Spca Honkong Animalplace

Thesis Report 1996/97
Noah's Ark - HOS Housing for Pet-Lovers and SPCA Kowloon Branch
By
CHEN Siu Ping Chloe Supervisor: Professor Eric Lye
Date: 5th March 1997
NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA
TABLE OF CONTENT
SYNOPSIS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND RESEARCH 1.1 Definition and Background Research 1.2 Background of SPCA Chapter 2 DEFICIENCIES AND DESIGN INTENT *2.1 Deficiencies in Policy 2.2 Deficiencies in Architectural Design 2.3 Design Intent 2.4 Limitation Chapter 3 OTHER RESEARCH 3.1 Changes in the Social Attitude towards Animals in HK 3.2 Aspects of Other Concerns in Public Housing Design 3.3 The Needs of the Pet-Lovers and the Concept of SPCA Support 3.4 Studies of communal spaces and Landscape design in Public/HOS Housing Chapter 4 PILOT SCHEME IN WAN TAU HOM (LOK FU) 4.1 Site LocationWan Tau Horn 4.2 Pattern of Existing Housing 4.3 Site Anatomy of the neighbourhood Chapters PROGRAMME 5.1 Schedule of functional requirements 5.2 Inter-relationship of the basic functional requirements 5.3 Schedule of Accommodation Chapter 6 CASE STUDIES Appendix! Appendix 2
NO DOGS
Bibliography -
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I would like to express my gratitude to the following people and their offices for their active contributions and stimulating discussions and critical comments at various stages of the research works: Mr. Keith Chan Ms. Joey Tarn Mrs. Lee Ms. T. S. Chow Dr. Nigel Griffiths Professor Lye Ms. J. Green Architect, Housing Authority Architect, Housing Authority Planner, Planning Section in Housing Authority Public Relation Manager of SPCA Veterinary of SPCA Supervisor for thesis, Department of Architecture Advisor for thesis, Department of Architecture
I am Especially grateful to the staff members of the following organizations and government departments, and those residents and Pet owners in Lo Fu Districts and SPCA members who are being interviewed, for their patience and generous help during the researching process. Lok Fu Estate Management Office Housing Authority, Housing Department The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals The Society of Self-disciplined Dog-owners
SYNOPSIS In the middle of the 1990cs we saw a growing concern for issues of animal right, conservation, Legislation in control of dog-farm, Dangerous dogs regulations, Urban Council granted more than 5 million HK dollars on a Jaguar enclosure in Botanical Garden. There has been ever more coverage and reports on the tragedies about cruelty of animals and unsuitable pets. All being signs of a time for an evaluation on our social system regarding animals and the owners. This inevitably includes the role of SPCA( Society of Prevention against Cruelty of Animals) and accommodation for the helpless animals in public housing. Closer examination of the works of SPCA reveals deficiencies that worth more attention. As for the pet-owners in public housing, instead of give up the pet or give up the flat, the thesis proposes an alternative- a public housing for petlovers ,and define a new identity of SPCA. The first part of this report is dedicated for the background research on SPCA, keeping pets and problems related before an evaluation on and a proposition against the current provision and policy is being made in Chapter 2. Later chapters concern with the process and factors concerned with the implementation of the proposition made in Chapter 2, including the choice of site and the formulation of the basis upon which the final accommodation of the proposal is derived. A structure for comprehension of the final design which demonstrated the major part of the thesis, will be present in the following content
Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND RESEARCH 1.1 Definition and Background Research 1.1.1 Definitions Mickey Mouse or Garfield in a typical Hong Kong Home, and it is the environment of our homes which our pet animals normally share. Rather than building special houses for them we offer our own living spaces and share bedroom and kitchen with cat and dogs. For the pet-lovers, pets are their family-member. However, these animals are not welcomed by everybody, especially those who live in high-density public housing. The thesis aims at exploring the possibility of design a specific type of low cost housing for the pet-lovers that the pets (mainly dogs) and the owners can live together happily and in harmony with the community. Actually, the root of problems is "lack of education" . The thesis also aims at define the new identity of (R)SPCA, its not only a veterinary clinic, but also the Noah's Ark for the animals to find a new home and as a educational unit for the public, by explore the educational value of SPCA and the possibility to be a communal center.
A dog lives in a public housing
For the pet -lovers, dogs are their family members.
1.1.2 Background There are around 3 million people1 - over half the population-living in public homes, either on a rental or home ownership basis, built by the Housing Authority. According to the rental terms, no pets is allowed in these public housing. However, as the Housing Authority have not enforce the regulation for years, a lot of residents have pets, some of them have been keeping for over ten years. As Housing Department forced dog-owners in public housing to get rid of their canine pets after issuing a two-week ultimatum in April,96, there are campaign and protest against it. More than 3500 cases2 of keeping dogs are reported. People are very unwilling to give up their dogs. Some of them decided to move out from the public housing. There was no warning of Housing Department's sudden , harsh enforcement of its ban on dogs in public housing, and the RSPCA was not consulted about its possible effect. To send the dogs away is not as simple as an old sofa. If we consider the social equity, keeping pets should not be exclusive for rich people who live in private housing. Besides, the ban of dogs also aroused problems such as stray dogs, killing healthy dogs and immeasurable hurt to the dog-owners. Completely ban the dogs is only a passive and cruel solution and thus the Housing Department should consider another possibilities.
The supporting letters from the public
The Protest against the ban of dogs
1 2
The annual Report of Housing Authority 95-96 Paw-Print of RSPCA August 96
1.2
Background of SPCA
Seventy five years ago in 1921 the RSPCA (The prefix "Royal" is dropped from 1st JAN, 1997.)was formed in Hong Kong by a handful of brave volunteers. Since then RSPCA have grown to be the largest animal welfare organization in Asia with more than 100 full-time staffs. In the past 75 years RSPCA has been bringing care to animals in need and, through education and action, helping to improve the conditions under which they are kept. The society has not only improved the lives of animals, it has also helped to advance the dignity of the society in which we live. There are cases that people keep unsuitable animals or big dogs at small flats. These people love the animals in a wrong way and some people hate animals very much. SPCA should be in charge to educate the public to have a right attitude to animals.
Veterinary services
SPCA provide education to youngsters about caring of animals
Chapter 2 DEFICIENCIES AND DESIGN INTENT 2.1 Deficiencies in policy "There has been no public education on this issue( keeping dogs in public housing). It should have been provided by the government years ago, when it was actively encouraging the pet-trade by approving the import of thousands of pure breed pups, licensing so many pet-shops, and issuing radies licenses without comment to dog-owners living in public estate." Executive Director of SPCA Doreen Davies said. For years Government has been tacitly sanctioning dog ownership in public housing. SPCA suggested guidelines on responsible ownership and allowed those dogs already live in public housing to live out their natural lives. Housing department dismissed the guidelines as involving too much work for the department. By issuing rabies licensees to its tenants, and allowing pet-shops and hawkers to flourish, the government has given pet-owning residents and their neighbours the impression that it would not enforce any ban. Now , without consulting either the Agricultural & Fisheries Department or the RSPCA, it has changed its mind and thousands of dogs and their owners have been made to pay the price. Hong Kong 's stray dog population rose 40 % as result or the Housing Authority 's action.
Number of stray animals collected by SPCA:3
Dogs Cats
4/94-3/95 1639 3164
4/95-3/96 1488 2838
4/96-8/96 600 540
The National Canine Defense League and RSPCA UK have written to the Hong Kong Government to express concern, however, government refuses to accept culpability for the short sighted and irresponsible policy, now will they promise the same treatment will not eventually be meted out to cat owners. The RSPCA is asking the Housing Authority to advise owners of the ways in which small pets can cause a nuisance and give people a chance to avoid the happening . However, they just claimed that the residents shall know it.
Stray dogs collect by SPCA
Too many dogs waiting for a new home
The annual report of RSPCA 95-96
Housing Authority claimed that the campaign of ban the dogs was successful. However, high pressure policy and harsh rules should not be the only solution of the problem. The policy should be review in respect the needs of the residents. Average number of occupants per Living Quarters by Type of Living Quarters.4
Types of Living Quarters
1981
1986
4.6 3.7 3.8
1991
4.1 3.1 3.6
Housing Authority Rental blocks group A 5 . 1 Housing Authority Rental blocks group B 4.3 Home Ownership Housing 4.3
Group A rental blocks-Built before 1978 Group A rental blocks- Built after 1978 As the number of occupants in each quarters and the area of newly built public housing is increased, it is possible to accommodate a pet in the flat if the residents really want to have one. The proposed HOS housing for pet lovers could be a possible alternative for the public housing residents. According to the annual report of Housing Authority and the interview of the officer of the public relation department of the Housing department, the public housing residents are encouraged to buy HOS housing and the proposed one will attract the pet-lovers in public housing to exchange their flat for a HOS unit. The Housing Authority would like to provide as much financial help as possible.
80's
The living environment of the public housing has been greatly improved in the past 30 years.
Hong Kong Annual Digest of Statistics 1995
2.2
Deficiencies in Architectural Design
RSPCA 1. The exiting RSPCA Kowloon Center was built in 1967. The main area is for animal kennels, management and clinic, the only place open to public area is the waiting area of less than 200 sq.m. 2. The new SPCA Kowloon center will be an educational center for the public about animal right and cares of other creatures of the nature. The space for exhibition, talks, or courses should be provided in the new center. 3. The animal kennels are the temporary home of the animals which are waiting for new homes. As the society promoting love and cares of animals, the animals are keeping in cages in an enclosure like prisoners because of limit of space and design. If the animal kennels can be opened to the public, more people will aware the homing scheme and may consider to adapt the animals. 4. There is no open area that can be enjoyed by the people and their pets, the function of the center is limit to be a clinic and animal kennels
Small waiting room
Tiny animal kennels
Public Housing There are some characteristics in the design of public housing enhanced the problems caused by pets: Most of the open area are on the ground level adjacent to main circulation and are not open to people to enjoy with their pets. Some of the pet-owners ( mainly dog-owners )intrude to these open area and annoyed other users. Some of them simply walk the dogs in the pedestrian road and disturb other pedestrian. 2. The long corridors increase the frequency of the dogs pass the neighbor's flat and vice versa, the dogs' bark threat the passers-by psychologically. 3. The resonance of the dogs' bark in the corridors and the noise pass the thin walls between the units disturb the neighbourhood. 4. Some people walk their dogs in the corridors in rainy days, disturb the neighbours and dirt the environment. 1.
People walk their dogs in the closest mini parks of the housing blocks
Some dogs will bark the passerby
2.4 Design Intent The design intent of the thesis is to provide a specific type of low-cost housing for pet-lovers, with a SPCA center as education and communal center. People keeping pets in high density, multistory public housing may cause problems such as noise, hygienic, psychological threat to other residents. The design of the housing will be target to reduce these potential disturbance to the community and fulfilling the idea of harmony living. Through the education to both pet-owners and the public, the conflicts between the residents with pets and the neighbour will be further reduced.
2.4.1 Scope of the proposal SPCA( Society of Prevention of cruelty to animals of Hong Kong ) which is not only a veterinary clinic but also an educational unit and communal center .The small scale housing project for around 250 households (with or without pets) and specific complimentary communal facility would be provided.
2.5
Limitations
There is no any proposed housing development specific for pet-lovers for the time being. SPCA and Society of self-disciplined dog-owners proposed passive solution such as setting strict regulations in keeping the existing dogs and no new dog is allowed in public housing. However, it was not accept by Housing Authority and most of dogs has been send away. The housing of the thesis is proposed to be developed by the Housing Authority in Home Ownership scheme, and incooperated with SPCA. The target applicants could be (pet-owner) residents of the public housing in Lok Fu / Wong Tai Sin / Wan Tau Horn district or residents affect by redevelopment of old public housing estate in urban area, and also applicants of HOS housing who plan to keep pets. SPCA is a charity organization, not a government department, which has been planned for a new Kowloon branch but still have difficulty in getting a site and funding. The proposed SPCA center will be the supporting, communal facility and magnet of the housing estate.
CHAPTER 3 3.1 OTHER RESEARCH 3.1.1 Changes in the Pet ownership in Hong Kong The statistics of RSPCA from the early 60's show how trends of pet ownership have changed. Number of unwanted animals5: In 1963/64 : 1102 dogs 38901 cats In 1973/74 : 2506 dogs 23008 cats In 1985/86 : 3987 dogs 10800 cats In 1995/96 : 7742 dogs 6932 cats In the 60 's, a lot of cats were kept for catching rats, and dogs were regarded as pets of richer people and number of dogs increased as the growth of economy of HK. According to the RSPCA report of 1971/72 that the restrictions on keeping pets in Low Cost Housing Estates and Resettlement areas had forced many petshops out of business an were leading a general decline in the dogs population. However, the Housing Departments did not follow through their original intentions and the number of pets was increased in the past 25 years .People would like to have an extra member -the pet- in their dwelling because of the following reasons: The economy growth of HK was great and the income was generally increase and keeping larger pets like dogs is affordable. Dogs have been over-bred in large numbers for commercial gain. More busy parents and less number of children in nuclear families, pets can be good companion of kids, elderly, retired people. Young couples with no kid would like to have pets. In the past, most of the cats were kept for catching rats and dogs were kept for security. As economic growth and education level became higher, people aware the right of animals and pets were keeping with love and care. Most of the petowners treat their pets as family members. If they are forced to give up the pets, the hurt is immeasurable. In this point, the elderly and kids are the most vulnerable owners, who are also the most common pet owners in public housing.
An interviewer (a pet-iover in Lok Fu Estate) sadly present a picture of her with her dog. in 1988 The 9 years old dog has been send to SPCA because of the public housing policy of banning dogs and probably was humanly destroyed.
' Information from the Annual Report of RSPCA 95-96
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Animals handled^ RSPCA

