[FIELDWORK] Ho Tsz Hei & Tsang Shuk Yin

Ashley

Usually, when you are walking under a building, what would you first notice? The shops nearby? Welcome to the first episode of ‘Vanishing City’. Today’s topic, vanishing elements at Man Wah Sun Chuen is the talk of the town. We are pleased to invite Professor Cheung from HKU, shop owner Mr Wong, and resident Ms Ng to share.

Miss Ng

Hello everybody, I am Miss Ng and I have been living in Man Wah building since 2001.

Mr Wong

Hi, this is Mr Wong, a Cha Chan Teng owner. Yes, I also lived in the Man Wah building slightly earlier than Miss Ng, my restaurant was opened in 1996 and I have lived there since then.

Ashley

When you were young, have you ever imagined the ceiling suddenly falling down? Haha, of course, it will not happen. 

Professor　Cheung

Who says? I guess the shelter you see over there is just… vanishing. 

ash

What do you mean by shelter? It is right below the building… no no no, it is at the bottom of the building

Professor　Cheung

I’m not talking about that… see? the part that extends out.

Ashley

Yeah, I’ve been there before, Big cracks do appear on the surface… 

But it is so useful for residents, how come?

Professor　Cheung

Actually, these platforms are called ‘Cantilevered projection structures’.If you could just turn around, you would notice that kind of steel structure that is used to prevent it from collapsing. Imagine living fragments of a concrete floor for the rest of your life, How is it safe?

Ashley

You’ve got a point. Let’s call this structure a platform for easier understanding.  In recent years, I’ve read several news reports regarding spalling from the older buildings. In 2022， the Man Yuen building, one of the buildings in Man Wah Sun Chuen, strengthening work using metal pillars was constructed due to the appearance of large cracks at the facade. 

Ms Ng

You remember the movie ‘Breaking News’ that was released in 2007? Wait, lemme show you. See? there weren’t any steel structures before. Let me just zoom in,.. you see the fences and plants being put on the platform, right? 

Mr Wong

Isn’t it acting as an extended balcony for residents？ 

Ms Ng 

The balcony has existed since I moved in,  there are many memorable scenes that happened there. It is like my little Garden！ I put a lot of things like clothes and plants, out to utilize the sunlight that shines above the platform. I would definitely feel puzzled if those were removed.

Professor　Cheung

It is actually illegal to use this platform privately, not to mention walk out frequently without any authorized safety protections. 

Ashley

You are right. We had received several videos from our audiences regarding residents misusing the platform as their balcony. Talking about purposes, does anyone know its real purpose in the past?

Professor　Cheung

The original use is a drainage system that allows water to slide down. the pyramid part of the platform can prevent birds from gathering.

Professor　Cheung

Just a prediction, future designs might blend the platform into the building instead of extending out, as to be more cost-effective and be more aesthetically pleasurable. 

Ashley

Oh, what a pity. Talking about the feelings, how do you think the extended platform will be affected? For me, I think it is clear that the residents feel disappointed because they think that the platform is a part of their flat. 

Professor　Cheung

Apart from residents, pedestrians’ safety would be a main concern, too. Its original purpose was to protect them from rain, as well as falling debris and domestic waste. Therefore, if the platform has to blend into the building instead of extending out to the road, it may increase the safety risk for pedestrians and cars.

Mr Wong 

Totally. The Cha Chan Teng that I own has tables spread out under the platform temporarily. its vanish might also affect the business of my Cha Chan Teng.

Ashley

If that costs many people’s safety and lives, why doesn’t the government take action immediately to fix that situation?

Professor　Cheung

Actually, i remember back in 2012, the government proposed ‘Compulsory Building Inspection Scheme’, requiring buildings with 30 yrs or above to conduct designated inspections for their buildings,  including common parts of the building, external walls, prescribed projections, and signboards erected on the building.  However, after consultation held by residents committees, some residents are unwilling to pay for the repair cost. Hence, later in 2017, the government proposed the redevelopment of  Man Wah Sun Chuen, which can save more public funds.

Ashley

But if they left the condemned building there, the risk of collapse would be unimaginable. 

Mr Ng

Absolutely. I remember back in 2010, the collapse of a building on Ma Tau Wai Road really stunned citizens. There is no room left for us to learn another lesson.

Professor　Cheung

While it is true that demolition is the only option, any changes of the cantilevered projection structure may affect Hong Kong’s urban landscape by erasing the city’s distinctive cultural identity. The hustle scenery with packed objects displayed outside our flats with skyscrapers behind identifies a portion of Hong Kong culture from the perspective of outsiders. In this way, some movies might be drawn to Hong Kong because of its distinctive qualities, which combine nostalgia and innovation. The loss of the location might weaken the cultural output.

Ashley

After considering various perspectives, The removal of the platform is inevitable. Professor, do you think that there is anything we could do before the platform vanishes?

Professor　Cheung

In my opinion, it’s crucial to document the existing buildings and to always remember its beauty. 

Ashley

As a local resident, we always take everything around us for granted. I still remember renting comic books in my neighborhood with my friends as a child. But it was closed a few years ago due to redevelopment. On one hand, we might feel lost when it disappears. But on the other hand, we shall all cherish the collective memories that we created there, and inherit the spirit of our memories. You’re welcome to share your experience with vanishing elements through dial-in in the next episode.  It’s almost time for this episode. Once again, thank you, Professor Cheung, shop owner Mr. Wong, and resident  Ms. Ng from Man Wah building for coming and chat with us. See you next time!