Introduction
Thesis Statement
Research
Site Analysis
Concept
Development
Final Design:
1/F 2/F
3/F Apt
Epilogue
Introduction
Thesis Statement
Research
Site Analysis
Concept
Development
Final Design:
1/F 2/F
3/F Apt
Epilogue
For the 12th consecutive year, Hong Kong has been ranked the least affordable housing market in the world.
The richest households making more than 44 times that of what the poorest make. Where the average overall housing income in Hong Kong is $25,000 HKD (3224 USD), the average subdivided tenant household income is only around half of that, $13,500 HKD ($1741 USD)
Hong Kong’s housing shortage, caused by the government’s failure to accurately forecast future housing demand has created a high demand and low supply situation. Thus raising the real estate prices significantly, to a point of which owning properties an impossible dream to middle and lower class.
Most turn to public housing, government funded housings in forms of large apartment buildings, usually in sets of 3 to 4. Public housing itself is of high demand as well, the waiting list for public housing has seen a drastic increase in size, increasing from 152,000 in 2010, to 248,500 in 2021. As a result of financial difficulties, long waiting time, and low supply of housing, many of the members of lower income groups turn to “subdivided flats” –– where an apartment designed for one family is divided into smaller spaces to house multiple family.
While these flats are cheaper than private housing, they are often built against fire safety, with poor ventilation, egress paths and lighting; leading to an extremely high risk of fire. 8 out of 10 fire incidents that occurred in SDFs occurred due to circuit overload or short circuit. Non-structural partitions added to subdivide the space also adds to the weight of structure, increasing the possibility of a building collapse, especially since the buildings these are taking place are often old buildings with age of 50+ years.
Originally illegal, the government has now set in place regulations that mandates flats to be compliant to building, rent and size regulations, however such action has provided little support to the lifestyle and situation of the people who resides in those subdivded flats.
Residents also tend to have smaller social circles, living in such poor environments creates a low self-esteem which makes them less sociable and introverted. The overcrowded living environment leads family members competing for space and is more likely to experience family conflicts.
A sense of dread and dehumanization is a common experience by the tenants, due to low quality of living and satisfaction, as a result of the cluttered and cramped nature of the apartments.
This needs to change.
Given the unorthodox approach that is subdivide flats, most units do not have the basic amenities to be considered a “home”. Built not up-to code, most of these flats are incredibly prone to fire and other accidents, tenants of these subdivided flats are under constant fear of loosing everything.
Such environments can only be described as inhumane and demoralizing, and provides no support to its tenants.
High renting prices along with low income, often means tenants are unable to leave such situations, most beingmainly unemployed citizens, low-income families and immigrants.
Like any other, they deserve a space where they can truly call home.