Transforming Olympian City Plaza in Hong Kong - a new lease of life under the cover of shadows
In the heart of Hong Kong's bustling Mong Kok district lies Tai Kok Tsui, a neighbourhood with a rich maritime and industrial history that spans over a century. From its origins as a narrow peninsula extending into Victoria Harbour to its evolution into a hub for new office and housing developments, Tai Kok Tsui's journey is one of resilience and transformation.
## A History Rooted in Industry
Tai Kok Tsui's industrial roots can be traced back to the establishment of the Cosmopolitan Dock, one of Hong Kong's largest shipyards, from 1880 to 1972. The dock area attracted numerous factories, workshops, and a working-class community, which continues to thrive today despite the area's modernisation.
## Urban Renewal and Community Preservation
Over the past 15 years, the Urban Renewal Authority and its not-for-profit arm, the Urban Renewal Fund (URF), have been instrumental in the redevelopment of Tai Kok Tsui. This redevelopment, while transforming the area, aims to preserve its community heritage. The URF's board of directors, led by Timothy Ma Kam-wah, emphasises the importance of the people in preserving the neighbourhood's heritage.
## Architectural Innovation Meets Community Engagement
Recent architectural projects, such as the pavilion designed by Su Chang Design Research Office, have been inspired by Tai Kok Tsui's maritime and industrial history. These pavilions serve as platforms for testing materials, forms, techniques, and community engagement, reflecting the area's ongoing evolution.
In 2023, Su Chang Design Research Office had the opportunity to improve the plaza through a competition organised by RE: Tai Kok Tsui for a community events pavilion. The pavilion, which was officially inaugurated in January of the following year, draws inspiration from Tai Kok Tsui's maritime and industrial past, incorporating elements that reflect the area's historical significance.
The project is part of a broader initiative involving over 300 activities and projects under RE: Tai Kok Tsui, which engage local residents and businesses in the revitalization efforts. The pavilion acts as a testing ground for architectural innovation, allowing for experimentation with materials, forms, and techniques while fostering community interaction.
## A Vibrant Community Persists
Despite new office and housing developments, Tai Kok Tsui's central location has not completely displaced the surviving working-class community. The plaza, a large space with sun-beaten brick and palm trees offering minimal shade, located next to a noisy road, is a testament to this resilience. The Olympian City plaza, primarily empty, serves as a host for occasional events like Christmas markets and commercial events.
In conclusion, Tai Kok Tsui's transformation from an industrial hub to a vibrant, community-driven area reflects Hong Kong's broader urban renewal efforts. The integration of architectural projects like Su Chang's pavilion highlights the importance of preserving historical context while embracing modern design and community engagement. The survival of the working-class community in Tai Kok Tsui demonstrates its resilience in the face of new development.
In the ongoing evolution of Tai Kok Tsui, the community continues to preserve its unique heritage, blending it with modern elements and lifestyles. For instance, the pavilion designed by Su Chang Design Research Office, inspired by Tai Kok Tsui's maritime and industrial past, has become a home-and-garden for community events, reflecting its inevitable integration into the home-and-garden scene while maintaining its vibrant arts and culture. On the other hand, the revitalization efforts, such as those by RE: Tai Kok Tsui, have not only introduced architectural innovations like Su Chang's pavilion but also fostered a strong business connection within the district, reinforcing its position as a significant center in Hong Kong's lifestyle scene.
