Elegant Public Housing: Kwun Tong Garden Estate

History

Prof Ho Hung Chak Derrick, Assistant Professor at Department of Public and International Affairs of City University of Hong Kong, Author of “A History of Public Housing Development in Kwun Tong: Connection between Socio-environmental Change and Urban Planning”

In the 1950s, when the construction of Kwun Tong Garden Estate started, a number of public housing projects were also being developed in the Kwun Tong District, including resettlement areas and the Government low cost housing estates (廉租屋邨), such as Wo Lok Estate. In the early stages of public housing development, low cost housing estates represented a type of public housing suitable for long-term residence. They provided a relatively comfortable and safe living environment for the poor and underprivileged, offering conditions superior to those of resettlement areas. Phase 1 of Kwun Tong Garden Estate, completed in 1958, exuded a sense of “distinctive elegance”. A few years ago, I conducted a study on the “History of Public Housing Development” in the Kwun Tong District. My team and I visited to a number of housing estates in the area, and interviewed more than 40 estate residents across different generations. What impressed me the most was that many residents living in Kwun Tong Garden Estate still expressed a strong sense of belonging to the Estate, taking pride in being part of the community.

60 years ago while public housing construction had already begun in districts across Hong Kong, resettlement areas were still a significant part of urban development at that time. Referring to statistics, in 1970, while nearly 180,000 people lived in low-cost housing estates provided by the government, the population living in resettlement areas reached one million¹. Since the 1950s, this number had continued to rise.

At that time, many Hong Kong people lived in resettlement units measuring only about 120 square feet. The design was primitive, with no kitchen and toilet facilities in the units. The public toilets shared among neighbours on the same floor had no running water supply and were poorly hygienic. There were even cross-shaped ventilation holes on the walls between units, leaving residents with little privacy in their daily lives. Some old residents living in Kai Liu (i.e. the location of the existing Tsui Ping Estate) resettlement area said they did not like the living conditions of their residence at that time, and even described it as an “awful environment”.

The older generation of neighbours have a strong sense of belonging to Kwun Tong Garden Estate and are proud to be residing here.

A vision for residents to consider this their long-term home

In contrast, each unit in Kwun Tong Garden Estate features an individual kitchen and toilet, allowing for a higher degree of privacy. Residents no longer needed to improvise simple stoves to cook in the corridors, and their living environment was significantly improved, which was indeed a huge step forward. By today’s standards, the design of the units in Garden Estate might seem conservative and plain, yet considering the social situation at that time, the Hong Kong Housing Society had definitely provided the residents with a quality of life better than that of the general public. In an interview with Dr Rosman Wai, former Senior Architect of the Housing Department and now Adjunct Associate Professor of the Faculty of Architecture, the University of Hong Kong, she said that Kwun Tong Garden Estate offered a relatively more comfortable environment², for example, residents could enjoy a broader view of the sky within the estate, and the architectural design gave residents a greater sense of place and community bonding.

When looking carefully at the spatial planning and layout of Kwun Tong Garden Estate, one can see that since this estate was planned, it had already taken a more forward-looking approach than other public housing projects. One can also see how the architects designed this estate with a vision of allowing future residents to reside for a long time and call it home. In addition to providing separate kitchens and toilets, the units were also larger in area than nearby low-cost housing estates, with flexibility given to the unit design, allowing large families to live in larger units. Towering on a hill was another feature of the Garden Estate. The architects leveraged the geographical factors of the steep slope and narrow land, and cleverly designed a spatial layout with plenty of natural lighting and ventilation.

Further architectural consideration was also given to the needs of community living. For example, even at the beginning of the development, a host of well-planned supporting facilities were already provided. The estate was equipped with shops, schools, playgrounds, basketball courts, parking lots, community facilities, etc., and even parking spaces for residents.

Provision of facilities such as playgrounds and basketball courts enhance the livelihood of the residents.

Proud to be a “Garden Estate dweller”

Back in the years when resources were scarce, having a roof over one’s head was the most pressing need. Many old residents of housing estates remembered the days when they lived in public housing, and viewed it as merely a temporary place for “survival”. However, it was a different story in Kwun Tong Garden Estate. Residents here have a strong sense of belonging to the estate. For them, “Garden Estate dwellers” is an identity they are always proud of.

This sentiment likely stems from the Housing Society’s thorough application review process, which involves interviews with applicants and even factory employers’ recommendations. As a result, Garden Estate residents develop a sense of belonging and a strong sense of connection to their neighbourhood.

For example, during the interview with them, many residents shared their stories about jointly guarding the Garden Estate in the past. In particular, they recounted how the residents voluntarily formed the patrol teams. In the past, law and order in Hong Kong was not so well maintained, and crime cases occurred occasionally. There were times when the residents of Garden Estate voluntarily organised their own patrol teams. Residents from each building would volunteer to be on duty at night to safeguard residents accessing the estate.

Since its development began, Kwun Tong Garden Estate has been equipped with comprehensive supporting facilities and shops that cater to the daily needs of residents.

Creating an integrated future for all generations

In the face of redevelopment, old residents who have a strong sense of belonging and community identity may struggle to let go. While fond memories are dear to many, the aging of the estate did cause inconvenience. Envisioning the future has become an important aspect of the Kwun Tong Garden Estate redevelopment project. To this end, the Housing Society has been actively communicating with different residents, fostering endless possibilities for the inclusion of future development and collective memories.

For community inclusivity, it is essential to prioritise elderly residents’ well-being while address the needs of the younger generation and new residents. This approach aims to establish an identity that preserves the past and contributes positively to community growth and development. How to effectively pass on past experiences to the next generation and new residents through intergenerational harmony in the redeveloped Garden Estate, and how to reconnect with the Kwun Tong community after a large-scale redevelopment will stand as pivotal milestones for the future development of Garden Estate.

The architectural design of Kwun Tong Garden Estate features spaciousness with a relatively comfortable environment, fostering a sense of belonging among the residents.

Footnote:
1. 何佩然：《城傳立新：香港城市規劃發展史（1841-2015）》, Chung Hwa Book Co., P.173
2. 何鴻澤、陳奕彤與吳頌安：〈觀塘區公屋發展的歷史:社區及環境變遷與城市規劃的連結〉, 2021, P.41

細遊花園

Kwun Tong Garden Estate
Documentary Project

Planned by｜Hong Kong Housing Society

Partners｜Dragon Foundation, Lion Head Culture, Hide and Seek Tour