HKU MLA 2021 Thesis_Cheng Lai Wa

Student Name: Cheng Laiwa Natalie Student Number: 3035290953 Contact: claiwa@connect.hku.hk Supervisor: Ivan Valin Course: ARCH7299 Landscape Thesis 2022 This project starts from December 2021 Finish in June 1, 2022

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Table of Content 1 Front matter 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4

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Abstract Declaration Acknowledgement List of figures/List of tables

2 Positioning

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2.1 Disciplinary Context 2.2 Research Aim and Objectives

3 Methodology

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3.1 Research Framework 3.2 Literature review

3.2.1 Evolution of participation in relation to technological development 3.2.2 The Shift to Digitally Mediated Public Space 3.2.3 Different Forms of Space

3.3 Case studies

3.3.1 Lesson learnt from the Case Studies 3.3.2 Emerging Technologies 3.3.3 Evaluation Indicators

3.4 Established Mechanism for Public Participation in Hong Kong 3.4.1 Perspective on Public Participation 3.4.2 Public Participation in the context of Hong Kong

4 Speculation

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4.1 Site/Context Analysis

4.1.1 Overview of Public Space Development in Public Rental Housing 4.1.2 Public Participation: From “Refugee Mentality” to “Co-creation” 4.1.3 Renewal of Public Rental Housing

4.2 Wo Lok Estate as Pilot Site

HKU MLA Thesis

Living in Phygital Space: experience and design the public realm via digital

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5 Design Proposal 5.1 Participatory Landscape Design

5.1.1 New Participatory Framework: Ways of Communication and Data Generation 5.1.2 Approaches to Public Participation: from physical to digital 5.1.3 Application of 3 approaches in the Design Process 5.1.4 Stakeholders Involved

5.2 Physical Approach

5.2.1 Aim and Purposes 5.2.2 Design Concept 5.2.3 Detailed explanation and demonstration

5.3 Phygital Approach

5.3.1 Aim and Purposes 5.3.2 Design Concept 5.3.3 Detailed explanation and demonstration

5.4 Digital Approach

5.4.1 Aim and Purposes 5.4.2 Design Concept 5.4.3 Detailed explanation and demonstration

6 Conclusion

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7 Appendices

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7.1 Bibliography 7.2 Video Transcript 7.3 Record of interim review feedback and responses 23/02/2021 Interim Review 1 6/4/2021 Interim Review 2 11/5/2021 Mock-up Review 24/5/2021 Final Review

7.4 Annotated Bibliography 7.5 Responses Collected from Facebook Groups

HKU MLA Thesis

Living in Phygital Space: experience and design the public realm via digital

1 Front matter 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4

HKU MLA Thesis

Abstract Declaration Acknowledgement List of figures/List of tables

Living in Phygital Space: experience and design the public realm via digital

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Front Matter

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Abstract The 21st century is filled with the vocabulary “new” and in the design profession we constantly hear the demand for new forms of space, new roles of professionals and new ways to design. Three megatrends in this decade is worth exploration by landscape architects, one is the increasing number of people living in cities (United Nations, 2018) experiencing a highintensity form of live, and another is the appearance of not only innovative but disruptive technologies, building on the creation of the networked communications in the contemporary society (Castells, 2000); while the third noteworthy trend is the rising importance and influence of citizens, who are more educated and are more willing to voice out for changes for policies and rights. How to design and manage urban spaces have then become one of the newest challenges in this post-industrial and information era, by not just reiterating the importance of physical urban spaces but also integrating the physical and virtual world together. Further to the question, it is also about how these actions can be facilitated by citizens themselves with reduced involvement of the elites.

This thesis would like to position technology from a different perspective, focusing more on the fundamental and neglected relationship between people, space and city in the information age. As the use of digital networks becomes an essential part of everyday life, the function of public space has transformed radically. Studying the emerging use of technology on public space could deepen landscape architects' understanding of how digital may complicate practices, experiences, and relationships in spatial design. Hence, the process of public space design is used as an entry point for understanding how technology leads to changes in the practice of space design and public participation, the role of designers and the form of space. The practice of public participation is particularly noteworthy in a hybrid political regime like Hong Kong bounded by both bureaucratism and pluralism, and the elitist design approach of public spaces in the territory is also well noted.

Based on theoretical review and case studies, the thesis proposes a new participatory framework in hope of creating a new format of space design, focusing on the ways of interactions, rather than changing the extent of authority and modes of decision-making. To test this framework, 3 participatory approaches are tested in public space in public rental housing, and see whether technology could serve as a gateway to more meaningful participatory methods.

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Living in Phygital Space: experience and design the public realm via digital

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Front Matter

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Declaration I declare that this dissertation represents my own work, except where due acknowledgement is made, and that it has not been previously included in a thesis, dissertation or report submitted to this University or to any other institution for a degree, diploma or other qualifications.

Cheng Lai Wa Master in Landscape Architecture

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Living in Phygital Space: experience and design the public realm via digital

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Front Matter

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Acknowledgment First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my supervisor Ivan Valin, who has always been encouraging and patient. He offered me constructive advice, insights and assistance over the whole semester.

I am particularly indebted to all my interviewees who spared their valuable time for the interviews and shared their views.

Their comments and suggestions have shed new light on my research. I also wish to thank members in Facebook group 《我們都是在觀塘牛頭角長大的 (We all grew up in Ngau Tau Kok and Kwun Tong)》and 《觀塘歷史資料舘 History Museum of Kwun Tong》, the historical photos and stories shared helped me to better understand the spatial development in Wo Lok estate.

Moreover, I would like to thank my previous studio instructors, Dr. Yinlun Chan, Professor. Michael Kokora, Mr. David Jung, and Ms. Ei-Kie Giam who gave me lots of guidance and shaped my views on landscape architecture.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge and give my thanks to my family, my friends and my classmates, in particular Mr. Chan Chun Yin Tommy and Mr. Cheng Ho Chun for their support and love.

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Living in Phygital Space: experience and design the public realm via digital

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Front Matter

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List of Graphic / Tables 2 Positioning Figure 1. Continuing Population Growth and Urbanization Figure 2. The Popularity of Virtual Meeting and Online Platform during COVID-19 Pandemic Figure 3. Increasing Demand for Greater Public Participation: 2019–2020 Hong Kong Protests Figure 4. New forms of Civic Activism: Anti-Hong Kong Express Rail Link Movement in 2010 Figure 5. Pariser Platz at Brandenburg Gate, Berlin stands empty Figure 6. Changes of People's Spatial Usage under COVID-19 Figure 7. Development of Public Space in Hong Kong

3 Methodology Figure 8. Research Framework Figure 9. The Evolution of Technology and Public Participation Figure 10. Summary of Literature: Changing Perceptions of Public Space Under Technological Advancement Figure 11. Concept of Physical Space Figure 12. Concept of Digital Space Figure 13. Concept of Phygital Space Figure 14. Concept of Virtual Space Figure 15. Types and Design Purposes of Case Studies Figure 16. Pokémon GO Using Markerless Augmented Reality Technique Figure 17. CITY IN TIME Using Marker-based Augmented Reality Technique Figure 18. Urbanimals: People Interacting with animal projections Figure 19. Hello Lamp Post: People communicating with post box in Bristol via SMS Figure 20. APP of iDiscover Asia Figure 21. QR Code Scanning for Million Tree NYC Campaign Figure 22. FixMyStreet Platform for reporting, viewing, or discussing local problems Figure 23. Comparison Between Real and Minecraft World Figure 24. Virtual Gaming Platform in the Project of Cat-streetopia Figure 25. Technology Applied in Case Studies Figure 26. Sherry Arnstein's Ladder of Participation (1969) and Modified New Participatory Framework Based on the Classic Theory Figure 27. Flowchart Showing Typical 3-stage Public Engagement Process (above); Common Forms of Public Participation in Hong Kong (below)

4 Speculation Figure 28. Types of Urban Public Space in Hong Kong Figure 29. Changes in Spatial Form and Role of Designers of Public Space in Rental Housing Estates Over Years Figure 30. Locational Map of Aged Public Rental Housing Estates in Hong Kong (Aged 40 years old or above) Figure 31. Public Engagement Process of Lower Ngau Tau Kok Estate Redevelopment Figure 32. Context Map of Wo Lok Estate Figure 33. Spatial Arrangement of Wo Lok Estate Figure 34. Active Open space in Wo Lok Estate, Taken by author, in 14-03-2022 Figure 35. Open space in Wo Lok Estate in 1990s Figure 36. Playground in Wo Lok Estate Figure 37. Sitting-out Areas in Wo Lok Estate Figure 38. Neighborhood Shops Wo Lok Estate Figure 39. Aging Neighborhood: External Steel Bars Observed in Wo Lok Estate Figure 40. Demands for Redevelopment by Residents Figure 41. Demands for Redevelopment by Residents

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Living in Phygital Space: experience and design the public realm via digital

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Front Matter

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5 Design Proposal Figure 42. New Participatory Framework Based on Use of ICT and Technological Appropriation Figure 43. Three Approaches in the Engagement Spectrum Figure 44. Envision of Physical Approach Figure 45. Overview of Physical Approach Figure 46. Conventional Way of Data Collection: Site Observation and Onsite Interview Figure 47. Design Concept of Physical Approach: Construction of Real-Time Datascape Figure 48. Design Demonstration of Physical Approach Figure 49. Catalog of Street Furniture Figure 50. Envision of Phygital Approach Figure 51. Overview of Phygital Approach Figure 52. Conventional Way of Data Collection: Key-person Interview, Public Forum, Focus Group Discussion Figure 53. Design Concept of Phygital Approach: The Overlay of Landscape Dynamic and Experiences Figure 54. Design Demonstration of Phygital Approach Figure 55. Envision of Digital Approach Figure 56. Overview of Digital Approach Figure 57. Conventional Way of Data Collection: Community Workshop and Participatory Gaming Figure 58. Design Concept of Digital Approach: Component of Space Figure 59. Design Demonstration of Digital Approach

7 Appendices Figure 60. Video of Thesis Summary Figure Figure 61. Video of Digital Participatory Game Demonstration Figure 62. Layout of Panel for the Review 1 Figure 63. Layout of Panel for the Review 2 Figure 64. Layout of Panel for the Mock-up Review Figure 65. Layout of Panel for the Final Review Figure 66. Presentation During Final Review

HKU MLA Thesis

Living in Phygital Space: experience and design the public realm via digital

2 Positioning

2.1 Disciplinary Context 2.2 Research Aim and Objectives

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Positioning

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2 POSITIONING

2.1 Disciplinary Context: Landscape Architecture at Crossroad in Digital Age

"The contemporary world is both urban and digital" ---UN-Habitat, 2019 The 21st century is filled with the vocabulary “new” and in the design profession we constantly hear the demand for new forms of space, new roles of professionals and new ways to design. The increased urbanization, rapidly evolving technology, and the new generation of global protest has created new societal challenges for urbanists, and such changes are constantly transforming the nature, form, manifestation and meaning of public space (Castells, 2000; Tornaghi & Knierbein, 2015). Public spaces have always been adaptive to these societal challenges.