Collected/Rescued by inspectors ectors Surrendered by owners in the centers Homes Found humanely destroyed Treated in Clinics
4/ 95- 3/ 96 dogs 1488 6254
cats 2838 4094
others
229 712 90 623
Total 4555 11060
842
5539
943
5366
1875 11528 54085
Since the Housing Authority began to bad the dogs in public housing in April, more than 5500 dogs were brought to RSPCA, 40% more than the recorded numbers of 1995.7 A lot of them were surrendered by public housing residents and most of the dogs were humanely destroyed eventually. For all the pet owners and people who love animals, every kitten or puppy born should be guaranteed the love and protection of a home for the whole of its natural life.
6 1
The Annual Report of RSPCA 95-96 Information from *Paw Print* of RSPCA August 96
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3.2
Aspects of Other Concerns in Housing Development
3.2.1 Lack of Identity The existing public housing estates often consist of identical concrete blocks with almost identical facades and similar layout. Residents recognized them by the names painted on the facade of the blocks they live in. These identical blocks are put in the site without connection with the environment or each other, just as some independent tower erected in an ambiguous manner. People have weak sense of belonging to the housing blocks and the community. 3.2.2 High-rise Towers
DODOail nooaaqMMnoaanaoa naraaacaoDDD
Most of the housing development in Hong Kong are high-rise towers. The idea is to maximize the number of inhabitants and provide more open area on the ground level. The common belief is, the flat at high level is better. However, people may find themselves isolated from the natural environment and the communal living always happen on the ground level. The psychological "distant" between the Home and community further isolated the residents from other people. 3.2.3 Environmental Problems Traffic and Living community is interlocked and have an interface of static and dynamic events. The traffic caused problems such as noise and pollution, and residential development also ruin the natural environment. All these problems should be addressed in the housing design.
NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS &SPCA
3.2.4
Spatial Quality
Spatial requirement of residents is not only the area of the dwelling but also the spatial experience and perceptions. In the history of Public Housing development, size of rooms seems to be the main improvement while other parameters have not been susceptible explored.
3.2.5
Circulation
The exiting public housing design with central vertical circulation creates long , narrow and dead ended corridors, with high level of efficiency but low security. The narrow corridors and small lift lobbies are designed to meet the minimum requirement that urges the residents to move in and out. They discourage the communication with their neighbours.
3.2.6
Lack of Flexibility
Most of residents of public housing will stay in the same flat for more than 20 years. There will be changes in the structure of the family , age distribution, and living pattern. The flexibility in room layout, especially the possibility for expansion is one of the concerns.
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3.3 The Needs of the pet-owners and the concept of SPCA support 33.1 Ideal housing for keeping pets Pets , are the animals kept as companion and live with the owners. In the urban area, Housing for pet-lovers are expected to improve in some aspects in order to meet their needs and fit the living pattern: Open area Open area integrate to the natural environment will be ideal place for the petlovers to enjoy with their pets such as a landscaped jogging route for people to walk the dogs and have exercises. Some covered area or walkways provide for people to walk the dogs in rainy days is admirable. Semi-public area Pet-owners like to meet other pet-owners and talk about their pets as parents like to tell about their kids. Semi-public area such as lift lobby with seating or small gardens are the places for them to chat with others. Sense of community and neighbourhood is enhanced .A lot of retired people and elderly would like to stay there with the pets during the day rather than stay inside the flats. Balcony Animals are very sensitive to sunlight, wind and rain. Balcony will be the connection between the dwelling and the nature where pets would love to stay. The balcony, or part of iV would also serve as a extra room for the pets when it's not appropriate to let them stay in the living room, e.g. some relatives come visit the owners family. Acoustic As dogs cbark will disturb the neighbourhood, better acoustic insulation such as double-glazed windows, double facade, use of sound absorbing materials to reduce the noise transmission should be considered in the design.
17
Relation to the nature The housing designed to have a close relation with the natural environment is admirable. Both the residents and their pets would not be happy to live in a dwelling of a high-rise tower isolated from the nature. The connection with the natural environment should be maximized by integrate into the daily life of the habitants.
3.3.2 SPCA support The SPCA would be the magnet of the estate and attract pet-lovers from other districts. The SPCA center should provide supporting facilities such as clinic, boarding facilities, supermarket, cafe, etc. The education to the public about love and caring of animals would be the substantial base of the housing development. 3.3.3 1. Design concepts
Optimum scale - Due to the homogeneity of the residents, there should be careful consideration on the labeling effect among the neighborhood. Too large scale project such as a 10 towers with comprehensive communal facilities and shopping center would render the estate an urban fortress in the district and isolated the estate rather than merge into the community and live in harmony. Semi-Open space - more semi-open spaces are considered to be provided in the housing blocks, which is ideal for the residents to walk the dogs in rainy days and encourage interaction with the neighbours. Integrate the slope and open area in higher level with rich landscape as an enjoyable open space for both dogs and people. Part of it could be an area where dogs can running free, which is very important exercise for large dogs. More connection between the dog houses of SPCA and the nature rather than a prison. The dog house is open to visitors, encourage people to go and choose their new pets.
2.
3.
4.
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3.4 Studies of communal spaces and Landscape design in Public/ HOS Housing Quoting the definition of Suanne Langer," Architecture comes into being when a total environment is made visible..." People can have a sense of belonging towards the community and the environment when they are involved in the activities and may be induced by the space, know how to orientate and identify themselves with the built environment man-made) and the natural context. The natural and man-made environment are distinguished as Settlement and Landscape respectively. Identification and orientation form the structure of a place in which people can get along with the environment by knowing about the meaning of the place. Architecture (tool for understanding) then becomes the connection between man and environment. Gathering of a community then will be the natural born phenomenon and a good communal space with activities should be the result. In this Chapter, a study and analysis of common features and elements in communal spaces and Landscape design of public or HOS housing estate is carry out with annotated sketches as the followings: 3.4. 1 Covered Walkway and Bridges
Connection Between different housing blocks with a covered walkway which act as a communal space successfully for the provision of sitting benches with a recessed space. As the benches are recessed from the main circulation, dynamic activities (walking and running) can be performed in a smooth way. There are also sitting parapet along the sides of the covered walkway where lots of people sitting and chatting. This is a good example of gathering places integrated in the circulation and spatial arrangement since the balance of dynamic and static activities can be taken place at the same time within the same enclosure.
19
3.4.3
Enclosure
The garden enclosed by low-rise housing blocks will form a cozy space, with tree shades and clone off from public traffic, residents are encouraged to used the space for getting coolness and social interaction. However, as most of housing blocks are high-rise one in new housing estates, the sense of enclosure is lost.
low- rise building
For housing estate, there is a major problem on planning of road traffic. The traffic always produces noise and air pollution to the living quarters, moreover, if there is a neighbour park inside the enclosure created by several housing blocks or other building structure, a traffic line can disturb the sense of enclosure to a serious extent.
' IT
*0Mf
No sense of enclosure
22
3.5.4
Figure Ground
Studying the Lok Fu Center close to the site, the design of podium parks on the major axis of connection from the shopping center to the various housing blocks can foster more interactive activities. It allow circulation penetrating the gardens and by designed a good communal garden, gathering and communication between residents can be enhanced. The outdoor space among the housing blocks are well utilized and the sense of neighbourhood is reinforced. Moreover, the design of elevated garden is aimed at prevention of any traffic nuisance from disturbing the communal life. It is a site-conscious design.
West End Terrence is bounded by low rise blocks in three sides and a fence gate to the site street in order to give the sense of place to the residents. The terrace is an outdoor living room for various activities and as the private playground for the children.
24
3.5.6
Planters and trees
Trees symbolizes "gathering under the roof and this can be interpreted as the shadow cast on the ground for passengers to get a natural protection against direct undesirable sunlight. Together with the circular seating at the tree base, people have the chance to communicate with other people passing-by under the tree shadow. When trees are grouped together, they can form a strong enclosure with desirable shadow casting on the ground and reduces the surrounding temperature, this natural protection to man can enforce the sense of security underneath huge trees, therefore, children's playground is desirable to have huge tree enclosure for this reason. Sometime tree can also be used to define a space that it can form a node by cluster of trees, or form an edge by rows of trees, or form an entrance gateway by side rows of trees. Their irregular forms make them as soft boundary which is preferable in leisure park. Planters are always used for define a space and provide greenery on paved area. However, some design of open spaces are just located some planters simply on a grid and then there is no features. When users cannot find their order for walking or enjoying the communal activities, they always take the short-cuts to achieve the highest efficiency on circulation. The place becomes a left-over spaces which is very common in public housing. .
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4.1.3 Land Ownership 4.1.4 Zoning Condition 4.1.5 Lease Restrictions 4.1.6 Height, and Shadow Restrictions 4.1.7 Development Ratio 4.1.8 Means of Access
Government, Housing Authority Residential/GIC Not Applicable for Government Land Not Applicable 4 Pedestrian : Walk along Fu Mei Street or Chuk Yuen Road the site is in walking distance from Lok Fu MTR Vehicular : Enter the site from Fu Mei street Public Transport: MTR Buses from many districts, a Bus Depot in Lok Fu Main Services are available There is a slope along Chuk Yuen Road , the gradient is quite steep and with rich vegetation The site is protected from winter wind by Lion Rock and west sunlight by the slope and buildings along Broadcast Drive
4.1.9
Geotechnics
4.1.10 Climate
28
4.1.11
The Choice of the Site
According to the record from Housing Authority , the number of residents keeping dogs is Central Kowloon is around 330 which was the highest number in a particular districts, especially the housing estate such as Wong Tai Sin, Lok Fu, Wang Tau Horn which the density of pets are the highest. A lot of the residents have been living from years even have gone through resettlement. If new housing is provided for these residents, resettlement within the original district is very desirable because of the location of schools for kids and the social circle of the elderly. The Proposed site is chose because of the following reasons located at the outermost edge of the area of public housing in the district. It is zoned as residential and open area. It is appropriate to be new phase of public housing. RSPCA has difficulties in finding a new site for the Kowloon Branch because of its unique nature. As this is a housing generated by RSPCA in-cooperated with Housing Authority , the site zoned as open area would be ideal for RSPCA Kowloon center - The site is similar to an island, insulated by schools , slope, highways, yet close to the well established commercial/ communal center of Lok Fu. It is appropriate for a communal center and generated a small scale housing development. 4.1.12 Site Section
42..
SECTION A-A
1 : 5000
SECTION B-B
1:5000
29
6. ROOFSCAPE -boring roofscape out of abandon roof spaces of rectangular box like housing blocks
7. SHELTERED ROUTE -there are covered walkway or pedestrian street to connect the transportation nodes to housing blocks -covered shopping streets around the podium garden 8. COMMUNAL FACILITIES -a district library ,youth center elderly center -no prominent architecture for communal activities
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4.3 4.3.1
Anatomy of the neighbourhood Land Use Pattern
The district is mainly developed to public housing. Chuk Yuen Road seperate the high-rise (25-36 floors) public housing from the medium-rise(9-12 floors) private housing along Broadcast Drive. There are two low rise schools adjacent to the site. The site is on the edge of the Wan Tau Horn District and is the meeting point of public and private housing.
LUNG
CHEUNG'"--"- ROAD
sG/IC
Residential (Private) Residential (Public) Residential (HOS)
4.3.2
Building pattern
There is no rigid grid in the district, most of the buildings are public housing of various period. There are podiums of commercial facilities, market ,carparks and also free standing housing blocks.
;URBUN FABRIC
33
NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPC A
4,3.3 Pedestrian Route and Access Most pedestrian will access the site from Fu Mei street as there are bus terminals andMTRinLokFu
A TAXI STATION MINI BUS STOP O BUS STOP MTR BUS TERMINAL PEDESTRIAN ROUT.
34
4.3.4
Vehicular Route
VEHICULAR ROUTE
35
4.3.5
Environment
The rich vegetation in the slope is desirable to be reserved and integrated into the design of open space. The noise from the traffic should be considered in the design.
36
CHAPTER 5 PROGRAMME 5.1 Schedule of Functional Requirements Dwelling units The dwelling unit of various sizes will designed with implication of new technology based on the specific requirements of residents with pets, mainly dogs, exploiting the rigid design of public housing blocks. To find the balance point of flexibility and the economy of mass produced housing, in response to various housing needs among the target users. Common area/ semi open space As most dog-lovers like to go out with their dogs to meet other dogs and their owners, semi-open common area may be consider in different floors or around lift lobby. Besides, the connection between these common area would be important in create a sense of community. Open space Although there are a lot of open space and recreation facilities within the district, none of those is open for the people to enjoy with their pets. This is the reason why people bring their dogs to walk on the busy pedestrian road and disturb the others. Some people simply lock their dogs in the tiny flats and drive them bark all days. Communal Facilities The residents of the proposed housing can enjoy the rich communal facilities and shopping center in Lok Fu . The SPCA center will be the central interest of the housing and also the communal center for residents of the district. The SPCA center provide veterinary clinic, boarding facilities of some animals waiting for homing. The educational value of animals for children is emphasized by providing exhibition area, activity rooms, library, etc. to promote love and care of animals and the nature.
37
5.2
Interrelationship of the basic functional requirements
CHAPTER 6 CASE STUDIES 6.1 Housing 6.1.1 Harmony Housing of HK Housing Authority Background The Harmony was a housing prototype developed by the Hong Kong Housing Authority in the late 80cs. The Harmony I model is cruciform Block very similar to typical private housing development. The Harmony II model was a variation of the old trident tower and the concept of modular and standardize construction with prefabricated facade is employed. Appraisal 1. Planning strategy for the high-rise blocks make a lot of left-over space on the ground floor which expect to be open area enjoy by the public. However, the space is usually left empty because of the ambiguous planning. A communication gap is created between the floors of high and low levels. Although there is security guard and entryphone system in the main entrance, psychologically the security is low as there are great number of units on a single floor and the sense of neighbourhood is low. The look of the housing blocks are identical without individuality and characteristic address to the environment.
2.
3.
4.
-T3
"^
Modular Plan of units

