Abstract

My proposal for the housing crisis in Hong Kong is creating a housing model the country can use as they expand the city onto the different islands. The housing complex will act as a model to improve living conditions, increase job opportunities, provide an elderly care, etc. through a sustainable and resilient design.

Hong Kong continues to thrive while most of its citizens are left behind. As the population grew over time, the demand for homes skyrocketed in the city. However, the government has not constructed enough homes at a steady rate, which caused existing homes to increase their monthly rent. Residents have been applying for government issued housing units, but it takes an average of 5-6 years to obtain one. One infamous solution is "Coffin Homes," where a group of people split the space in a housing unit to decrease the amount each individual has to pay for rent. Imagine dividing a 484 sq. ft. housing unit between 10 other people. In Chinese culture, we value family and always have as many family dinners as we can. How can these same people enjoy being with friends and family when they don't have the space? More than 20% of Hong Kong's population are below the poverty rate. It's common to see elderly collecting cardboard boxes along the city streets every morning to make barely enough for food and rent. Hong Kong does not collect tax from capital gains, interest, or dividends. They make money off selling islands to private investors for large sums of money.

Currently, the government is proposing to create an artificial island and construct large vertical towers. However, the land will cause shoreline erosion and destroy the marine environment. Different micro apartment designs have been introduced in the past years in response to the housing crisis. However, as of 2018, Hong Kong has imposed a 200% vacancy tax on any homes that have been vacant for a certain amount of time. In addition, more people rather have a 600-700 sq. ft. housing unit than opting for a micro apartment.

Through my thesis project, people will understand why the housing crisis matters. The housing crisis is relevant in places all over the world, such as New York City, Phoenix, Dallas, New Zealand, Canada, Sweden, and many more.