(1) Rapid Urbanization and the Development of Smart City Today, more than half of the world's population now live in cities, and it is expected to increase to more than twothirds by 2050 (United Nations, 2018) (Figure. 1). In

the face of the pressure from rising demands for urban services, how to design and manage urban areas has become one of the most important topics in the postindustrial and information era. Policy makers and urban practitioners therefore turn their eyes on the emerging digital technologies and the idea of smart city has been put forth as a solution in addressing urgent social, economic and environmental challenges (UN-Habitat, 2019). Over past decades, frontier technologies have provided insights on data, analytics, and modeling for large-scale urban initiatives, such as climate change and sustainable development.

Yet, some scholars criticize that most smart city development projects are analytical-based and technology-oriented which lack social consideration and rarely involve the public (Vanolo, 2014; Neirotti et al. 2014; Zubizarreta et al. 2016). In other terms, technologies are often targeted to benefit cities and regions as a whole by incorporating data analytics in urban policies. However, these projects do not adequately consider the needs of people and how they experience the space/city around

Figure 1. Continuing Population Growth and Urbanization Source: https://morphocode.com/global-trends-urbanisation/

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Living in Phygital Space: experience and design the public realm via digital

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them (UN-Habitat, 2019). Therefore, in recent years, there is a shift in the application of technologies to a more people-based approach, focusing more on the peopleplace relationship (Hasler et al., 2017). In the book "From Urban Data Collection to Urban Design''(2019), it demonstrates the alternative application of urban technology. Other than optimizing technical infrastructure or enhancing productivity, disruptive technology could contribute to developing a more people-oriented city by "facilitating dialogue between different stakeholders, engaging various actors, demonstrating needs of urban development and helping identify alternative paths of policies" (United Nations Global Pulse, 2019).

(2) Technological Impacts on Everyday Life In the post-digital era, the rapid evolving technology is radically transforming our everyday life as well as reshaping our social, political and physical environment.

Before the advent of digital technologies, public spaces were venues for information dissemination and hosted various events (Abdel-Aziz et al., 2016). Yet, with the rise of the internet and social media, many activities could be

participated online and information could be accessed easily. The function of the physical public realm started to diminish and the internet has therefore emerged as an alternative form of public realm (Drohsel et al., 2010).

The term “digital twin city” was also eventually coined as people started to “build” their society online, which in some sense competes with the physical society.

Similarly, the shift towards digital platforms for physical urban actions are also seen, or even seen earlier in other common daily activities, including commerce activities (window-shopping to online-shopping) and education. These digital technologies transformed people’s perception of daily life activities, allowing them to experience spaces, express opinions and form relationships with the urban space differently; or even reimagine the physical borders of our space (Houghton, 2010). For instance, the recent rise of Facebook Groups as an online community platform for residents to share news and resources in the same physical community has become more prominent, particularly during COVID-19 pandemic (Figure. 2).

Figure 2. The Popularity of Virtual Meeting and Online Platform during COVID-19 Pandemic Source: https://itechbahrain.com/facebook-messenger-rooms-multi-video-chating-available-globally/

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Living in Phygital Space: experience and design the public realm via digital

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(3) New Generation of Civic Activism in the Digital Era In recent years, the world was experiencing different forms of civic activism, with unprecedented high levels of mass mobilization. In 2019, there was a global wave of protest movements, from Hong Kong to Latin America to the Middle East and North Africa to Europe (Figure. 3).

This may be partially due to the fuel of information and communication technologies (ICTs) which has nurtured the civic consciousness and enhanced the capacity for mobilization and organization (Hatuka, 2022; Youngs, 2019), and the rise of the citizen power which is widely regarded as a world megatrend shaping the future years.

Some scholars opined that the much more intense civic activism should prompt policy-makers to rethink the form and meaning of participation (Hatuka, 2022). (Figure.

4) In particular, when the conventional ways of public participation are no longer adequate in satisfying public demands, disruptive technology could serve as a gateway to develop new forms of participation.

Figure 3. 2019–2020 Hong Kong Protests

Source: Wikipedia

Figure 4. New forms of Civic Activism: Anti-Hong Kong Express Rail Link Movement in 2010

Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cyalex/8384595618

HKU MLA Thesis

Living in Phygital Space: experience and design the public realm via digital

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Positioning

(4) Changing Public Space Under COVID-19 Pandemic The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed the habits and usage of public space (Abusaada and Elshater 2020), in terms of frequency of visiting and type of activities performed. In the extreme case of Hong Kong where restaurants are closed, public space is even considered as outdoor restaurants for people to finish their takeaways. Due to the lockdown policies, the traditional public spaces where people gather and socialize became deserted (Figure. 5). People therefore turned their eyes in informal spaces, such as streets, balconies, rooftops, or even virtual spaces to perform what they want, to interact and to exchange views with others. The appearance of virtual communities knitted by social media is especially observant in the case of housing estate lockdowns, where "villagers" who don't have enough stock of food request for it online and are helped by hundreds of neighbors immediately. Also, the relationship between people to public space also changed due to the social distancing measures (Figure. 6). So far, it is uncertain whether the pandemic would create profound impacts on public

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space in the long term (Honey-Rosés et al., 2020), as the pandemic has not been completely stabilized. Once the restrictions on the use of public space and social distancing have been lifted, will the new spatial patterns and behaviors we observe today be ephemeral or permanent? Is there a need to develop new topologies of public space?

Under such megatrends, designing and managing urban space is more difficult than ever. The conventional approaches to design are unable to accommodate the increasing complexity of societal issues and there is a pressing need for urban practitioners to bring forward new tools and approaches for accommodating the new challenges. Further, elitist approaches to design spaces, which is more observant in government-led projects are catching criticism. However, as Winston Churchill once said, "Never let a good crisis go to waste”, it is time to turn these challenges into opportunities so as to better shape our city.

Figure 5. Pariser Platz at Brandenburg Gate, Berlin stands empty

Source: Paul Zinken/picture alliance via Getty Images

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Relevance to the Field of Landscape Architecture With development, the discipline of landscape architecture is growing more diverse. Yet, there is less literature focusing on how the discipline should address and respond to the rapidly evolving digital context, particularly in the design and management of urban landscape. Some scholars even opined that landscape architecture has been so hesitant to adopt digital practices, when compared to the field of architecture and urban planning (Walliss & Rahmann, 2016). Based on a survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) in 2013, there was more than 400 ASLA-registered landscape architects agreed the use digital technology would negatively influences the creativity and decision making process (Shujuan & Yang, 2013, cited in Walliss & Rahmann, 2016).

develop a digitally driven design practice to engage with the contemporary challenges from the perspective of landscape architecture.

However, as technology develops and becomes increasingly intertwined with our everyday lives, engaging technology in the design process has become an inevitable trend. Therefore, the thesis would like to

Figure 6. People following social distancing inside white circles in Domino Park, New York City

Source: Noam Galai/Getty Images

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2 POSITIONING 2.2 Research Aim

Like many other disciplines, the above-mentioned societal changes have hit the discipline of landscape architecture.

It has triggered the interest of urban practitioners using digital tools to foster more inclusive and responsive design. Disruptive technologies are not merely applied in large-scale urban management systems (such as energy, water and transportation), but could also be used at community level in a more citizen-centric way.

decision making processes, and puts forward a new participatory framework, particularly focusing on the ways of communication and process of data production, in hope of creating incremental improvements to public space design in Hong Kong and other similar contexts (Figure. 7).

Therefore the thesis aims to answer the following 2 questions: (1) How are digital technologies changing the role designers play in the design process; (2) How can digital tools be harnessed to generate a new way of public participation to foster a more responsive design.

The thesis uses public space as an entry point to examine the role technology plays in the design and

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Figure 7. Development of Public Space in Hong Kong

Source: Drawn by author, in February, 2021

HKU MLA Thesis

Living in Phygital Space: experience and design the public realm via digital

3 Methodology

3.1 Research Framework 3.2 Literature review

3.2.1 Evolution of participation in relation to technological development 3.2.2 The Shift to Digitally Mediated Public Space

3.3 Case studies

3.3.1 Summary of Case Studies 3.3.2 Emerging Technologies 3.3.3 Evaluation Indicators

3.4 Established Mechanism for Public Participation in Hong Kong 3.4.1 Perspective on Public Participation 3.4.2 Public Participation in the context of Hong Kong

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3 METHODOLOGY

3.1 Research Framework The research framework is divided into 3 parts (Figure.

8). The first part consists of a literature review on how digital development leads to changes in the practice of public participation and how these changes influence the role of urban practitioners as well as the design and management of public space. This provides a broader background in explaining the contemporary public space in the digital era.

The second part reviews urban projects incorporating digital elements which further examine the application of technology in the participatory process. This helps to understand whether technology could serve as a gateway to develop new participatory approaches.

The third part outlines the existing public participation mechanism employed in urban development and studies their impact on the shaping of the public space.