40
5.
For Triangular Block There are three wings that the corridors intersect at the lift lobby, create confusing directions and chaotic orientation. There are several units located very close to the exit stairs and lift doors caused problems of noise and security. Not enough natural light for the central atrium and noise nuisance is created by resonance. The atrium space for every six floors is nice for children to play but too small and not facilitated to be a successful communal space.
Harmony II Block For Cruciform Block The four wings planning create long and dark corridors. The four corridors intersect at the lift lobby, create confusing directions and chaotic orientation. Open exit stairs allow natural light and ventilation. The narrow corridors and functional lift lobby discourage social interaction and suppress sense of neighbourhood. There is no common area in the blocks. 7. The layout of flats cannot be changed for future expansion. 8. No balcony for enjoy leisure or doing laundry.
Harmony I Block
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6.1.2
Sui Wo Court in Fo Tan( Home Ownership scheme)
Background There are 3500 flats for more than 15000 inhabitants , formed 3 communities in Fo Tan. It is the early development of Home Ownership scheme of Housing Authority. While the HOS are almost identical to typical public housing nowadays, Sui Wo Court was specially designed and distinct from other HOS housing. The site was two platforms locate in two levels, the lower portion was deeply cut by a road runs between the two levels. Each small community formed by three blocks with a central landscaped courtyard which give a different character. The layout plan is neither a typical corridor plan nor point block. 12 units per floor are arranged in groups of 3 units with one stairs. The lift is only stop at every three floors.
10 11 12
Apartment building Community Space Carpark Market School Kindergarten Youth Centre Shops Restaurant Play Area Pedestrian Footbridge Bus Bay
Site Location Plan
42
Appraisal Master planning The courtyards with different characters creates identity and orientation for the communities. The pedestrian linkage between the clusters of buildings with long staircases is not favoured by residents. The commercial and communal facilities located in the center as the magnet to connect the three clusters. The planning of the blocks are not response to the natural environment or heavy traffic.
Block Design The flats of each wing and three floors shared a stairs , form a cluster . The four clusters form a small community share one lift lobby which encourage the sense of neighbourhood. The lift lobbies are naturally illuminated and ventilated. The nice environment of the lobbies encourage social interaction but not with facilities as a communal area. The corridor space is minimized and the split level design dive a sense of semiprivate circulation space. The balcony in the flat provide private open area for the habitants for leisure, and laundry. Some units can be combined as a possibility of expansion. Landscaped gardens of different theme
43
Typical Plan Section Through common lobby
6.1.3 Unite' Habitation. Le Corbusier

