Research on Participatory Design in Architecture:
Local Tourism in Hong Kong
| Course | MArch Elective, HKU |
| Institute | Department of Architecture, HKU |
| Partner NGO | Jockey Club Make a Difference (MaD) |
| Year | 2020/21 |
+ Info
Teacher: Rosalia Leung Ho-Ching
Students:Chin Ching Han, Chiu Yin Chun, Chu Kit Ying, Forsberg Ella Cornelia, Lam Yu Yin, Setiawan Jason, Tan Regina Tania, Tsang Nok Yi, Tse Hoi Yan, Chan Tin Fung, Cheung Ngai Yan Sherry, Cho Lok Man, Hui Joyce Tze Yuet, Lee Chun Kit, Ou Moqi, Guo Huaer, Ma Muye, Sun Zhengyu, Tse Yu Hin, Zhang Xiaopei, Zhou Yiwen, Zhu Chenglin
Course Abstract
Themes: Participatory Design, Community Engagement, Co-design, Urban design
“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
Local Tourism in Hong Kong
Collaborating with the Jockey Club Make a Difference Social Lab (MaD), students are invited to design a local tourism trail in rural North District to uncover Hong Kong’s little-known tales and cultural gems. Through community engagement, co-creation and innovative experiments, we seek to invent a sustainable form of tourism that respects rural ways of living and heritage, and collectively envision new possibilities for local tourism, where tourists and locals get along in harmony.
To improve the quality of public space and to introduce local tourism facilities will be the primary design agenda. Yet, the methodology and effectiveness of participatory design will be the focus and how architects can use different engagement tools to achieve a more comprehensive design outcome will be explored in this course.
