Cheuk Fung, Lau Cheuk Hin Lincoln, Lee Bianca, Ng Cheuk Yin, Wu Chi Yu, Cheung Vernon Wai-Lun, Liu Yijun, Chiew Yi Zheng Nicole, Chow Jerry, Kam Ching Tung, Tsang Ka Lee Candy, Wang Ruei-cyuan Richard, Chan Pok Kwan Patrick, Cheng Chi Yau Stephanie, Cheung Chun Hin Alex, Lee Rachel Tsz Man, Man Janice Koon Ting, Ng Chun Yip Gavin, Ng Sze Long Julian, Poon Nap Ho Gordon, Tsang Hin Kok Robert, Wong Tsz Ching Ceci, Yeung Hin Oswin, Jiang Yaoqianying, Wu Dan, Ng Kwok Jing James
2019/20
2018/19