CWLane Reading Space: Exploring potentials and limitations of temporary urbanism in Hong Kong

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of the first pilot project realised in Hong Kong as part of a research study aimed at reconnecting people with underutilized public spaces through temporary architectural interventions (TAI). Beyond exploring alternative solutions that could positively impact the community, the project challenges the rules, constraints, and guidelines present in government-managed spaces, which are typically implemented through a top-down approach.
The paper outlines the research framework and presents preliminary findings from one of three pilot projects carried out in one of Hong Kong’s oldest districts. It details the overall methodology, structured around four interrelated phases: ‘Participatory Process,’ ‘Prototype Implementation,’ and ‘Process Evaluation.’ The fourth phase, dedicated to producing the final report, synthesizes the research findings and offers recommendations for adopting TAI as a strategy to reactivate underutilized public spaces. Additionally, it explores how these temporary interventions can serve as a platform for discussing potential long-term transformations of the selected spaces.
One of the aims of this research is to raise awareness of the impact of this approach, as its temporary nature fosters innovation, adaptability, and responsiveness to social, environmental, and spatial needs, making it a powerful tool in contemporary architectural discourse. The findings will contribute to the Hong Kong Government’s current planning initiative, ‘HK2030+’, aimed at creating a more sustainable and livable environment. Additionally, the results will serve as a valuable reference for public space policymakers in Hong Kong, advocating for the use of site-specific temporary interventions to test alternative spatial arrangements while fostering a critical bridge between municipal authorities and the community.