Chak On Estate revitalization: Winning designs from students to enhance public spaces

To revitalize the public spaces of Chak On Estate in Shek Kip Mei, the Housing Bureau organized a design competition and now the winning projects will serve as a reference for the detailed design of the improvements to the public housing estate.

The "Let's Go Well-being Chak On" Design Competition was held in January and divided into two categories that include the "students" group and the "emerging" group, covering four public spaces: Chak On Plaza - Estate Stage; Communal space - Cultural & Recreational Room; Estate landmark - Sunset Plaza; and Intergeneration Fitness Playscape.
 
A group of master's degree students majoring in urban design has won the competition for the Students Category. 

The winning team member Gia He said her team spoke to estate residents to hear their user experience and input on the design when creating their design. "They told us their stories of this community, their life. We were touched by their love for their life and also their love for this community.
 
He added that the team's design was mainly based on the residents' requests.
 
Under the guidance of professional consultants and relevant departments, the design plan was optimized in hopes of overcoming technical difficulties.
 
She added that they will do their utmost to transform the design project from the drawing board to reality.

Assistant Director of Housing Michael Hong Wing-kit said each year about 10 estates will be selected to undergo minor improvement works.
 
"In general, the minor improvement works will include enhancements of the recreation facilities as well as the pedestrian routing," he noted. "We also have five estates to carry out theme-based estate improvement works."