Index|Architecture|Photography|Installation

Programatic Structuralism

2020 | Hong Kong, China
Academic | Group Designer| CUHK
Residential

As one of the world’s most prominent metropolises, Hong Kong continues to grapple with an acute housing shortage. Although the government supplies thousands of public housing units for middle-income residents, the waiting period for admission often extends to seven or eight years. The city’s high-density urban development has also led to the erosion of traditional community life, once characterized by strong social ties fostered through street-level retail and shared community facilities.

A review of the historical trajectory of Hong Kong’s public housing program reveals that the current design of unit types prioritizes efficiency over social needs. As a result, many young adults remain in their parental homes until marriage or beyond, while elderly residents often face difficulties in cohabiting with friends or extended family members.

This project positions itself as a manifesto for rethinking public housing through the lens of structuralism. It proposes a new prototype that responds to the demographic realities of contemporary Hong Kong. By analyzing the differentiated requirements of residents according to age, family structure, and personal preferences, the project aims to develop a more inclusive and socially sustainable housing model.