- the concept of solving social problem by architecture
Background Le Corbusier started to tackle the problems of massive rehousing within tight budget and time after the world War II. At that time, high-rise development was believed to be efficient in providing housing and large open area could be preserve on the ground level as recreation area. However, the activity gap between the resident lived in the upper levels and lower levels emerged. Unite dcHabitation represent one of the first attempt to address the problem of physical and psychological isolation. Appraisal Residential floors There are large numbers of flats efficiently accommodated, but the flats are narrow and dark. Lack of cross ventilation. The long and narrow double loaded corridors are merely functional and unpleasant. social interaction is discouraged in the residential floors, -shaped unit section provide spatial interest and the layout allow variation. Shopping street The elevated shopping street allow small scale shopping in an enclosed environment. However, the lack of visual interaction between the flats and the shopping street as well as the physical linkage, the street is actually isolated from the housing. . The limited choice in small shopping level further discourage patronage . The target group of customers is difficult to define. Public Area Landscaped open area was formed under the raised block, which was uncontrolled and become a no man's land. The activity gap between the high level and the ground level open area was unsolved.
44
6.1.4 Dog Kennels in Queen's Hill Background It is the Police Dog unit of Hong Kong Police Force in Queen Hill Camp at Fanling. The unit was designed by Architectural Services Department. The dog compound consist of dog kennels, veterinary clinic and the related facilities for accommodation and implementation of bleeding and training programs. Appraisal The dog kennels are contrast to the conventional cages with steel bar. These homes for the dogs- best friends of mankind - are well designed and addressed the needs of them. The rest area and the run area in a kennel unit was segregated and shifted to provide a well- enclosed and secured territory for the dogs, which are very sensitive to the sense of security and territory. Architectually, the segregation walls were extended and expressive. Dogs are very sensitive to sunlight and heat, both in physical and emotional. The insulated and projected roof provide sufficient shade all day long to protect them. An integrated truss support the roof and enhance the air cooling effect . The highly raised roof sheet create a sense of lightness. The building elements are disjoint and displaced to allow uninterrupted air flow in all directions enhance natural ventilation. Permeable material are used to form a breathing skin that address the problem of smell.
45
Appendix 2 News about the protest against the ban of dogs in Public Housing
South China Morning Post 19/6/96
RSPCA unleashes dog-ban battle against department
By Yonden Lhatoo THE Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (RSPCA) has for the first time launched a campaign against a government department to highlight the plight of hundreds, of dogs being thrown out of housing estates and destroyed. It is running large advertisements in English and Chinese newspapers condemning the Housing Department for forcing dog-owners in public housing estates to get rid of their canine pets after issuing a two-week ultimatum in April Between then and the end of May the RSPCA destroyed I3i4 dogs, and collected 387 from the streets. Executive director Doreen Davies said the government had taken no notice of the RSPCA's concerns, and the ad- " vertisements seemed the only way to inform the public. She said the money for the campaign had been donated by a concerned individual. Ms Davies said she was worried about the Housing Department's move spurring a knock-on effect that would extend bans to cats first and then smaller pets. The RSPCA was sickened at having to kill so many healthy dogs because of the Housing Department's decision. "We'd like to see the government implement some sort of policy whereby it would restrict licensing of pet shops and clamp down on illegal pet hawkers," Mrs Davies said. "The government has gone from one extreme to the other, from previously turning a blind eye to people keeping pets to now trying to eradicate them//
49
Bibliography Publications
Hong Kong Housing Authority, Public Housing 1989 Hong Kong Housing Authority, Annual Report. 1995. Public Relation Section, Hong Kong Housing Authority, Living in Harmony Public Relation Section, Hong Kong Housing Authority, Sui Wo Court. !982 RSPCA, Annual Report 1995. RSPCA. Annual Report 1996. Hong Kong Census 1991 f 1996 version) Planning Department, Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines
Periodicals Fisher, Thomas. " Low income Housing, Avoiding Our Past Failures" Progressive Architecture. May 1994 , pp49-55 Ellis, Charlotte. "Public Housing As Realization of an Artist's Fantasy" September 1986, pp3 8-40 Architecture,
Miles, Henry. "Process and Product" Architectural Review. March 1992, pp25-29 Stubbs, M. Stephanie and Gordon, Douglas E. "Thoughtfully Planned Affordable Housing", Architecture. November 1989, pp60-63 RSPCA, Paw Prints March, 1996-Feburary, 1997.
Books Bednar, Michael. Interior Pedestrian Places. London, B.T. Batsford Ltd., 1990 Conway. Human Response to Tall Buildings. Stroudsburg, Dowden, Hutchinson & Ross. Inc., 1977. Deilmann, Harald. The Dwelling, Stuttgart, Kramer, 1980. Dr. Bruce Fogle. Know Your Dog. An owners guide to Dog Behaviour. David Hancocks. Animals and architecture. London : Hugh Evelyn, RSPCAJ994.
London, 1971
Fromm, Dorit Collaborative Community. New York, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1987, Gehl, Jan . Life Between Buildingas: using public space. New York : Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1987.
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Hall, Edward. The Hidden Dimension. London: Bodley Head, 1969. Kenneth J. Polakowski, The Reality of Wild Illusions : The University of Michigan, School of natural Resources, 1987 Le corbusier. The Marseilles Block. London : The Harvill Press, London, 1953 Moughtin, Cliff, Urban Design: Street and Square, Oxford, Boston, Butterwirth-Hememann Led., 1992. Newman, Oscar. Community of interest. Garden City, N. Y. : Anchor Press Norberg. The Concept of Dwelling. Rizzoli, N. Y., 1985 Philips, Patricia. Highrise of Homes, New York, Rizzoli, 1982 Safdie, Moshe. Bevond Habitat. Cambridge, Mass.:MIT press, 1970 Schultz, Norberg. The Concept od Dwelling. Rizzoli, N.Y., 1985
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Report of Special Studies for Thesis 1996/97
Vertical Garden in Urban Context
By
CHEN Siu Ping Chloe
Thesis title : Noah's Ark - HOS Housing for Pet-Lovers AndSPCA Kowloon Branch
Supervisor: Professor Eric Lye
Date 15th March 1997
VERTICAL GARDEN IN URBAN CONTEXT
CONTENT 1.0 1.1 1.2 2.0 2.1 2.2 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 5.0 5.1 5.2
5.3
BACKGROUNDS AND OBJECTIVES About the Title Role of Open spaces in Urban Context REDEFINITION OF GARDEN AND RECREATION History of Gardens in Hong Kong Planning and Standard WHY VERTICAL GARDEN Economics Sunlight And Ventilation Gardens in Proximity Responsive to the needs To Shorten the Activity-Gap INNOVATIVE IDEAS FROM THE PUBLIC Parasites of Buildings Podium/Roof Gardens Vertical Playground INNOVATIVE DESIGNS AND CONCEPTS FROM ABROAD Reproduction of the World Circulation network transformed to a series of open spaces
Transformation of Vertical circulation into a continuous spatial experiences
5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 6.0
Multi-Level Activities Open Areas Spiral Up the building Utilization of Abandon Land and Air Right over Traffic Arteries Multi-Level Recreational Spaces Under the Ground Multi-Level Leisure Park in Shum Shui Po INSPIRATION FOR THE THESIS DESIGN
Bibliography
1.0 1.1
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES About the Title
'Vertical Gardens' is an idea of providing public/ communal space other than the conventional open area. The word 'gardens' may represent other possibilities such as parks, communal area, or even a lift lobby with some seating. 'Vertical' is a challenge of conventional solution of providing open area on ground level. Alternatives such as podium garden and roof gardens of high-rise buildings are actually not much different from the ground level one, as there is still an activity gap between the habitants and the open area which generated from the physical and psychological distance. The studies of "Vertical Gardens" will be the basis for the thesis in the provision of public area in the housing for pet-lovers. One would possibly think that places dwell by the pet-lovers are different because they need more open space to walk the dogs or keep the pets. It is true that open area for residents to walk the dogs is important, but the more important meaning of open space in a housing design stems from social concerns as follows: Many elderly people would keep pets as companions and they are regarded as a group of the target users. They have retired from their career have more time for leisure activities and socialization. 2. People go out with their pets are much easier to make acquaintances, especially those also with pets. The network of acquaintances in the neighbourhood will be built up. 3. A sense of community in public housing has been much lowered compare to that in the past, revitalization of small community is an important concern in housing design. 4. Neighbours are the most vulnerable ones to be disturbed by pets. Socialisation and contact with the neighbours can enhance communication, understanding and support in the neighbourhood. 5. As pet owners would like to go out everyday with their pets, open area close to their dwellings, with protection from harsh sunlight or rain, would enhance the place for these frequent users.
1.
1.2 Role of Open Space In Urban Context "A city is not built wholly for the sake of shelter, but ought to be so contrieve, that besides more civil conveniences there may be handsome spaces for squares, courses for chariots, Gardens Places to take the air, for swimming, and the like, both for amusement & recreation." - L.B. Alberti, 1484
Ben Whitaker & Kenneth Brown, Parks For People( Winchester Press, New, New York, 1971). P.6
People live in countryside can contact and enjoy the nature. In the urban area, open space plays a dominant role as outdoor recreation. Open space in an urban setting not only seems to provide recreational opportunities, but also enhance the quality of urban environment. There are active recreation area such as soccer pitches, basket ball pitches where young people could enjoy sports activities. Passive open spaces are the most enjoyable outdoor places for people of different age group, sex, career. No matter what size is the place, as long as the open spaces are landscaped appropriately, provide facilities for rest, relaxation and association with natural beauties, those living in multi-storey urban housing would like to stay and get away from the noise of busy city.
Housing Among Trees in countryside
Densely Parked Housing Blocks
2.0
Redefinition of Garden and recreation