Figure 8. Research Framework

Source: Drawn by author, in February, 2021 HKU MLA Thesis

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3.2 Literature Review

3.2.1 Evolution of participation in relation to technological development Synthesized from literature, rapid urbanization and technological development have changed the nature and form of participation as well as the role of designers (Mukhtarov et al., 2018) (Figure. 9).

Before 1960s Information and Communication technologies (ICT) started to emerge in the early 1960, yet it is still in its infancy. On the other hand, public participation was also still under development. The concept of citizen participation firstly appeared in Dewey's book "The public and its problems" in the 1920s and the idea of participatory democracy gradually entered public consciousness. At that time, most policy formulation and decision-making were in the hands of technical experts (Dewey, 1927). Landscape architect in time were seen as "designers of scenery" or "artistically minded landscape experts" (Meeus and Vroom, 1986, cited in Faber, 2014) 1960s - 1970s By the 1960s, there was a call for political reforms and reduction of racial inequality, leading to the American Civil Rights Movement. The Movement had sparked the development of civic activism which encouraged people to engage in public affairs in more direct and aggressive actions (Hewitt and Pendlebury, 2014). The inhumane urban redevelopment projects developed in the 1950s began to be criticized by the public while the capacity of designers to respond to the societal demand was doubted (Markopoulou et al., 2018). The design had to be more socially oriented and responsive. Designers at that time therefore took the responsibility of communicating with people and handling various conflicts (Louwerse, 1993, cited in Faber, 2014). It was in this context that landmarked studies from Jane Jacobs, Sherry Arnstein and Paul Davidoff were born. Their research proposed the framework of public participation in order to enable a more equitable city development process (Estefam, 2021).

1980s Public participation had developed sufficiently in the 1980s. The rapid technological development has brought better communication tools and, most importantly, the internet. The rise in the internet allowed better and faster information dissemination which not only helped the public to better understand social issues, but also led decision-makers to understand the public's voice (Carver, 2003).

HKU MLA Thesis

Living in Phygital Space: experience and design the public realm via digital

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1990s - 2000s By the 1990s, policy makers were looking for new means/ approaches to enhance the quality of participation. They had increasingly recognized the role of digital tools in encouraging public participation (Graham and Marvin, 2002). The main digital participatory tools included websites, online surveys, email, and the emerging social media (Estefam, 2021). In spite of continuously evolving, the use of technology in the participatory process was always met with suspicion as the process may possibly lead to privacy concern and digital divide.

2010 onwards Starting from 2010 onwards, the use of technology in the participatory process has grown rapidly and become more diverse. The appearance of augmented realities, virtual realities, crowdsourcing platforms, and online games have transformed the usual practice of participation.

Designers are no longer playing a dominant role in the design process, but rather participate as co-designers with participants (Babelon, 2021).

To conclude, changes in socio-political context had facilitated public participation, whereas the rapid advances in information and communication technologies had changed the form and process of public participation.

Meanwhile, the process also brought a new role definition of designers. Designers were no longer "technical experts". They tended to focus more on how to design with people, rather than simply concerning the design outcome (Albrechts, 1991; Estefam, 2021).

Figure 9. The Evolution of Technology and Public Participation

Source: Drawn by author, in February, 2021

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3.2 Literature Review

3.2.2 The Shift to Digitally Mediated Public Space Besides impacts on public participation and role of designers, technological advancement also changed the form and function of public space (Figure. 10).

In the 1980s, the development of mobile technology and wireless capabilities had impacted people's urban experience and social relationship, such as the introduction of the Sony Walkman (Bull, 2000).

The impacts of technology on people's behaviors and social interaction in physical space have captured the attention of scholars, particularly in the field of human geography and media communication (Duffey, 2014; Meyrowitz, 1985). By the early 1990s, with the popularity of social media and online forums, the concept of virtual communities started to emerge. Scholars were concerned and feared that the growth of digital communications would negatively affect physical places and served as a substitute for public space. However, some authors also pointed that the use of technology would not diminish the function of public space, but rather it re-shaped and enhanced the spatial experience (Gibson, 1993; de Souza e Silva & Frith, 2012, cited in Duffey, 2014) As technology develops and becomes increasingly intertwined with our everyday lives, scholars started to suggest combining digital concepts with physical design features (Kluitenberg, 2006; Forlano, 2008; Ethier, 2016; Ruchinskaya et al., 2019). The negativity about technology on public space is gradually channeled towards exploring a form of digital-physical integration in spatial design. Apart from creating a digitally mediated public space, the development of big data in recent years has also altered the discussion from spatial behaviors to city management and urban governance.

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Figure 10. Summary of Literature: Changing Perceptions of Public Space Under Technological Advancement

Source: Drawn by author, in February, 2021

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3.2 Literature Review

3.2.3 Different Forms of Space The concept of space has also transformed over years.

The following spatial concepts are critical in framing the design framework in later chapters.

(1) Physical Space In most urban and place theory (Lefebvre, 1974; Entrikin, 1991; Merrifield, 1993), a traditional physical space represents the combination of physical landscape and social practices where memories, experiences, identities, cultures and social relationships accumulate over time (Figure. 11). The work of designers (e.g. architects/ urban designers) is to shape the physical venue with different design elements, inject meaning and identity into a space.

(2) Digital space Yet, the development of digital space has challenged such concepts, with the appearance of “online physical spaces” like social media or arena in online games, where since then, social interaction is no longer constrained to time and space relationships (Figure. 12).

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(3) Phygital Space With the rise of mobile devices, the term, phygital space, or say digitally mediated public space started to emerge. The term phygital first originated from the retail marketing industry which refers to the combination of digital experience or content on the physical venue, thus enabling hybrid spatial experiences (Figure. 13).

Pokemon Go a few years ago is a great example in illustrating the term phygital in which merged the virtual gaming experience with the real-world. Now people are experimenting with such hybrid concepts in urban space (UN-Habitat, 2019).

(4) Virtual Space Virtual space, the buzzword Metaverse adopted this concept. It could be understood as a utopia without the constraints of the physical world where people are able to rest, interact and socialize (Figure. 14). It emphasizes the co-creation process, virtual identity, and immersive experiences. At the moment, video games offer the nearest virtual space user experience.

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Figure 11. Concept of Physical Space

Figure 12. Concept of Digital Space

Figure 13. Concept of Phygital Space

Figure 14. Concept of Virtual Space

Source: Drawn by author, in February, 2021

Source: Drawn by author, in February, 2021

HKU MLA Thesis

Source: Drawn by author, in February, 2021

Source: Drawn by author, in February, 2021

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3.3 Case Studies

3.3.1 Summary of Case Studies Following the development of technology and public participation, in-depth case studies are developed to provide a better understanding of how digital technologies are used in the public space design, and the impacts of their use (Figure. 15).

Concluded from case studies, technologies are not simply used as eye-catching design elements, but as communicative tools to offer an alternative for citizens to experience spaces differently and participate in the design process. The function of technologies could be divided into 3 levels, ranging from enhancing spatial experiences and interaction, to promoting knowledge exchange and capacity building, and finally using technology for spontaneous policy advocacy from the community.

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Figure 15. Types and Design Purposes of Case Studies

Source: Drawn by author, in February, 2021

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3.3 Case Studies

3.3.1 Summary of Case Studies

01/ To enhance spatial ex

Pokémon GO

City In Time

Description: Published in 2016, Pokémon GO is an augmented reality (AR) mobile game.

It provides a GPS-enabled map of the player's real-world surroundings which allows players to locate, capture, train, and battle virtual creatures, called Pokémon. The little pokemons appear in every corner of the city, however it only appears inside the app’s map. Using GPS, users have to physically visit where the pokemon is located in the app’s map to capture rare pokemons or to fight against one another. While players are individuals, the game allows those with similar interests gather at a specific location and hence potentially start real-life interactions, and gradually various spatial or non-spatial related communities are formed.

Description: CITY IN TIME is an augmented reality to relive the panoramic scenery of Hon across the city. As a tourism initiative, experience of residents and visitors b past of the same space that the users a at tourist and historical locations which a

Initiator: Nintendo Type: Location-based AR game Digital Element Applied: Augmented Reality, GPS, Mobile Application

Initiator: Tourism Commission Type: Tourism Promotion Digital Element Applied: Augmented Reality, Mobile A

How to Achieve: The mobile game layers the virtual game world over real-world locations and challenges players to chase and catch different Pokémon characters, turning public space into virtual battleground or collector’s binder. Based on GPS, users make spatial connections with the digital city and the physical city, and movements are twinned. By exploring the world physically, users are able to explore more pokemons hiding around the city. Finally, the use of augmented reality (and smartphones) allows the merging of the digital pokemons into physical spaces where pokemon animations are placed at a corner when you open the smartphone’s camera.

Figure 16. Pokémon GO Using Marker-less Augmented Reality Technique

Source: Drawn by author, in February, 2021

HKU MLA Thesis

How to Achieve: CITY IN TIME uses a designated mobi historical scenes with the present-da animations and informative description certain locations, users would need t scan the clock-shaped QR codes to t a panorama will appear as an augme historical photos associated with the spa

Figure 17. CITY IN TIME Usin

Living in Phygital Space: experience and design the public realm via digital

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xperiences and interaction

Urbanimals

Initiator: LAX - Laboratory for Architectural Experiments Type: Placemaking Project Digital Element Applied: 3D modeling software + Projection + Sensors

Application

(AR) tourism project that enables you ng Kong’s past at designated locations , the app is used to enrich the spatial by providing an alternative: a historical are currently located. It is mainly located are promoted by the Tourism Board.

Description: “Urbanimals” is an interactive visual installation placed in spaces of transition where people would only walk past or stay temporarily. Drawing inspiration from popular animals and more interestingly, its traits (e.g. rabbits could be shy, kangaroos jump far), various installations are installed at different stagnant corners of the city that attracts staying. Overall, these installations transform them into more pleasurable and vibrant places, and the project eventually encourages people to explore the hidden aspects of the built environment.

ile app which allows users to compare ay situation, supplemented with lively ns of major landmarks. Arriving at the to open their CITY IN TIME app and trigger actions in the app. Afterwards, ented reality form that showcases the ace.

