From Shelter to Home：Symbiosis

Building homes while being people-oriented has always been the concept of the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA). Therefore, during the development process, the team of architects would not just focus on buildings. Great importance is also attached to the respect for natural ecology, the protection of traditional culture, as well as the care for neighbourhood community. “Symbiosis and co-existence” has become an important motto in the development blueprint for public housing.

In recent years, many public housing estates have been constructed in the New Territories. It is not too difficult to find many environmental protection facilities in the housing estates. From waste reduction, material recycling, energy saving to greening and other aspects, the Housing Department team duly retains natural materials and incorporates them into the design of the housing estates, so as to create a healthy and comfortable living space that is in harmony with the countryside environment.

Furthermore, the HA devotes much effort to preserve and pass on the historical and cultural legacies surrounding the development areas. Through cooperation with artists as well as communication and coordination with different stakeholders in the community, the architects have incorporated considerations for heritage conservation and humanity during the design process. Building a new community does not mean that the old traditional culture must be destroyed. A balance can be struck between preservation and destruction.