Recreation or leisure activities in Hong Kong are always regarded as the formal games, sports ,and cultural programs arrange or sponsored by commercial organizations or Urban Council. Actually, leisure activities are not necessarily specific events , but a continues experience and a part of human development. The pursuit and appreciation of the communal life within a community is emphasized recently. Architecture can be the total environment in which space and spatial structure exist to fulfill the need of specific activities or communal lives of urban dwellings. These spaces can be an outward extension of the urban dwelling and for the expression of the individuals. In the urban context of Hong Kong, communal spaces can be defined as several types as the followings: 1. Large Scale Parkcomposed of both soft and hard landscape, small scale building structures are present for leisure purposes, such as pavilions, tea house, etc. The visitors of the park are mainly from the district. Neighbourhood Park - Predominantly soft landscape of grass, trees, and planting areas, usually located in a residential setting and detailed and furnished for a variety of active(sports, jogging, walking) and passive( sitting, sunbathing, resting) uses. The details of use vary with the density and context of the neighbourhood. Pocketpark - Small sized parks, principally for local residents, as a relieve of the busy environment. They are used primary by local residents and passerby as a stop next to the pedestrian route. Podium garden - Landscaped spaces to connect the high-rise towers on the podium. Mainly for passive use such as seating, reading. This is the first step of vertical garden as it located on a higher level that achieved a distance from the urban context on the ground level. Gardens of Housing Estate - landscaped outdoor spaces for sitting, viewing, chatting and for the main purpose of casual leisure. Covered walkway are always provided for circulation. Generally exists inside housing estate or surrounding the housing estate in the periphery. Semi-public spaces - spaces between the interior of living units and the outdoor spaces, usually found in row houses built on terraces or small courtyards shared by low-rise housing. Semi-open spaces in building - large lobby spaces and corridors encourage interaction among the residents and micro-community are formed by residents of particular floors. Shopping spaces - There are landscaped communal spaces in shopping center. Some of them located in different levels and visually connected by atrium spaces or. voids. There is also potential to develop a vertical garden.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
VERTICAL GARDEN IK UKBAK C
Besides as communal spaces for people and leisure activities , value of gardens in a densely developed context is more than a landscaped open space, especially for a residential area: Buffer Zone The present social isolated small family units in densely packed urban dwellings, surrounded by polluted, busy and congested environment, is not a ideal and healthy place for people to live. Provision of open spaces as buffer zone between the home and the city is for encourage people to go out from their enclosed dwellings. Space for Social interaction Open spaces allow mutual spectatorship and fortuitous acquaintances, it can be a place for information exchange, enhance the sense of involvement and community. Small communities will formed among the frequent users. The public would enjoy the civic and cultural events held in the open spaces which promote the civic and community identity. Facilities Facilities provided in parks and gardens can varied from some seating to the framework for people to improvise with their own creativity.
2.1 History of Gardens in Hong Kong From the Botanical gardens to the Hong Kong Park, Urban parks have been revamped trying to keep pace with new definition of uses and emerging attitude towards the city. Historically, Hong Kong has not paid much attention to outdoor recreation requirements of the general public. The earliest major park - the Botanical Gardens was built in postwar period, mainly for passive recreation of the privileged class. The active recreation relied solely on private clubs. The first town planning report for Hong Kong was prepared by Sir Patrick Abercromble in 1947 and recommended a provision of 0.3 ha. of open space for 1000 population to be set aside for active recreation. However, the provision of garden and parks has been neglected owing to the urgent need for mass housing. This is the reason that the old districts such as Yau Ma Tei are lack of gardens or parks. As the economy of Hong Kong growth, the awareness for need of providing parks and gardens for the general public was increased. Major parks in the urban area are pleasure gardens for social interaction, as "green lung" in the concrete forest for retreat, and provide large open picturesque landscape for respite and visual relief.
Botanical Garden in 1940
2.2
Planning and Standards
The provision of parks ,gardens or open spaces on urban area covered by a town plan, is entrusted by the Town planning board which is empowered under Section 4(1) of the Town Planning Ordinance. However they make the reservations of land with no control over the implementation of the plans.
The Crown Lands & Survey office and Town Planning Office sub-departments of the public works Department are in charge of the execution of plans. While the responsibility of detail design shift to the Architectural Office. The office acts purely as an agent for the Urban Services Department - an executive branch for the Urban Council. The complicate system of responsibilities allocation caused low efficiency, lack of coordination and flexibility in provision of gardens and parks. There was a standard of provision of open space in urban recommended by the Town planning Board from 1967 : 15 ha./l 00,000 persons. The new town can be developed based on this standard, but there are great difficulties in attaining the same standard in the densely built area.
^Summary ofOgen ^^ Standard (per 10000 persons) Urban Area 15 ha (increase to 20 ha if possible) Active: 10 ha Passive: 5 ha District /Local Open space
__
New Towns(excluding Tsuen Wan and Kwai Chung) 20 ha Active : 13.3 ha Passive : 6.7 ha
Source : Hong Kong Outline Plan Chapter 4-4.10 The Ratio of active and passive recreation area 3:2 is suggested as general guidelines only. There are deficiencies in the policy and the suggested standard: One standard apply to all different district regardless the need of the corresponding communities, overlook the goal of providing open spaces and the particular resources of different communities. As there is a great variation in the population density of different district, e.g. Kowloon Tong and Mongkok. Using one standard caused a great disparity. Although the standard has been suggested for years, it is not achieved in a lot of densely developed district The standards become just an objectives in the Hong Kong Outline Plan which is never translate into action to improve the existing status of the densely built urban area.
1.
2. 3.
VERTICAL QARDENJQH URBAN CONTEXT
3.0
Why Vertical Garden
"Vertical Garden" is an alternative of conventional urban parks. It is an innovative idea in providing open spaces generated from the following reasons: 3.1 Economics Land allocated for garden/park developments is scarce due to the harsh competition for land by more profitable undertakings (e.g. sell to private sector for housing/offices development), or other facilities regard as more urgent to provide to the public. The idea of vertical garden is making more rational use of existing resources and more intensive use of available small site in densely populated area. Vertical garden may incorporate into buildings in the process of redevelopment of old districts. Thus the gain in quantities will be increased and the fragmented sites can also be intensively developed.
For example: There is a 1000 sq.m. site planned for recreation use. If a vertical garden of only 250sqm footprint is developed instead of conventional park, there will be an area of 750 sq.m. for other developments.
RECREATION AREA STACKED UP & COULD BE INTEGRATED WITH SURROUNDING BLDGS
3.2
Sunlight and Air Right The haphazard development of the densely built district always with tight, illlit and poor ventilated interiors with chaotic and uncontrolled exterior spaces. Even if a piece of land among the buildings is allocated for a garden development, a conventional garden will be drown in the shadows cast by surrounding buildings, polluted airland the busy activities in the street level The idea of vertical garden allow a multi-level design for receiving more sunlight and air right.
GARDEN ON ffiGHERLEVEL GET MORE SUNLIGHT & LESS POLLUTED AIR
3.3
Gardens in proximity Among the different age groups, the elderly and the youth are particularly in need of open spaces because the availability of free time. It is a burden for them to afford the harshness and money to get on to the overcrowded transportation system, to travel to the distant open spaces. Vertical garden design allow the provision of more open spaces in proximity.
3.4
Responsive to the needs Vertical Gardens integrated in smaller scale buildings can have more possibilities and more detail design than a large scale regional parks to meet the needs of particular groups of users.
3.5
To shorten the activity-gap * There are always activity-gaps between the higher levels and lower levels of highrise development because of the lack in communication and visual contact. Vertical Gardens provide open spaces in different levels, encourage social interaction of the residents ,enhance the sense of community and shorten the activity-gap both physically and psychologically.
4.0 Innovative ideas from the public Most of Hong Kong people are very busy and do not have much leisure time to travel a long way to countryside or the large parks. Open spaces in urban area, especially those close to their working or living place, are the ideal places for them to release the harshness of daily life. Busy people may not have strong intention to go to these open area very often. If they can always visit the open spaces architecturally integrated into the daily routine, the quality of their lives are thus improved. The concept of park as a discrete design object found incompatible to local context - one of the most densely populated city. There are some innovative concepts from the public which respond to local constraints and emphasis on the significance of open spaces in proximity. 4.1 Parasites of Buildings
There are a lot of illegal structures such as cages or verandahs in the residential buildings in old districts such as Mongkok or Yau Mai Tei. These structures become extensions of the dwellings. They are the buffer zone between the busy outside world and the private area in the flat. The interface is interesting as it provide transparency for the enclosed flat. The residents can see the streetscape and the people in the outside world can have visual connection to the interior, which "shortened the distance" of home and the city, and encourage the sense of community. A lot of people would like to have some greenery in the verandahs or light patches. The tiny semi-open area could provide visual relief for both the residents and the people of outside, and suggest an illusion of living in a natural environment.