How to Achieve: Urbanimals exist in the forms of 3D projection where animals, as a virtual identity, are projected to various grounds or facades in hidden corners of the city. Sensors around the installation will be used to trigger the projection, which allows more efficient communication to human beings. While the communication is one-directional, it allows us to understand more about some hidden spaces in the city.

ng Marker-based Augmented Reality Technique

Source: Drawn by author, in February, 2021

HKU MLA Thesis

Figure 18. Urbanimals: People Interacting with animal projections

Source: Referred to image provided by wired.co.uk, Edited by author, in February, 2021

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3.3 Case Studies

3.3.1 Summary of Case Studies

02/ To promote knowledge ex

Hello Lamp Post

iDiscover Asia

Description: Hello Lamp Post is a playful SMS platform, inviting people to strike up conversations with familiar street furniture using the text message function of their mobile phones. As compared to other similar placemaking applications where users could create something new, either digitally or virtually, Hello Lamp Post is based on existing city objects like lamp posts, post boxes and other seemingly-dull urban furniture. Users could then foster a sense of acknowledgement, engagement and then attachment to their urban spaces and urban objects and make memories in their life, serving the function of “spaces”.

Description: iDiscover Asia is a mobile applica neighborhoods and highlighting local he to preserve the beauty of Asia’s historic guide like any else. Yet, what is specia themed to the topic “culture & heritage” to supplement tourists a special Hong K

Initiator: PAN Studio Type: Placemaking Project Digital Element Applied: SMS Platform + Mobile Application

Initiator: Urban Discovery Type: Cultural preservation Digital Element Applied: Geotagging, Mobile Applicati

How to Achieve: All street furniture that participated in the program has a unique SMS code (which is previously used for maintenance purposes) where users could send messages to the number in order to start the conversation. Since then, stories are created. The system is not just object-to-individual. The SMS system is powered by computer systems, where messages from the previous users might be transferred to those who said Hello to the Lamp Post, such that an intangible connection is made between users-objects and users-objects-users.

How to Achieve: iDiscover Asia is a location app which a culture on site. To facilitate its function tour, digital story maps are produced th to follow. Along the guide, mini pop-up experience. On the other hand, online co Instagram engage people together as th their sense of community.

Figure 19. Hello Lamp Post: People communicating with post box in Bristol via SMS

Source: Referred to image provided by panstudio.co.uk, Edited by author, in February, 2021

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xchange and capacity building

Million Tree NYC - TreeNearYou

Initiator: Onebite Design Studio Type: Crowdsourcing Platform Digital Element Applied: Nektar’s Data Management Platform, Social Media

ion, Social media

ation featuring the most authentic eritage, culture and community that aims c neighborhoods. By nature, it is a travel al about this app is that it is specifically where handcrafted guides are provided Kong experience.

allows visitors to know about traditional of providing an unique cultural/heritage hat creates a story attractive for tourists tips will be provided to shape a better ommunity workshops via Facebook and he creators for the guides and enhance

Figure 20. APP of iDiscover Asia Source: https://i-discoverasia.com/

HKU MLA Thesis

Description: TreeNearYou is a mobile app that helps residents learn about the one million trees that live on New York City sidewalks, providing species type, size and the estimated environmental and economic benefits generated. This helps to educate the public while changing their mindset about urban trees, and on a wider perspective, climate change. Other than providing information to users, the platform is also organizing a number of green events, including the creation of a street tree map, an area for residents to request trees being planted in their neighborhood, etc.

How to Achieve: People can scan QR code on trees which will be linked to the tree's posting site. The app encourages users to post their story and feelings about trees and it is linked to social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter. Not only does it spread the word about the Million Tree project, it also persuades people to appreciate the connection between humans and trees, where trees are then gradually understood as no longer a small element of the neighborhood but a companion in your life that brings you well-being.

Figure 21. QR Code Scanning for Million Tree NYC Campaign

Source: https://www.milliontreesnyc.org/

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3.3 Case Studies

3.3.1 Summary of Case Studies

03/ To encourage com

Fix my streets

Block by Block

Description: Very similar to the function of 1823 in Hong Kong, Fix My Street is a digitized “complaint” platform in the UK which extended to other countries, where users could report issues they identify on the street (e.g. illegal dumpings, hygienic issues) accurately through the uploading of location-based information. It is considered a more effective way of urban management where the most amount of individuals that a government can utilize (i.e. the total population in the city) is used to help “patrol” the city.

Description: The Block by Block is a charity projec neglected urban spaces into vibrant pla They are to mobilize community enga in the agenda of urban renewal, which conflicts as social fabrics are not usu development. The idea of “block” makes “Minecraft” where users build their ut to typical engagement processes, u on architecture, landscape design an conceptualize and visualize urban rene drawbacks/design merits of different pla

Initiator: mySociety (UK-based registered charity) Type: Crowdsourcing Platform Digital Element Applied: geo-tagging

Initiator: Block by Block Foundation Type: Placemaking Project Digital Element Applied: 3D open world gaming

How to Achieve: The use of accurate geo-tagged information is fundamental to the success and operation of the system. Users, who upload pictures and texts describing issues they identified on streets, are requested mildly to also upload their location when they make the complaint. Eventually, the Fix my streets system will have a spatial collection of urban issues suggested by residents, which the council could then arrange the respective mitigation measures and even prioritize/organize their resources according to the spatial location of the problems uploaded. Platforms are not the most important considerations here where users can access the system through mobile devices or computers.

Figure 22. FixMyStreet Platform for reporting, viewing, or discussing local problems

Source: Drawn by author, in February, 2021

HKU MLA Thesis

How to Achieve: Block by Block integrate Minecraft into plans, images and Google Map, a base UN-Habitat. Minecraft training and sup less tech-savvy. Then, the public is al models which visualize how their ide proposals are eventually used to feed budget processes

Figure 23. C

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mmunity empowerment

Cat-streetopia

Initiator: Onebite Design Studio Type: Place Making Project Digital Element Applied: Augmented Reality, Mobile Application

ct that empowers communities to turn aces that improve quality of life for all. agement and advocate policy change h often faces community-development ually retained in the elitism-based res reference to a heated computer game topian world by blocks. As compared users, without concrete knowledge nd planning, are able to understand, ewal and to understand the challenges/ ans (either their own, or the others).

public space planning. First, based on e model of the public space is set up by pport is also offered for those who are llowed to develop their own minecraft eal public space is, and the minecraft into professional design work and the

Comparison Between Real and Minecraft World

Source: https://www.blockbyblock.org/

HKU MLA Thesis

Description: Cat-streetopia is an phygital platform which allows players to create unique and flexible street furniture and place their proposal on site virtually to view the effect. Very similar to Block-to-block in terms of the intention and action, Cat-streetopia utilizes a more realistic and handy approach in allowing local residents to plan and design a space which they are the most familiar with.

How to Achieve: As compared to Block by Block, users use different design modules provided on a platform that is designed by the initiator to make their own design, without the need of having any advanced training course as the operation is simple.

With the proposal being more developed, AR is used to virtually implement their proposal on site such that users (designers) get a realistic feel on how their design is integrated to the real world.

Figure 24. Virtual Gaming Platform in the Project of Cat-streetopia

Source: Drawn by author, in February, 2021

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3.3 Case Studies

3.3.2 Emerging Technologies From the case studies, several emerging technologies were identified (Figure. 25).

(1) Social Media In accordance with the latest report released by DataReportal in 2022, there are 6.68 million social media users in Hong Kong which is about 88% of the total population. While Instagram is the most popular social media used by Gen Z & Millennials, followed

by WhatsApp and YouTube. Sharing and reading entertaining content is the main reason for using social media platforms (DataReportal, 2022). Among case studies, social media were utilized to enhance the outreach capabilities and broaden the abilities to interact with the public. For example, iDiscover Asia and TreeNearYou initiated social campaigns on social media platforms.

(2) GPS Location Technology Google Map is a good example in illustrating GIS locational technology which allows users to explore the spatial data. Nowaday, many geospatially enabled mobile

HKU MLA Thesis

applications invite users to share data, for example, by embedding photos to a location. This kind of data contribution is called volunteered geographic information which takes the advantages of citizen crowdsourcing (Goodchild, 2007). For example, FixMyStreet uses georeference to match the exact location of the issue, such as reports of downed street light or crumbling road, and shares to the public.

(3) Projection Augmented Reality Projection Augmented Reality can also be regarded as surface light projection. It uses projectors to overlay digital content directly on physical objects or surfaces, which enhances interaction and spatial experiences.

(4) Marker-based Augmented Reality Maker-based AR uses distinct visual markers (e.g. QR code, logos, objects) that are easily recognizable for the camera, so as to anchor digital content (e.g. sound, image, video, text, etc.) on them. By scanning, the camera will trigger the markers and display the digital content on the devices.

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3.3 Case Studies

3.3.3 Evaluation Indicators (5) Markerless Augmented Reality Markerless AR uses Simultaneous localization and mapping (SMLA) technique rather than marker anchors.

After scanning the real-world environment by sensor, the digital content is placed in the constructed 3D world.

Many AR games such as Pokemon Go adopt markerless techniques which provide the users with a more immersive experience.

In order to evaluate the use of these technologies, 5 indicators were derived from literature review, including (1) interaction with landscape, (2) interaction with people, (3) adoptability, (4) manageability for professionals and (5) operability for users.

(1) The interaction with landscape refers to the extent to which visitors can interact with the surrounding physical environment.

(2) The interaction with people refers to the extent to which visitors can interact with other spatial users.

(3) The adaptability reflects the ability to adjust to different spatial context (4) The manageability reflects the difficulty of creating/ managing/operating the design for professionals (5) The operability reflects the ease of operation of the design by the participants

Figure 25. Technology Applied in Case Studies

Source: Drawn by author, in March, 2021

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3.4 Established Mechanism for Public Participation in Hong Kong 3.4.1 Perspective on Public Participation Public participation is widely considered as a key component in both design and policy-making process. It is a two-way communication process for better decision making (Creighton, 2005). The process includes agenda setting, problems identification, clarification of interests, plan formulation and policy implementation.

