The compact-city land-use policy of Hong Kong has resulted in a number of positive outcomes: from having a low per capita carbon-footprint; to a highly efficient and viable transit network system; and to the protection of its country parks, allowing 70% of its territories from being overtaken by real estate development. However, such an ideal model has occurred with adverse consequences for those living and working along the fringes of the society, particularly those that possess fewer means to climb up the established regime. One affected group is foreign domestic workers, essentially lived-in maids, who have become an indispensable part of the social fabric in Hong Kong.
Part of the InDeSem International Design Seminar at TU Delft, this lecture presents a study that analyses the use of residual spaces in Hong Kong by domestic workers as a temporary extension of their social commune.
Student works cited: Eunice Tsui, AY2015-16 U5 Studio.