10
4.2 Roof/ Podium gardens Podium gardens is a common solution of provide open spaces in residential development, especially in private sector. The podium itself become a commercial / communal complex connected to street level. The idea of raised the level of the garden in receiving more sunlight and better air quality is not always successful as surrounded by closely packed high-rise buildings. For the residents in high-rise buildings, the podium gardens or roof gardens make no difference from a discrete park because of both the physical and psychological distance. The lack of visual connection enhance the isolation of the units in the higher level and form a activity gap between the higher and lower levels. There are a lot of podium gardens seems to be some left over and no-man spaces, e.g. those in new public housing estates. Most of them are uncontrolled and unplanned, there are only some seating and planters putting ambiguously. These scattered gardens are always abandoned. However, these provision at least provide some greenery and visual relief for the passer-by as they are located closely to the circulation. If these gardens can be split into pieces and distributed to different levels, the functions of gardens would be fulfilled more successfully.
Some seating area scattered in the podium or roof garden that become no one space.
Some podium gardens are mainly landscaped stairs and platforms that no one stay and enjoy the space
11
4.3 Vertical Playground In the Housing Development planning with long and open corridors with large lift lobbies, for example: H- Block or double-loop blocks of public housing, children always play in these circulation area. They enjoy running in the corridors and staircases, playing ball-game in the large lift lobby. Their mothers prefer their children play just outside their home and somehow under control. The elderly bring their own chairs, playing chess or cards, or chatting in the open-air lift lobbies. Some housewives even playing mahjong there, the whole atmosphere is vivid and energetic. These rich activities happened in the different levels. Provide that the corridors and the lobbies are naturally illuminated with good ventilation, they are quite successful open-air communal area. In some sense, they are vertical playgrounds. If there are provision of some landscape and some better facilities, the idea of vertical garden is further expressed.
The bird-lovers hanged the bird cages in the corridors and enjoy the leisure time. Some of the residents play majong or chess in the lobby.
Seating area and lift lobby are also communal spaces for the residents.
12
5.0
Innovative Designs and Concepts from Abroad
There are some foreign designs had implied the concept of Vertical Garden , or based on a similar hypothesis. Each of them are responsive to the specific context and designed to deal with the different problems in an innovative way. 5.1 The Reproduction of the world Since the 1870s in Manhattan, the elevator has been the great emancipator of all horizontal surfaces above the ground floor. Elevators recovers the uncounted planes that have been floating in the thin air of speculation and reveals their superiority in a metro-politan paradox : the greater the distance from the earth , the closer the communication with what remains of nature(i.e. light and air), and the more undesirable the circumstances it leaves behind( i.e. noise, traffic, pollutants.) By 1909 the promised rebirth of the world, as announced by the Globe Tower, reaches Manhattan in the form of a cartoon that is actually a theorem that describes the ideal performance of the skyscraper. It is an early idea of vertical garden that people lives in higher levels could be also live in houses in the natural environment of greenery, sunlight and fresh air.
% v . 1909. theorem: The skyscraper as Utopian device for the production of I V, unlimited numbers of virgin sites on a ' A, single metropolitan location
13
5.2 Circulation network transformed to a series of open spaces Pedestrian precinct Location: Cordoba Architect: Miguel Angle Roca The pedestrian Route in the city center-the heart of the city- is designed as a network of open spaces with landscapes and architectural features in different themes. The hierarchy of the 'gardens' are designed to suit the different uses , threading through these are the alternative routes. The pedestrian routes are' transformed into a series of gardens and enrich the significance and use. The intersection points are the important nodes that each with specific images. The user of the circulation networks would enjoy a rich spatial experience.
"They( a web of spaces designed for different activities) work best when the building fabric is sufficiently tight knit to contrast with these spaces...." Peter Buchanan, 'Landscape, Architecture & Urbanism', Architectural Review 1984,(P22)
June
If we implied the hypothesis in a high-rise building, the vertical circulation system also has the potential to be designed into a series of interesting spaces. The corridors, lift lobbies , communal floors , connected as a web of spaces where the habitants in the building meet and see each others. Accomplishing the series of spaces with fresh air, sunlight, landscape and leisure facilities, the message of vertical garden is conducted.
AXONUMATRfC
PERSPECTIVE
OPEN SPACE ON ROOF
UNIT
PUBLIC VERTICAL CIRCULAHOK CIRCULATION NETWORK SHOWN IN A SECTION RESAMBLE TO THE PLAN OF PEDESTRIAN ROUTE
14
Transformation of Vertical circulation into a continuous experiences Madison Street Steps Location: Dubuque, Iowa Landscape Architect: David L. Dahlquist
5.3
spatial
There is a pedestrian link between downtown Dubuque and the residential areas stop a limestone bluff. Some areas such as landings of the stairs are expended and designed with seating. The stair no longer a simple circulation route but a continuous spatial experience. The route is integrated into the landscape that adjacent bluffs are integrated with the salvage of the steps. People meet there can take a rest in the sitting place, enjoy the panoramic view of the downtown. Most of the slopes close to residential in Hong Kong are treated as plain concrete wall, and the outdoor stairs are always designed only for efficient circulation. The potential to develop for leisure activities is overlooked. Design concepts such as covered walkway sloping gently along the slope would be more interesting than a simple pedestrian road along the bottom of slope. People can enjoy the view from different levels. If landscape such as water, greenery, seating ,platforms and stairs are integrated in the design of a slope, a nice vertical garden is formed.
ENJOY THE VIEW OR ACTIVITIES ON LOWER LEVEL
15
TRANSFORM THE ROUTE TO THE HIGHER LEVEL AS AN ENJOYABLE PATH
5.4 Open Areas Spiral Up the building Menara Mesiniaga Location: Selangor, Malaysia Architect: Ken Yeang The IBM Malaysia's HQ is a pilot green skyscraper. The bioclimatic approach of Yeang goes beyond the greening idea of operational energy cost saving. The design stress the values of natural light, ventilation and planting , and the poetic potential that these bring. The high-up open spaces allow the contact with the climate and vegetation for people at high levels. The cores split in two, places on the outside. The lift lobbies and stairs are naturally lit and ventilated as meeting points of people. There are verandah in the air writ large, central or peripheral atria, "skycourts' and balconies. All these spaces are open spaces for the inhabitants. A triple-storey height terraces are planted as a central interest of the open spaces. The concept of Vertical Garden is successfully implied in the design of high-rise commercial building. The focus is very much the individual bioclimatic building rather than the urban context, coincident to the idea of adding open spaces in small scale developments rather than resume a piece of land in densely built area for urban park.
16
Missing
Pages
5.6
Utilization of Abandon Land and Air Right over Traffic Arteries
Seattle Freeway Park Location : Seattle, Washington state, USA Architects : Naramore, Bair, Brady & Johanson, Varr Seych, Callison, Nelson Landscape Architects : Lawrence Halprin & Associates A public park of about 2.23 ha is provided to the increasingly dense downtown of Seattle, where every single bit of spaces is precious for economic development. The freeway air rights used as a open spaces for recreation, challenged the concept of freeway- a necessary evil intrude the city. The urban is integrated into the vital traffic arteriors providing energy and supporting the city. The idea of exploring open spaces in different levels in order to get rid of adverse environment in the freeway is coincident to that of vertical garden. Again the open spaces is integrate into the circulation network of the city. Most circulation spaces are regard as mere functional spaces and the potential for other uses are always overlooked. To integrate the activity spine of the city into leisure open spaces is an idea coincident to the concept of multi-level garden.
CONCEPT DRAWINGS
FLAK
MULTI-LEVEL PARK OVER TRAFFIC
18
5.7 Multi-Level Recreational Spaces Under the Ground Plaza Mayor Location: Salamanca Architect: Emilio Ambasz In old Salamanca, the city is rich in heritage and historical buildings. There is scarce space for new development for public recreation and community activities. The Plaza Mayor is a provocative exploitation of subterranean land reserve. The character of the existing plaza and the space quality has been reserve by providing multi-level recreation spaces under the ground of the plaza. The underground reserve is designed for recreation, community and cultural activities. This is an inverted version of the concept of vertical garden that explore the possibility of go underground. When the availability of open spaces is limited in the ground level, the 2-D concept of open spaces should be challenged and multilevel spaces could a 3-D experiment of open spaces design.
A PLAZA ON THE TOP OF THE RECREATION SPACES
SECTION
19
5.8 Multi-Level Leisure Park In Shum Shui Po HKU Architecture Department Thesis design of Tsui Ching Sang (1984-85) It is a multi - level park in a densely built environment. The design wisely deal with the environmental problems such as noise and pollutants from the heavy traffic, the lack of sun light due to the closely packed buildings. There are facilities such as tea house , mini library , play-kit for children , etc. The park is composed of both hard and soft landscape. A 3-D experience is enhance by level changes and interconnected voids. The play of solid and void, light and shaded space make the mini park become an enjoyable communal area for the district. The connection to the traffic and the surrounding buildings are also carefully considered.
MODEL OF TH E MULTI-LEVEL PARK
MULTI-LEVEL PARK ABOVE THE TRAFFIC
20
6.0
Inspiration for the thesis design