Before understanding the existing mechanism of public participation, the following will first look into the extent of public participation (Figure. 26). Sherry Arnstein's Ladder of Participation (1969) is a classic example in explaining the extent of participation. The 8 rungs could go from non-participation to complete citizen power. At the level of non-participation, stakeholders are unable to participate; rather, they are "reeducated" to conform with the agendas. Further up the ladder, the government seeks merely to inform, consult and placate. Yet, the process is considered as one-way communication where public voices have no real impact on the decision making (Arnstein, 1969). At the top rungs, the public is enabled to negotiate and be included in decision making. On this basis, scholars and practitioners have further explained and expanded the typology of public participation, such

as Sarah White's four forms of participation (1996), International Association of Public Participation (IAP2)'s Public Participation Spectrum (2004), and Archon Fung's Varieties of Participation (2006).

With the increasing use of technologies in public participation, there are more scholars revising the levels of public participation based on the use of ICT (Estefam, 2021). Hasler et al. (2017) created a new ladder classification based on Arnstein’s Ladder of Public Participation, ranging from (1) top-down information created by government, (2) bottom-up data created by public passively, (3) community consultation, (4) community contribution, to (5) community collaboration.

The new classification emphasizes on the process of data production and collection. Hasler et al.'s classification ladders provide the basis for the development of the design framework in the later chapter.

Figure 26. Sherry Arnstein's Ladder of Participation (1969) and Modified New Participatory Framework Based on the Classic Theory

Source: Drawn by author, in March, 2021

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3.4.2 Public Participation in the Context of Hong Kong Hong Kong could be regarded as a “hybrid regime” which has the characteristics of both authoritarian and democratic systems. Policy makers are not necessary to respond to public demands and engage the public since they are not under the pressure of elections (Lee et al., 2013). Yet, the government could not fully neglect societal demands, especially when the society enjoys a certain degree of civil liberty (Lee et al., 2013). Therefore, in most cases, the government provides various channels for the public to express their views, such as consultation papers, public forums, and community workshops. In accordance with Arnstein's Ladder of Participation (1969), the extent of public participation remained at consultation level.

Taking urban renewal as an example, the public participation process could be divided into three general stages, namely (1) site and context understanding, (2) design revising and (3) actualizing and implementing.

Public are usually involved in the first 2 stages. Public involvement at stage 1 is aimed to garner public aspirations/comments on the proposed policy (e.g., the announcement of urban renewal). Questionnaires,

public forums, and meetings with district councilors/ professional bodies are commonly adopted at this stage.

After collecting initial feedback, technical assessments are undertaken to evaluate various design problems. At stage 2, a preliminary design proposal is formulated and presented to the public. Focus group interviews, topical discussions, and community workshops are usually used to collect feedback for design revision. By stage 3, the revised design proposal is submitted for further approval by the government (Figure. 27).

During the process, professionals decide whether to accept public opinions and the power of final decisions is still in the hands of the government (Lam, 2019). This is inevitable as Hong Kong is situated in a hybrid political setting. Therefore, the thesis is not intended to challenge the existing mode of governance as major institutional reforms are hardly to be actualized in Hong Kong. Instead of focusing on the extent of authority and modes of decision-making, the thesis turns the spotlight on the way of communication. How could we maximize the power of ordinary citizens under the existing political framework?

Figure 27. Flowchart Showing Typical 3-stage Public Engagement Process (above); Common Forms of Public Participation in Hong Kong (below)

Source: Drawn by author, in March, 2021

HKU MLA Thesis

Living in Phygital Space: experience and design the public realm via digital

4 Speculation

4.1 Site/Context Analysis

4.1.1 Overview of Public Space Development in Public Rental Housing 4.1.2 Public Participation: From “Refugee Mentality” to “Co-creation” 4.1.3 Renewal of Public Rental Housing

4.2 Wo Lok Estate as Pilot Site

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4.1 Site/Context Analysis

4.1.1 Overview of Public Space Development in Public Rental Housing Given Hong Kong's high densities and compact urban form, public space has played an important role in balancing the city development. Generally, urban public spaces could be categorized into 8 major types (Lai, 2018) (Figure. 28).

1. Small playgrounds or sitting-out areas 2. Medium or large parks 3. LCSD’s outdoor sports facilities 4. Plazas or podium of shopping malls or commercial buildings 5. Promenades 6. Unofficial open spaces, e.g. IG pier 7. Open space in private housing estates 8. Open space in public housing estates

The thesis selected public spaces particularly in public rental housing as the entry point. First, open spaces in public rental housing (or HOS estates) are the most frequently visited types of open spaces, particularly those in old districts (Lai, 2018). These estate open spaces serve a large proportion of the population as there is approximately half of Hong Kong’s population (44.9%) living in public rental or HOS housing (Census and Statistics Department, 2016). Second, public projects have higher possibilities to involve the public compared to private projects. Third, public spaces in public housing often adopt a generic design across different estates, which new design approach could be more adaptive in different contexts.

Small playgrounds or sitting-out areas

Medium or large parks

LCSD’s outdoor sports facilities

Plazas or podium of shopping malls

Promenades

Unofficial open spaces

Open space in private housing estates

Open space in public rental estates

Figure 28. Types of Urban Public Space in Hong Kong

Source: Drawn by author, in April, 2021

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4.1 Site/Context Analysis

4.1.2 Public Participation: From “Refugee Mentality” to “Co-creation” Even though the design process in public rental housing is similar across years, the design focus and the role of designer played are slightly different. The axonometric drawings below demonstrate how the increasingly pluralistic and informative society encourages new patterns of spatial usage and increases demand for involvement (Figure. 29). During the process, designers are also constantly adjusting their role in achieving community aspiration.

1960s: Refugee Space

Social Context for Public Participation After the Second World War, there was a steady flow of refugees into Hong Kong due to the political conflict and instability in Mainland China. As stated by Hoadley (1970), they saw Hong Kong as a "lifeboat" and "transit" (as cited in Lam, 2019). They had no strong social demands on their living environment. The "refugee mentality" of residents in the 1960s made people rarely express their demands, rather, they were content with being able to make a living. This could be reflected in the spatial patterns that residents living in the early resettlement housing estates turned bare open spaces between the housing blocks into flea markets, providing affordable necessities.

Changing Role of Designers The major role of designers at that time was to satisfy

Resettlement Blocks 1950s Mark I and II

HKU MLA Thesis

Low-cost Housing Scheme 1960s Mark III, V and Old Slab

people's basic housing needs, in particular for those who suffered from natural disasters. Therefore, the resettlement housing developed in the 1950s only provided basic living space without any social and recreational facilities (Yeung & Wong, 2003).

1970s: Self-initiated Community Space

Social Context for Public Participation After the 1966 Star Ferry Riot and 1967 Leftist Riot, the social and political changes began to change the way of participation. People were gradually more involved in participatory community affairs. A more self-initiated community space was formed.

Changing Role of Designers The duty of designers had shifted to provide a more social oriented design which reflected in the building form and spatial arrangement. During the design process of early housing estates, more attention was given to public health, leisure and entertainment, and privacy.

For example, the open spaces were planned as intimate courtyards, allowing better ventilation and sunlight penetration while engendering social activities among the residents (Yeung & Wong, 2003). The provision of playgrounds for children under the post-war baby boom and the introduction of corner shops at ground level encouraged interaction on the street and created a closely-knit community.

Early Housing Authority 1970s H block, Twin Block

Ten-years Hous 1980s-1990s

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1980s: Planned Community Space

Social Context for Public Participation With the post-war baby boom generation gradually growing up, they began to develop a stronger sense of belonging and citizenship. More and more began to participate in social affairs, in particular, the participation of young people. With the introduction of the District Administration Scheme (DAS) in 1982 and the election of District Boards (present the District Councils), the Urban Councils (disbanded in 1999), and the Legislative Councils in following years, the society was becoming more pluralistic. There was an increasing public demand for greater and more direct participation in the formulation of housing policy (Yeung & Wong, 2003; Lam, 2007).

Changing Role of Designers More channels were developed to collect public opinions on any issue concerning the district. Designers started to channel people's views into the design process. As a result, designers were gradually playing a more important role in achieving community aspiration, focusing on community facilities design. In the 1980s, with the increased demands on better quality recreational facilities, landscape architects began to take a more important role in designing open space for both active and passive leisure (Yeung & Wong, 2003). The open space design started to emphasize soft landscaping and create focal points for social gathering.

sing Programme

Ten-years Housing Programme 1980s-1990s

1990s-2000s: Expressive Space

Social Context for Public Participation Design had shifted to a more pragmatic view and policymakers wanted a more efficient way of standardized design. However, due to the gradual formation and maturation of civil society, there is an increased societal demand for greater participation in city development. The old practice of design could no longer satisfy the demands of an increasingly pluralistic society, and therefore led to more confrontational and radical civic activism.

Role of Designers Due to the rise of contentious collective actions, the roles of designers as facilitators or mediators in participatory processes has expanded. Meanwhile, in face of increasing homogenization of the city and strong local consciousness, designers started to include more distinct characters in the design, giving unique identity to those newly developed housing estates (Yeung & Wong, 2003).

2010s onwards: Digital Space

As mentioned above, in the 2010s the rapid evolving technologies, much more intense civic activism and the unprecedented pandemic has changed both the function of open space as well as the role of designers.

Harmony Series of Standard Blocks

2000s-2010s Standard Design and Prefabricated Element

Figure 29. Changes in Spatial Form and Role of Designers of Public Space in Rental Housing Estates Over Years

Source: Drawn by author, in February, 2021

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4.1 Site/Context Analysis

4.1.3 Renewal of Public Rental Housing As mentioned, public space in public housing is chosen to test the new participatory approach. Yet, public participation usually occurs when decision-making takes place and public support is required. Therefore, the thesis chooses public space situated aged public housing under redevelopment pressure (Figure. 30).

First, the selection of aged public housing is largely due to its strong community fabric that usually creates social meaning for public space. Besides, residents living in old neighborhoods often demonstrate a higher sense of belonging and they are often active in community affairs (Darcy 2013; Hodkinson & Essen, 2015). Their positive sense of community is vital in ensuring a good participatory process (Thurber, 2018).

