[Field-Homework 3] Leisure City: Rest Gardens, Shanghai Street

 

Hong Kong, a bustling metropolis known for its dense urban environment, has carved out spaces of tranquility known as rest gardens. These rest gardens, small public parks scattered throughout the city, offer residents and visitors a respite from the urban chaos. The rest gardens of Hong Kong are more than just green spaces, they are architectural achievements that enhance urban life through thoughtful design. By addressing spatial constraints, integrating cultural elements, and prioritizing sustainability, these gardens offer a vital connection to nature in the heart of the city.

 

Focusing on Shanghai Street, which located in the bustling district of Yau Ma Tei, the rest gardens along it provide essential green spaces for relaxation and community gathering. Efficient Use of Limited Space is one of the features embodied on rest gardens on Shanghai Street. Given the high population density and limited space, the rest gardens are designed to maximize utility within a small footprint. The layout typically includes winding paths, small seating areas, and multi-functional spaces that can be used for tai chi, social gatherings, or quiet reflection. Besides, the rest gardens are strategically placed to be easily accessible from the bustling street. They serve as transitional spaces that soften the urban landscape, providing a visual and psychological break from the surrounding concrete jungle. Furthermore, the gardens are designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding architecture. This includes the use of materials and design motifs that echo the historical and cultural context of Shanghai Street, such as traditional Chinese paving patterns and period-appropriate furnishings.

 

Among three rest gardens featured in my work, Yau Ma Tei Community Garden is the most notable one. The garden’s design incorporates traditional Chinese garden design principles, creating a space that resonates culturally with the local population. Features such as moon gates, rockeries, and water elements are reminiscent of classical Chinese gardens, providing a sense of cultural continuity and heritage. These elements not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also offer educational insights into traditional garden design. Regular community events and workshops held in the garden further strengthen this bond, making it a focal point for neighborhood interaction.

 

As Hong Kong continues to grow and evolve, the ongoing development and densification of the city present both challenges and opportunities for these vital green spaces. As Hong Kong’s population grows and urban areas become denser, finding and preserving spaces for rest gardens will become increasingly difficult. The high cost of land and competing interests for its use pose significant challenges to maintaining and expanding these green spaces. Also, there is a risk that rest gardens might be encroached upon or even eliminated to make way for new developments, especially in prime locations. Balancing development needs with the preservation of green spaces will be a critical challenge for city planners. Besides, adequate maintenance of rest gardens is crucial for their continued use and enjoyment. However, resource constraints, including funding and manpower, can hinder the upkeep of these spaces. Ensuring sustainable funding and community involvement in maintenance will be key. To address space constraints, incorporating vertical gardens and green roofs can provide additional green spaces without requiring large land areas. These solutions can transform building facades and rooftops into lush, green environments. Furthermore, designing rest gardens to serve multiple purposes, such as incorporating playgrounds, exercise areas, and community gardens, can maximize their utility and appeal to a broader range of users.

 

In context of shooting, wide shots and eye-level shots are adopted in my video. Wide shots are often used to provide viewers with a sense of the location and environment. In my video, it helps establish an overview impression of three rest gardens to the audience. While eye-level shots are captured at the height of a person’s eyes, offering a natural and relatable viewpoint. Through mimicking how viewers naturally see the world, rest gardens seem more accessible and engaging to the audience.

 

In summary, in the fast-paced and densely populated city of Hong Kong, rest gardens stand as vital oases, blending traditional Chinese garden aesthetics with contemporary urban needs. Their thoughtful design and multifunctional nature highlight the importance of green spaces in urban environments, providing ecological benefits and enhancing the well-being of the city’s inhabitants. As Hong Kong continues to evolve, the preservation and development of these rest gardens will remain crucial in maintaining the delicate balance between urbanization and nature.

 

 

Reference

Chan, H. M. (2014). “The Role of Urban Parks and Gardens in Enhancing Community Well-being: Case Study of Hong Kong.” Landscape and Urban Planning, 122, 48-56.

Hong Kong Planning Department. (2019). Open Space and Recreation. Retrieved from https://www.pland.gov.hk/pland_en/p_study/comp_s/greenweb/greenmap.html

Hong Kong Leisure and Cultural Services Department. (2020). Park Facilities and Design. Retrieved from https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/parks/index.html

Hong Kong Architectural Services Department. (2015). Greening, Landscape, and Tree Management. Retrieved from https://www.archsd.gov.hk/en/publications-and-press/publications/greening-landscape-and-tree-management.aspx

Jim, C. Y., & Chen, W. Y. (2006). “Perception and Attitude of Residents Toward Urban Green Spaces in Guangzhou (China).” Environmental Management, 38(3), 338-349.

Leung, M. Y., & Ng, S. T. (2018). “Urban Green Spaces in High-Density Cities: Case Study of Hong Kong.” Journal of Urban Planning and Development, 144(3), 05018017.

Louie, K. (2020). Chinese Garden Design. London: Thames & Hudson.

Ng, E. (2010). Designing High-Density Cities for Social and Environmental Sustainability. London: Earthscan.

Shiu, A., & Wai, H. (2011). “Rest Gardens in Urban Hong Kong: Their Design and Cultural Significance.” Journal of Landscape Architecture, 6(2), 22-29.

Woo, M. (2017). Hong Kong’s Public Parks: Past, Present, and Future. Hong Kong: Urban Council Publications.

 

 

Linyong Xia (UID: 3035951923)