"The environment of an urban dweller can be conceptualized into a human environment and a physical one." J. Douglas Porteous, Environment & Behavior Addison-wesley, Massachusetts, 1977. pp. 142 The human environment is both the people and the activities of a neighbourhood or community while the physical one as the urban fabric. Consider the current situation in Hong Kong, most of the dwelling unit and most spaces within the buildings shut off from the continuous structure of the urban fabric. The idea of vertical garden could be consider as to provide a buffer zone between the two extreme and encourage the sociability of the dwellers. From the case studies of both the Hong Kong and foreign innovative ideals relevant to the concept of "vertical Garden", there are some observations and recommendations for the design of vertical garden: 1. The vertical garden could be integrated to residential blocks that provided landscaped communal spaces for both active and passive recreation activities. 2. Instead of limited to the roof and podium level, gardens could be on any levels as skycourt or sky-gardens. 3. Vertical garden could be integrated with the circulation spaces of a building or as connections of different levels. 4. Design of vertical garden for a high-rise building should response to the environmental factors. 5. Vertical gardens design should explore the use of spaces above the heavy traffic. 6. There should be various features on the different levels instead of repetition to provide interesting spatial experience and attract users to go visit. 7. The visual linkage between the different levels of the garden enrich the spatial interest and enhance the sense of community. The aim of the thesis - HOS housing for pet-lovers and SPCA Center, is to design an ideal housing for pet-lovers who are frequent users of open area and to enhance the sense of community of the residents. Vertical garden would be one of the main concept of the housing design to achieve this and the information from this special study would be the foundation to generate the schematic design.
21
Bfbffography
Books ..-.:-;. 1. Ben Whftaker & Kenneth Browne, Parks For People, Whinchester Press, NY, 1971
2. Christian Norberg-Schufz, The Concept of Dwelling on the way to Figurative Architecture, Electal/ Rfzzoli/ New York, 1993 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Cfare Cooper Marcus, People Places, VNR New York, 1990 K. Lynch, What Time is This pface, MIT Press, 1985 Ken Yeang, Bioclimatic Skyscrapers, Artemfs,1994 Ffoyt, Charfes K., More places forpeopfe, Macgraw-HIIT Book Co.,London,1983 Le Corbusier, The City of Tomorrow and its Planning, Dover Publication IMC, New York, 1987 Articles 1. 2. 3. Barrie Evans, 'Inside the boicllmatic skyscraper1, Architect Journal, Junel 994 pp23-25 Bork, Dean R. and Watts, 'Climate and behavior1, Landscape Architecture, July1985, pp89~90 Peter Buchanan, "Landscape, Architect & Urbanism', Archffecturaf Revfew, June, 1984, pp22-24 Reports 1. Tseng Ho Ym, Redevelopment of Southern playground", Unpublished IW.Arch
thesis report, Faculty of Architecture, HKU", 1996 2. Chan Chuf WTng, Leisure Project, Lan Kwaf Fong', Unpublished M.Arch thesis 3. report, Faculty of Architecture, HKU, 1986 Cheng Kihgsfey, IWufti-Lever Urban Park1, Unpublished R/IArch thesis report, Faculty of Architecture, HKU, 1979
Date : 8th November,96. Student Name : Chioe Chen Siu Ping Thesis Title Supervisor : NOAH'S ARK- RSPCA and Experimental Housing for Pet-Lovers ; Professor Lye : Professor Mario Campi, Ms Joanna Green
1. Synopsis of presentation Deficiency * There are over 3 million HK people live in public housing or HOS whl not allowed. Consider the Social Equity, keeping pets should not be < rich people who live in private housing. Most of tha problem caused by pets in high density public housing are caused by unsuitable pets or wrong ways of keeping pets, RSPCA should take the role to educate the public. A new identity of RSPCA will be proposed in the thesis. Objectives * To reduce the disturbance of pets to the neighbour by focus on the Aspects of noise, hygienic and psychological threat, with the implication of emerging technology and architectural design. * Site * * The site is located at the edge of the district of public housing in central Kowloon where the density of pets is the highest. '' Part of the site was zoned as open area. As there is sufficient open area in the district, a park exclusively open for both people and animals is proposed to work with RSPCA center as a communal center. Synopsis of Staff observation 1. The teachers generally agreed the need of public housing for pet-lovers and RSPCA center, and the location of the site is appropriate. Z The target residents should include the old people who do not have pets but would like to play with others1 pets, 3. Teachers suggested that a new typology of public housing instead of typical high-rise housing block should be designed in response to the needs of pet 4. owners. There should be a trial of different building height to achieve the same density and reduced the traveling distance from the flat to the open area for the pets and To maximize the community sense of the residents in the housing. To explore, the educational value of RSPCA and the potential to become a communal center.
their owners. 5. 6. 7. To investigate the potential of semi-public open space- for people to enjoy with their animals, social area for elderly, Filipino maids and kids. To investigate the possible location of semi public area- communal floors^ roof garden, landscaped slope, etc. To explore the potential of the landscape and slope for the housing design.
Student's response 1. 2. There would be a further study in the proposed combination of household sizes. More units for singles or old couples would be considered. The suggestion about new'typology and design in different height is vivid. I would try to have some low-rise housing but also fulfill the number of units expected by housing department. 3. The ramp in the roof-garden and the semi-public area for every 6-floor are the preliminary concept in communal space, there would be further design in response to the teachers' suggestions. 4. "The landscape and slope will be integrated in the design of the housing and the RSPCA center as a open area for the public.
Date ; 14th December 96. Student Name : Chloe Chen Siu Ping Thesis Title Supervisor : NOAH'S ARK- SPCA and Experimental Housing for Pet-Lovers : Professor Lye : Ms Joanna Green
1. Synopsis of presentation 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. The housing design focus on the disturbance of pets to the neighbour in response to the Aspects of noise, hygienic and psychological threat. The housing is single loaded blocks in response to the environment factors such as west sun and traffic noise. The layout and the form of the housing blocks was trying to response to the natural contour of the site. Every three floors as a group and share one corridor ,and eveiy six flats share one stai'rcase as a duster. These semi private circulation spaces maximize the community sense of the residents in the clusters. People in different groups are connect by the vertical garden in the slope which is-closely linked to the corridors by bridges. 6. SPCA center as the communal center of the housing and located in the centra! part of the master layout. The form of the SPCA center was generated by the idea of ramp-up garden. Synopsis of Staff observation 1. The teachers generally agreed the single loaded approach but the student should reconsider the form and location of both the housing blocks and SPCA center. 2. The entrance of the housing may be integrated with the SPCA center. The location of main entrance, carparks and garbage collection should be 3. 4. 5. reconsidered. The site boundary and the walls of the two schools should be reconsidered to connect the schools and the SPCA center as educational organization. The unit design and room layouts should be further developed to improve the standard of the existing public housing unit. To investigate the potential of semi-public open space or special designed corridors to connect residents of the different groups and clusters, where people will enjoy with their animals, as social area for elderly, Filipino maids and kids. 6. To explore the potential of the landscape and slope for the housing design.
Student's response 1. 2. 3. There would be a further study in the proposed vertical garden on the slope and the bridge system. The suggestion about the form and master layout is vivid. The relationship between the SPCA center and housing blocks will be reconsidered. The ramp in the SPCA center and the vertical garden are the preliminary concept in communal space, there would be further design in response to the teachers' suggestions. 4. Thcs landscape will be integrated in the design of the housing in connection with the playground of the schools, and the SPCA center as a enjoyable educational center for the students.
Record of Third Jury on Thesis Design 1996 / 97 Student Name Chloe Chen Siu Ping Thesis Title Supervisor Adversor Date NOAH'S ARK- HQS Housing for Pet Lovers and SPCA Center Professor K.C. Lye Ms J. Green 2 nd Feb. 97 __ _.
Synopsis of student's presentation 1 The form of the housing blocks is modified to have a sense of fluently. The height of the different blocks is varied to response the sloping site . 2 The four housing blocks are connected by 3 vertical gardens. People can walk through the whole building and meet other dog owners. The street feeling is achieved and the usage of lifts will be minimized. 3 The SPCA center is located close to theentrance of the housing and as the communal center for the residents. People can go the the different levels from the podium garden of the center. 4 The highest floors are in differentlayout that some of the units can have terrace or garden. They are alternative choices for the people who can afford higher price. 5 The landscaped garden in the higher level will be designed as a place with fence that dogs can running free in it 6 The pet's room in each unit is a small and recessed balcony with water supply and drainage . It is recessed in order to control the noise generated and minimize the disturbance, to the neighbours.
Staff 's Observations 1 The Form of Block A,B,C, is not bad but the Block D is too massive and is not in good 'posture5 to end the housing blocks. The staff f s suggestion is reduce both the height and number of units of BK. D. The student should also study the solar diagram of the housing blocks. 2 The form of the SPCA center should be varied from the housing blocks as it is the interest of the housing and more attention from the public should be drawn. 3 The carpark and the entrance road should be further developed.
4 Different materials can be considered for the top floors and the unit layout could also be different. 5 The pet's room is too deep and should be further design with the concern of the shape and the location or relationship with other space of the flat 6 The room layout of the standard is still too tight
Student's Response 1 The form of Block D will be reconsidered to break down the scale and improve the light penetration for both the flats and the garden in the lower level. 2 The carpark, entrance road and landscape will be reconsider and incorporated in the next stage. 3 The pet's room will be further design as it is the main interest of the unit design. 4 Staffs ' comments and more details design will be considered in the next stage.
SITE PLAN
SCALE 1500
CIRCULATION PLAN VERTICAL CIRCULATION
UNIT DESIGN CONCEPT