Second, the process of urban renewal in Hong Kong usually takes a long time. For example, the redevelopment of Pak Tin Estate (older portion) takes about 15 years and it is still ongoing. Considered as one of the best people-oriented projects, the redevelopment of Ngau Tau Kok Estate estate took 12 years from feasibility studies in 2000 to completion of construction and flat take-in in 2012 (So, 2013) (Figure. 31). The engagement process was structured into 3 stages, namely community intention, planning and design, and construction. A total of 50 engagement activities were organized, including briefing sessions, community workshops, hands-on model building session, communal planting, mural painting, etc.

Yet, it was difficult to keep the participants engaged for such a long period which may invest substantial time and effort (Marzuki, 2015). In this sense, a new participatory approach may be required.

Lastly, the process of urban renewal often inevitably affects the social networks and changes the existing community structure, leading to possible displacement and gentrification (Clark & Wise, 2018). Less attention is paid on the impact of public participation on the process of urban renewal in literature. However, a desirable urban renewal outcome is inextricably linked to the public participation process (Cheng, 2019). Hence, urban renewal will be set as the scenario in illustrating the new participatory framework.

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Figure 30. Locational Map of Aged Public Rental Housing Estates in Hong Kong (Aged 40 years old or above)

Source: Drawn by author, in March, 2021

Figure 31. Public Engagement Process of Lower Ngau Tau Kok Estate Redevelopment

Source: Drawn by author, in March, 2021

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4.2 Wo Lok Estate as Pilot Site In the Policy Address 2021, the government reiterated its intention on redeveloping aged public estate and announced the redevelopment of Sai Wan Estate and Ma Tau Wai Estate so as to speed up the supply of PRH in the long run. By 2014, the redevelopment potential of 22 aged public estates have been reviewed by the Housing Authority, among which Wah Fu estate has been announced to redevelop . In the thesis, Wo Lok Estate is selected as the pilot site, the oldest public housing estate in Hong Kong under redevelopment pressure.

Development History of Wo Lok Estate Wo Lok Estate was built in 1962 (a building age of 60 as of 2022) as one of the earliest “low cost housing schemes” launched by the Government across the territory (Figure. 32). The estate was partly built under the urban development plans to develop satellite towns in the post-war decades, which suggested a de-centralization of population from the traditional urban core. As factories are also built in parallel in Kwun Tong, the Wo Lok Estate as having close spatial connections with potential workplaces are favored in terms of town planning. Back in the days when private developments were not abundant, Wo Lok Estate was once considered a villa for residents, where squatters still exist in Hong Kong all over the place.

The fact that it is currently the oldest public housing estate indicates its historical significance to local community development in Kwun Tong, and Hong Kong. Yet, it was not until 2010 where installations for lifts were initiated, residents have to climb up at most 7 storeys on foot, which is considered not a problem for those youngsters back in the days but a nightmare for the elderlies now.

Wo Lok Estate consists mostly of seven-storey old slab buildings, making the whole residential village lowdensity as compared to other developments in the area (Figure. 33). Large public spaces are planned in between the housing blocks, providing simple play equipment, outdoor seating and shading facilities (Figure. 34). The close physical distance between housing blocks and open space creates a close-knitted relationship. In the 1960s-70s, neighbors gathered outside and socialized after a hard day's work. With the rise of television in the 1980s, residents brought radio and television to the open space and shared entertainment with their neighbors, turning the space into a community living room. Until now, many community events such as tai-chi practices and festival celebrations are still held here (Figure. 35).

HKU MLA Thesis

Figure 32. Context Map of Wo L Source: Drawn by author, in

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Lok Estate

Figure 33. Spatial Arrangement of Wo Lok Estate

ctive Open space in Wo Lok Estate

Figure 35. Open space in Wo Lok Estate in 1990s

March, 2021

Source: Taken by author, in 14 March, 2022 HKU MLA Thesis

Source: Drawn by author, in March, 2021

Source: Wikipedia

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Figure 36. Playground in Wo Lok Estate

Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/110107960@N03/albums/72157644271705434/

Figure 37. Sitting-out Areas in Wo Lok Estate

Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/110107960@N03/albums/72157644271705434/ HKU MLA Thesis

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Figure 38. Neighborhood Shops Wo Lok Estate

Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/110107960@N03/albums/72157644271705434/

Figure 38. Neighborhood Shops Wo Lok Estate

Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/110107960@N03/albums/72157644271705434/ HKU MLA Thesis

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4.2 Wo Lok Estate as Pilot Site

Urge for Redevelopment As the oldest public housing estate currently still erecting in the territory, it is inevitable that redevelopment is associated with Wo Lok Estate. However, redevelopment in the 21st century concerns far more than resident’s willingness and building ages, as factors like redevelopment cost, decanting housing for residents are also in consideration. In 2013, Secretary for Transport and Housing indicated no redevelopment plan for Wo Lok Estate albeit its building age, while suggesting continuous building rehabilitation works. In recent years, voices for redevelopment appear again as various concern groups and local residents demand for initiating the redevelopment project due to deteriorating flats, building and community conditions (Figure. 39-41).

While the current government seems to put focus on new developments in New Territories, the decay in urban areas are less focused partially due to the difficulties to initiate the project even if genuine needs are identified.

Figure 39. Aging Neighborhood: External Steel Bars Observed in Wo Lok Estate

Source: HK01

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Figure 40. Demands for Redevelopment by Residents

Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/110107960@N03/albums/72157644271705434/

Figure 41. Demands for Redevelopment by Residents

Source: Sing Pao Daily News

HKU MLA Thesis

Living in Phygital Space: experience and design the public realm via digital

5 Design Proposal 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4

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Phygital Participatory Landscape Design Design Implementation Impacts on public space design Potential Challenges

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5.1 Participatory Landscape Design

5.1.1 New Participatory Framework: Ways of Communication and Data Generation The existing practice of participatory process can be considered as a unidirectional opinion collection.

Professionals collect public comments on development intentions and gain feedback on design proposals. The participatory process itself did not benefit the community nor changed people' understanding about their everyday landscape. Therefore, the thesis puts forth a new participatory framework and see if technology could serve as a gateway to a more meaningful design process.

Rather than explaining the actual use of digital tools, such as its technical features, the thesis focuses more on how the technologies influence the conventional participation process and change the role designers play. Besides, under the hybrid political setting in Hong Kong, the new framework does not focus on the extent of authority and modes of decision-making. Instead, it focuses on the process of data production and the ways of communication between participants and designers.

However, the literature also demonstrates that if the decision was made through an inclusive process, stakeholders are more likely to accept the decision, even if the outcome is not their individual's preference (Innes & Booher, 2004; Tyler & Degoey 1996; Arnstein 1969)

Further up is data contribution which refers to the citizens' capability for providing active data to designers so as to achieve better outcomes.

(4) Data Collaboration At the data collaboration level, there is a joint discussion among designers and participants. This is similar to what Arnstein considers Partnership.

(5) Data Creation At the highest level, citizens are able to create information, ideas, or solutions with no or little involvement of the designers/policy makers.

The modified participation framework could be classified into 5 levels, ranging from information exchange, data visualization, data contribution, data collaboration and data creation (Figure. 42).

The higher the degree of involvement, the more data is involved.

(1) Information Exchange At the lowest level, information exchange refers to oneway communication from government to citizens or from citizens to government. The government equips citizens with data required. This corresponds to the level of informing and consultation at Arnstein’s ladder.

Figure 42. New Participatory Framework Based on Use of ICT and Technological Appropriation

Source: Drawn by author, in April, 2021

(2) Data Visualization At the data visualization level, data will be directly presented and interacted with people. The data could be either active or passive. Active data stands for information that people are willing to share proactively, while passive data refers to information that people generate inactively and unawarely. The visualization of passive data reflects the usage patterns and real-time urban dynamics.

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5.1 Participatory Landscape Design 5.1.2 Approaches to Public Participation Under the framework, there are 3 design approaches with different extents of technological involvement (Figure.

43).

to explore and create which potentially serves as a substitute for traditional design process. The level of participation reaches the highest level of data creation.

(1) Physical Approach The physical approach focuses on the interaction between people and data. It adopts the concept of citizen sourcing which refers to the "collective generation of ideas and data undertaken by people voluntarily" (Dodge and Kitchin, 2013). The level of participation reaches data visualization and data contribution.

Not only do the approaches change the conventional way of data collection, but also change the role of citizens and designers. In a typical engagement process, there are often two obvious roles played by the "experts" and the participants. "Experts" including government officials, designers or planners would act as a leader and finaldecision makers. While the participants tend to be regarded as interviewees, or say "research subjects" who could provide information or feedback for the "experts".

Yet, through engaging participants in the data production process, their roles have changed from passive respondents to actors. Likewise, the role of designers also shifted from experts, decision makers to collaborators.

(2) Phygital Approach The phygital approach refers to the interaction of digital content on physical venues which encourage stakeholders to explore the meaning of data. While it may not seem like a form of public participation, the data interaction process plays a crucial role in developing trust and initiating dialogue (Mukhtarov et al., 2018). The level of participation reaches data collaboration.

(3) Digital Approach The digital approach provides a digital space for people

I: interaction with landscape P: interaction with people A: adoptability M: manageability for professionals O: operability for users

Figure 43. Three Approaches in the Engagement Spectrum

Source: Drawn by author, in March, 2021

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5.1.3 Application of 3 approaches in the Design Process

5.1.4 Stakeholders Involved

Overall speaking, the 3 approaches have different extent of technological involvement as well as different degrees of participation. They could be applied in different phases throughout the design, no matter applied dependently or simultaneously. Yet, a certain approach may be relatively suitable or more appropriate at certain design phases. As mentioned in 3.4.2, the design process could be divided into three general stages, namely (1) site and context understanding, (2) design revising and (3) actualizing and implementing.

During the process of public participation, different stakeholders involved have goals for their involvement.

