AR reviving Kai Tak Airport memories to boost Kowloon City tourism

The Urban Renewal Authority plans to adopt augmented reality technology on the building facades or streets of Kowloon City to recreate the unique sight of low-flying planes, reviving collective memories of Kai Tak Airport.

URA Managing Director Wai Chi-sing stated on his blog on Sunday that the authority will develop the new “3B” System -- composed of “built environment,” “business environment” and “local bonding” -- to showcase Kowloon City’s local character, promote a new urban landscape, and boost foot traffic and the economy.

The URA team will enhance the built environment of Kowloon City by showcasing unique elements from the old Kai Tak Airport, Thailand and Chaozhou, increasing the area’s diversity and appeal.

To boost foot traffic and vitality, the focus will shift to the business environment, collaborating with the Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Association to expand the “Backstreet Alliance” initiative from Central and Sheung Wan to the district. This will involve local merchants offering consumer reward programs to enhance the experience for residents and tourists.

In terms of local bonding, in celebration of the Thai community’s Songkran festival, the URA partnered with local organizations for a two-day art workshop. 

Thai families, students, and elderly residents collaboratively created a 90-meter mural themed around the festival, displayed at the Tak Ku Ling Road Rest Garden. This initiative strengthens community cohesion and allows participants and visitors to celebrate the Thai New Year while learning about its significance.

Wai said the team recently hired an artist group passionate about local community art, which has extensive experience in community projects and works in diverse forms, such as 3D and AR wall murals.

He noted that this year marks the 100th anniversary of the old Kai Tak Airport, and the authority is considering using themes related to the airport or airplanes to recreate the unique sight of low-flying planes in the district through AR technology on building facades and streets. 

“This aims to help local residents reconnect with the collective memories of the previous generation while allowing citizens and visitors to learn about the old Kai Tak Airport through technology as if they were experiencing it firsthand,” said Wai.

(Cheng Wong)