Architectual Resistance in Hong Kong: Practice Through Research
This thesis research politically charged
public spaces in Hong Kong due to the past social movements and acknowledges
its uniqueness formed by the intuitive use of the vernacular public spaces in
the context of both day-to-day life and social movements. The way of freely
utilizing elements in public spaces makes the public space in Hong Kong a space
to be, a space to express, and a space to resist. However, a unique public
space like this often causes misunderstanding, misrepresentation, and sometimes
fear from other sides. Thus, this thesis aims to create a subjective analytical
view of the formation and usage of HK's public spaces to create a viewport into
this case and hopefully inspire future strategies made in social movements.
HK is not only known for its highly dense urban development and as an economic center but in its post-colonial phase has also faced many political challenges that sparked many social movements in the past, all with engagement with the public space. However, the strategy of the movement changed during the Umbrella Movement, marking the transition into occupying movements in HK; it allowed more connections and space for the citizens to voice their citizenship due to the similarity that it provides with a typical day in HK. The Umbrella Movement not only showcases the impact of being present in space compared to past movements but also highlights and takes advantage of the characteristics of HK urban public spaces.
The occupying movement in HK demonstrates how architectural resistance can be an impactful element that can conceal, transgress, and transform. This thesis conducts a series of analyses to illustrate public space development in HK in a historical context and its relationship to individuals. It identifies the connection between the development and the use of the public space today in a catalog.
HK is not only known for its highly dense urban development and as an economic center but in its post-colonial phase has also faced many political challenges that sparked many social movements in the past, all with engagement with the public space. However, the strategy of the movement changed during the Umbrella Movement, marking the transition into occupying movements in HK; it allowed more connections and space for the citizens to voice their citizenship due to the similarity that it provides with a typical day in HK. The Umbrella Movement not only showcases the impact of being present in space compared to past movements but also highlights and takes advantage of the characteristics of HK urban public spaces.
The occupying movement in HK demonstrates how architectural resistance can be an impactful element that can conceal, transgress, and transform. This thesis conducts a series of analyses to illustrate public space development in HK in a historical context and its relationship to individuals. It identifies the connection between the development and the use of the public space today in a catalog.