Taking the urban renewal process in Wo Lok Estate as an example, there are 6 types of stakeholders, including local residents, local shopkeepers, occasional visitors/ general public, designers, government authorities, and scholars. Each stakeholder has their own priorities which may lead to a different design process. It is anticipated that the new form of participatory process could facilitate a continuous dialogue between different stakeholders.

The first stage, site and context understanding, refers to baseline review and collection of community aspirations so as to identify the design direction. In this sense, the physical approach is more suitable in collecting information about use patterns and offering insights on behaviors; while the digital approach could collect the community's aspirations in a more creative way. At the second stage, design revising, the design vision and drafted proposal are developed. Under this context, digital approach is more appropriate in testing different design scenarios and generating new ideas. Meanwhile, phygital approach could observe the way people interact and behave by overlaying the digital design content in the physical environment. The final stage is actualizing and implementing, where the final design is formulated. At this stage, participants could use either the physical or virtual approach as means to express their opinions.

(1) Local Residents For local residents, they crave for a better living environment while maintaining the existing habits and relationship with the neighborhood.

In fact, the actual design process is much more complicated and it is difficult to categorize these 3 approaches into different stages. Nevertheless, it allows us to understand the range of possibilities for these approaches in providing what kinds of data at each stage.

(2) Local Shopkeepers For local shopkeepers, they are concerned about whether the possible development would affect the rent and later business performance.

(3) Occasional visitors/General public For occasional visitors, the provision of fun and entertainment is the major factor in attracting their attention.

(4) Designers How to identify and incorporate the public's aspirations into the decision-making are the main concerns for designers.

(5) Government Authorities In the eyes of policy makers, the participatory process should help gain policy legitimacy and public support.

(6) Scholars For scholars, particularly in the field of urban planning and design, studying the practice of public involvement helps to develop a better participatory framework.

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Figure 44. Envision of Physical Approach

Source: Drawn by author, in April, 2021

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5.2 Physical Approach 5.2.1 Aim and Purposes

“The medium is the message” ------ Marshall McLuhan

The physical space is constituted with a series of daily events and movements (Carlo, 2019, cited in Mo, 2020).

The physical approach uses different tangible digital tools to record and visualize people' movements. Not only does the process facilitate digitally mediated discussions, but reveals the place dynamics.

From the perspective of community: The application of interactive tools, such as multitouch screens and light installation expands the way people experience physical space and develops a greater understanding of place. By visualizing urban data on how people live and use the space, citizen realise they act as active generators of information, which in turn encourages them to be more engaged in design processes.

From the perspective of designers: The approach can be considered as a way of citizen crowdsourcing and applied for site-data analysis which allows designers to gain better insights into the actual use of urban spaces.

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Figure 45. Overview of Physical Approach

Source: Drawn by author, in April, 2021

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5.2 Physical Approach

5.2.2 Comparison to Conventional Participatory Approach Typically, designers usually garner community information such as people's usage pattern, activities, and concerns from conducting on-site interviews in street stations.

The interviews may be disguised as games and pop quizzes to attract people's attention (Chow, 2016). The results of responses may be published in public reports/ consultation papers or present in later participatory events as supplementary information. The author also carried out on-site interviews in Wo Lok Estate, recording people's activities and conducting short interviews with them (Figure. 46). Yet, the process itself did not encourage a continuous dialogue among stakeholders and designers.

The physical approach adopts the ideas of constructing datascape in the community (Figure. 47). As mentioned above, there are 2 types of data for visualization, namely active and passive data. Passive data provides rich information about the social fabric of the communities which is vital in understanding the real-time urban dynamics (Hasler et al., 2017) Therefore, passive data including people's movement patterns, staying time, frequency rates and social activities will be directly collected and visualized on site via temporary interactive installations. Under the approach, public space will be transformed into a medium for delivering messages and visualizing data. Various sensors (such as pressure sensors, motion sensors, image sensors etc.) equipped on street furniture and existing community facilities can help to collect, analyze and convert data into useful insights and visualize them on site via interactive light or AR projection. This not only gives a detailed picture of the usage of public space, but also encourages interaction with the place, and in turn may change people's everyday experiences.

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Figure 46. Conventional Way of Data Collection: Site Observation and Onsite Interview

Source: Drawn by author, in April, 2021

Figure 47. Design Concept of Physical Approach: Construction of Real-Time Datascape

Source: Drawn by author, in April, 2021

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5.2 Physical Approach

5.2.3 Detailed Explanation and Demonstration The rendering here explains how the physical approach can be applied and interacted with people (Figure. 48).

(1) Interactive Shadow

Sensor applied: pressure sensor, AR projection

The activity patterns (e.g. when a spatial user is sitting on the bench) will trigger the pressure sensors equipped on the benches and deliver messages to the video recording system. The video recording system will therefore capture people's live motion as shadow and playback the shadows of those who sit here previously. People's movements, actions or interaction to the shadow will be recorded and play-backed for the next visitor. The process records the data about usage, such as how long people spend under the covered pavilion, how often the pavilion is used, and whether the visitor is alone or with someone. Further, the process also compresses time in a fixed location which allows encounters between people who share the same space, but are separated by time.

(2) Kinetic Lighting

Sensor applied: kinetic pavements, light installation

Smart paving (e.g. Pavegen tiles) is applied in areas of high pedestrian traffic flow. When people step in the smart paving, the weight triggers the electromagnetic induction generators beneath. Such motion creates electricity which provides and stores energy for LED lighting. When pedestrians' footsteps are recorded, the corresponding tiles/installation lights up. This implies that people's walking patterns are recorded and visualized. Such data visualization not only offers a new spatial experience, but also turns the experience into a form of data.

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Figure 48. Design Demonstration of Physical Approach

Source: Drawn by author, in May, 2021

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5.2 Physical Approach

5.2.3 Detailed Explanation and Demonstration Here summarizes the catalog of urban furniture in the community which could be equipped with different sensor systems (Figure. 49). New patterns of usage and behavioral patterns could be obtained from these data.

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Figure 49. Design Demonstration of Physical Approach

Source: Drawn by author, in May, 2021

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Figure 50. Envision of Phygital Approach

Source: Drawn by author, in April, 2021

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5.3 Phygital Approach 5.3.1 Aim and Purposes

“Understand landscape as a collection of events” ------ Carlo Rovelli

In most place theory, physical space is perceived as a physical and social landscape where memories, experiences, identities, cultures and social relationships accumulate. The phygital approach provides a visual exploration environment for the public to experience the change of place dynamics. As mentioned above, the term phygital originated from the retail marketing industry with the purpose of providing a unique interactive experience combining digital content on physical venues (Duhan & Singh, 2019). The process utilizes augmented reality (AR) to present different temporality and historicity through visual narration. Although it may not seem like a participatory practice, the data visualization process plays a crucial role in developing trust and initiating productive discussion between different stakeholders.

From the perspective of community: Proven by literature, the application of augmented reality allows people to develop a more reliable and intuitive understanding of place. By sharing data about their lives and experiences, the role of participants has shifted from respondents or users of the design outcomes to facilitators.

From the perspective of designers: The process enhances the communication process which enables laymen to develop their own opinions about the place. The data collaboration process also allows designers to tap on the knowledge of local residents.

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Figure 51. Overview of Phygital Approach

Source: Drawn by author, in April, 2021

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5.3 Phygital Approach

5.3.2 Comparison to Conventional Participatory Approach In general, the intangible features such as people's knowledge, experiences and memories of place are less important in the traditional participatory process, as most attention is placed on the design proposal. Yet, in redevelopment and conservation projects, understanding people's stories and memories helps designers to understand the meaning of places and gain the sense of place, so as to develop a more human-centered design.

Public forum and focus group discussion are common ways used to collect participants' views. For public forums, it adopts a relatively regimented format and has a clear instruction on the overall rundown of the event. There is an obvious hierarchy of power structure that government officials and designers are placed in a higher position over the public. The participatory process discourages the establishment of trust and interaction.

While for focus group discussion, the format allows a more in-depth discussion, yet people's feedback is often selected and summarized by professionals and published in consultation papers. The general public, even including relevant stakeholders, seldom dig the information out, unless for those who are particularly interested. In order to imitate the data collection process, the author conducted interviews with local residents on site and posted questions on Facebook groups. Increasingly, citizens are more willing to share their childhood memories and personal stories related to the place, rather than ask what they want the community to be or what problem exists (Figure. 52; See Appendix 7.3).

As above mentioned, the physical environment can be perceived as a social landscape where memory, narrative, and meaning are accumulated. So how does a space present such "intangible features” which happened in the past? Psychologist Jerome Bruner (1986) describes how a person would interpret/understand the space around us in two different ways, either paradigmatic mode of thought, or narrative mode of reasoning. The former one requires scientific proofs or and statistical regularities where the latter one concerns with meaning to daily experiences. The phygital approach adopts the narrative mode of thought, attempting to present the collective story of the community. The use Augmented Reality (AR) helps to mark a scene or an event in the past to the present material environment, creating different temporalities (Figure. 53). The temporal change of landscape and spatial narratives could be visualized and explored by participants.

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Figure 52. Conventional Way of Data Collection: Key-person Interview, Public Forum, Focus Group Discussion

Source: Drawn by author, in May, 2021

Figure 53. Design Concept of Phygital Approach: The Overlay of Landscape Dynamic and Experiences

Source: Drawn by author, in May, 2021

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5.3 Phygital Approach

5.3.3 Detailed Explanation and Demonstration The rendering here explains how the phygital approach can be applied and interacted with people (Figure. 54).

By engaging AR in the screen of handheld or wearable devices, a phygital world has appeared. Using the courtyard space in Wo Lok estate as an example, it overlays different scenes happening in the different temporalities. In the 1960s, late Governor Sir Robert Black visited the estates and was welcomed by residents.

In the 1970s, residents equipped a TV set on the mushroom-like substation, turning public space into a common living room. In the 1980s, the circle climbing rack became the collective memories of kids who grew up here. Currently, most of the old facilities are demolished and replaced by Housing Authority's style facilities. Such a data exploration process for participants not only changes peoples' understanding of place, but also encourages them to be part of narratives by recording their moment of time. By contributing/producing new urban data, the role of participants changes from passive recipients to actors.