1. SMALL BALCONY FOR PETS AND LAUNDRY Z DRAINAGE AND WATER SUPPLY FOR PET'S ACCOMMONDAT10N, 3. DOUBLE GLAZED WINDOWS FOR NOISE INSULATION 4. THE DIRECTION OF THE NOISE GENERATED IS CONTROLLED.
VERTICAL GARDEN AND LIVING UNIT
Qo -
DIRECTION OF NOISE IS CONTROLLED
_2fe
SITE SECTION A-A 1:500
Date:1stApril,97. Student Name Thesis Title Supervisor : Chloe Chen Siu Ping : NOAH'S ARK- SPCA and Experimental Housing for Pet-Lovers : Professor Lye : Ms Joanna Green
Synopsis of presentation 1. The housing is composed of four housing blocks connected by vertical gardens of different theme. People can walk through the housing blocks and enjoy the activity nodes of the gardens along the route. The nodes are specially designed for the activities of different pets, e.g. birds, dogs , and as the center of interest of the vertical gardens. 2. The housing blocks are varied in height and orientation in response to the sloping site and suggest a movement through the housing blocks. The two floors at the top are more luxury flats with private terraces. They are different from the typical floors in form and material and as a contrast to the regularity of the typical units. 3. 4. The Pet's room is interlocked with the living room and the linear balcony increase the activity space for larger pets. The plan of SPCA center is an ellipse and the room layout is to emphasis the curved wall with limited openings. The ramp around the ellipse is a walkway for the visitors and residents to walk with their dogs.
Synopsis of Staff observation 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. The structure of the housing block above the SPCA center should be reconsidered and presented in the model, The landscape , the access road and the entrance should be designed more in depth. The form of the SPCA center is improved as the image of communal building is more obvious with the pure form. The form of the housing blocks and the SPCA center is generally accepted but more detail design of the connections between the housing is required. The special feature of corridor design for cleaning should be only in balcony corridor and the lobby spaces. A walkway along the slope is suggested to incorporated with the vertical gardens as part of the enjoyable route.
Student's response 1. 2. 3. 4. The student would take action to workout the structure of the housing block with SPCA center. The student would take special attention to the circulation spaces and the design of the activity nodes. The landscape design with water features will be refined with the access road layout. The student would review the project again and take action to the above said comment.

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Thesis Report 1996/97

Date: 5th March 1997

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

A dog lives in a public housing

For the pet -lovers, dogs are their family members.

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

The supporting letters from the public

The Protest against the ban of dogs

The annual Report of Housing Authority 95-96 Paw-Print of RSPCA August 96

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

SPCA provide education to youngsters about caring of animals

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

4/94-3/95 1639 3164

4/95-3/96 1488 2838

4/96-8/96 600 540

Stray dogs collect by SPCA

Too many dogs waiting for a new home

The annual report of RSPCA 95-96

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

Deficiencies in Architectural Design

Small waiting room

Tiny animal kennels

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

Some dogs will bark the passerby

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

Animals handled^ RSPCA

cats 2838 4094

229 712 90 623

Total 4555 11060

1875 11528 54085

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

Aspects of Other Concerns in Housing Development

DODOail nooaaqMMnoaanaoa naraaacaoDDD

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS &SPCA

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

low- rise building

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

Planters and trees

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

The Choice of the Site

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

Anatomy of the neighbourhood Land Use Pattern

Residential (Private) Residential (Public) Residential (HOS)

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPC A

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

NOAH'S ARK - HOS HOUSING FOR PET-LOVERS & SPCA

Interrelationship of the basic functional requirements