The first phase of a renewal program under Hong Kong’s “Well-being Design” guide has been completed at Kai Yip Estate, one of five public rental housing estates upgraded since last September.
After improvement, the dim corridor has been painted a light orange, with new ceiling lighting and benches with armrests installed to provide elderly residents with resting spots.
The basketball court, which had begun to fade, has been repainted in vibrant colors of red, orange, yellow, blue, and green. In addition, It has also been expanded to include a running track, while a badminton court has been added in the center, creating a multi-purpose sports area.
Some residents said they have more motivation to exercise in the new basketball courts as they are much more vibrant now.
Housing Manager of the Housing Authority, Chan Wai-seng, pointed out that painting the facilities with bright colors has reshaped the image of the estates and enhanced residents' sense of well-being.
From July to December last year, the consultant team conducted a six-month district consultation in the estate. Through two community participation workshops, four street interviews and questionnaires, they collected suggestions from nearly 300 residents and stakeholders, Chan said.
In September 2024, the Housing Bureau and the Hong Kong Housing Authority introduced the “Well-being Design” guide to enhance living conditions in public housing. Improvements include social seating areas, charging points, and upgraded fitness and recreational amenities.
Five public housing estates – Kai Yip Estate, Chak On Estate, Fu Shan Estate, Shui Pin Wai Estate and Mei Lam Estate – were included in the pilot projects of the refurbishment covering eight well-being concepts, including "Health & Vitality", "Green Living and Sustainability", and "Age-Friendliness". Different enhancement measures have been trialed to test the guide’s effectiveness.
The authorities will collect residents’ suggestions through questionnaires and workshops and hold design competitions to engage young designers and students.
All projects are expected to be completed by 2027.
Additionally, under the well-being initiative, exterior wall repainting and minor upgrades will be carried out across 30 housing estates, with the first phase already finished in more than 10. The “Happy Green Family” project, involving landscaping upgrades in about 40 estates, is now half complete.
This series of “Well-being Design” projects received the Greater Bay Area Urban Design Award from the Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design in 2024.