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Figure 54. Design Demonstration of Phygital Approach

Source: Drawn by author, in May, 2021

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Figure 55. Envision of Digital Approach

Source: Drawn by author, in May, 2021

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5.4 Digital Approach 5.4.1 Aim and Purposes

“Humanise the future via virtual world” ------ Anthony Dunne

In the field of architectural and urban planning, the use of virtual games in participatory planning practice as well as spatial modeling and simulation are not new. Starting from the 1970s, games have been used to stimulate the design outcome, to foster interaction and to propose design ideas (Ampatzidou et al., 2018). Yet, this concept is less explored in Hong Kong and has never been "officially applied" by the government. In face of the rising interest in metaverse, the digital approach provides a virtual environment, allowing people to construct a virtual community based on their imagination of place.

From the perspective of community: The gaming environment has the potential to project people into different possible futures which step out of their everyday realities (Ampatzidou et al., 2018).

Meanwhile, the process could also evoke social learning and civic capacity building. The approach considers design as a future oriented narrative in which the participants are both characters and co-designers.

From the perspective of designers: The reaction and creativity of participants allows designers to reflect upon the current concerns and also to better adjust the design proposal. To this end, the role of designers also changes from decision-makers or experts to more like learners and facilitators.

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Figure 56. Overview of Digital Approach

Source: Drawn by author, in April, 2021

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5.4 Digital Approach

5.4.2 Comparison to Conventional Participatory Approach In a conventional participatory process, the purpose of community workshops is most similar to virtual games.

Designers usually collect people's preferences or views in community workshops or even guide participants to create their design proposals via simple model making.

The process allows participants to better understand and visualize the design process. The author also conducted interviews with residents in Wo Lok estate. Open-ended questions such as "what kinds of facilities do you want to add?" and "What do you expect your future community to look like ?" to gather comments from the local community.

General feedback such as more shade, more places to sit and more outdoor equipment are received. Most of their ideas are constrained to the existing physical environment (Figure. 57).

The digital approach references the ideas of metaverse (Figure. 58). Metaverse refers to a three-dimensional digital environment where members can socialize, interact, work and play as they do in the real world. In most city building games, such as SimCity, and Cities: Skylines, players create their own city and have supreme power. Yet, the digital approach emphasizes on the cocreation process and immersive experiences. Not only do participants have to redesign the community based on their desires, but they also have to work with others.

Besides being a co-design platform, this approach also provides a virtual community for different social events.

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Figure 57. Conventional Way of Data Collection: Community Workshop and Participatory Gaming

Source: Drawn by author, in May, 2021

Figure 58. Design Concept of Digital Approach: Component of Space

Source: Drawn by author, in May, 2021

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5.4 Digital Approach

5.4.3 Detailed Explanation and Demonstration The rendering here explains how the digital approach can be applied and interacted with people (Figure. 59).

The author positioned herself as residents living in the estate and projected the concerns of residents in the design demonstration. Based on site interviews with residents in Wo Lok estate, the main concerns are the nuisance caused by public space users and lack of communities. Some suggested holding festival celebrations or weekend flea markets at public spaces.

Some opined that the community design should reflect the characteristics of Wo Lok estate. By site observation, the author found out many balconies were filled with pots of plants. Meanwhile, there is an inconspicuous and small garden owned by a group of residents. Therefore, the design demonstration depicts an imaginative community where everyone has their own private garden; a community farm co-managed by residents; festive decorations.

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Figure 59. Design Demonstration of Digital Approach

Source: Drawn by author, in February, 2021

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6 Conclusion

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Conclusion In conclusion, the thesis puts forth a new participatory framework for creating public space in Hong Kong, which is envisioned to be adapted to other local and international contexts which faces similar issues in terms of elitist or unfitted public space design. It firstly explains how the disruptive technology changed the conventional ways of space design, highlighting the positives and negatives brought to public space and people, as well as the role of designers through literature review and case studies. It then highlights how the emerging technology could be used to enhance the design process and reposition the role of citizens, based on the situational context of Hong Kong with rigid institutional frameworks, abundance of planned public spaces and emergence of redevelopment opportunities. The new design approach, making reference from case studies and careful scrutinization, may not be perfect as there is still a missing link between how the data production/ collection process could meaningfully impact on the decision making. Yet, the thesis offers an experimental perspective on how these technologies could be utilized in the design process and turned into the design itself. In return, the role of landscape designers are not diminished but translated to a mediator/ collaborator/facilitator role, facilitating users to develop their truly-desired public space.

As technology develops and becomes increasingly intertwined with our everyday lives, there is a need for urban practitioners to take a more active role in responding to the contemporary challenges, rather than being changed passively under such megatrends.

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7 Appendices 7.1 7.2 7.3

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7 APPENDICES 7.1 Bibliography

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2. Babelon, I. (2021). Digital participatory platforms in urban planning. University of Northumbria at Newcastle (United Kingdom).

3. Bull, M. (2000). The world according to sound: Investigating the world of Walkman users. New Media and Society, 3, 179-197.

4. Carver, S. (2003). The future of participatory approaches using geographic information: Developing a research agenda for the 21st century. Urisa Journal, 15(1), 61-71.

5. Chow, V. W, [ 鄒榮欣 ]. (2016). The public engagement processes for urban development projects in Hong Kong : an exploration of a heterogeneous power network using Latour-Callon's 'translation' model of power. (Thesis). University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR. 6. Clark, Julie ; Wise, Nicholas. (2018). Urban Renewal, Community and Participation (The Urban Book Series). Cham: Springer International Publishing.

7. Creighton, J. (2005). The public participation handbook: Making better decisions through citizen involvement (1st ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

8. Darcy, M. (2013). From high-rise projects to suburban estates: Public tenants and the globalised discourse of deconcentration. Cities, 35, 365-372.

9. de Souza e Silva, A. (2006). From cyber to hybrid: Mobile technologies as interfaces of hybrid spaces. Space and Culture, 3, 261-278.

10. Dewey, J. (1927). The public and its problems. Athens: Swallow Press.

11. Devisch, O., Huybrechts, L., & Ridder, R. (2019). Participatory design theory : Using technology and social media to foster civic engagement (Routledge research in planning and urban design).

London : New York: Routledge.

12. Dodge, M., & Kitchin, R. (2013). Crowdsourced cartography: mapping experience and knowledge.

Environment and Planning A, 45(1), 19-36.

13. Drohsel, K. M., Fey, P., Höffken, S., Landau, S., & Zeile, P. (2010). Mobile Applications in Urban Planning. MediaCity. Interaction of Architecture, Media and Social Phenomena, Bauhaus Universität Weimar, 499-523.

14. Duffey, M. A. (2014). Hybrid spaces: Assessing users' perceptions of digitally mediated public space (Doctoral dissertation, Clemson University).

15. Duhan, P., & Singh, A. (Eds.). (2019). M-commerce: Experiencing the phygital retail. CRC Press.

16. Eckardt, F. (Ed.). (2008). Media and urban space: understanding, investigating and approaching mediacity. Frank & Timme GmbH. 17. Estefam, A. (2021). Strategic overview of digital public participation tools for urban planning.

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18. Ethier, G. (2016). Connecting the dots: How digital culture is changing urban design. Contour Journal, 1(2).

19. Faber, L. (2014). Landscape architects at the beginning of a participatory process: making use of landscape architect's design skills to start a discussion.(MSc). Wageningen University, Wageningen.

20. Forlano, L. (2008). Anytime? Anywhere?: Reframing debates around community and municipal wireless networking. The Journal of Community Informatics, 4(1).

21. Gibson, W. (1993). Time Out. Time Out, 49.

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7.1 Bibliography 22. Graham, S., & Marvin, S. (2002). Splintering urbanism: networked infrastructures, technological mobilities and the urban condition. Routledge.

23. Hasler, S., Chenal, J., & Soutter, M. (2017). Digital tools as a means to foster inclusive, datainformed urban planning. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 5(6), 230-239.

24. Hatuka, T. (2022). Public space and public rituals: Engagement and protest in the digital age.

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25. Headley, J. S. (1970). Hong Kong is the Lifeboat: Notes on Political Culture and Socialisation'.

Journal of Oriental Studies (Hong Kong), Vol. S,(September 1970), 206-218.

26. Hewitt, L. E., & Pendlebury, J. (2014). Local associations and participation in place: change and continuity in the relationship between state and civil society in twentieth-century Britain. Planning Perspectives, 29(1), 25-44.

27. Honey-Rosés, J., Anguelovski, I., Chireh, V., Daher, C., Konijnendijk van den Bosch, C., Litt, J., . . . Nieuwenhuijsen, M. (2020). The impact of COVID-19 on public space: An early review of the emerging questions – design, perceptions and inequities. Cities & Health, 1-17.

28. Innes, Judith E. and David E. Booher (2004), ‘Reframing public participation: Strategies for the 21st century’, Planning Theory and Practice, 5 (4), 419–436.

29. Kluitenberg, E. (2006). The network of waves: Living and acting in a hybrid space. Open, 11(6), 6-16.

30. Kong, M. (2020). Dynamic landscape: The theatre of time unfolding. (Thesis). Rhode Island School of Design.

31. Lai, C.(2018). Open Space Opinion Survey (Summary Report): Hong Kong.

32. Lam C.Y. (2019). “Consultative politics” refined: The precarious development of civic engagement in post-colonial Hong Kong. Routledge handbook of contemporary Hong Kong (Routledge handbooks). Abingdon, Oxon ; New York, NY: Routledge.

33. Lee, E. W., Chan, E. Y., Chan, J. C., Cheung, P. T., Lam, W. F., & Lam, W. M. (2013). Public policymaking in Hong Kong: Civic engagement and state-society relations in a semi-democracy.

Routledge.

34. Louwerse, D. (1993). Why talk about park design. Em Modern Park Design-Recent Trends, 9-16.

35. Marzuki, A. (2015). Challenges in the Public Participation and the Decision-Making Process.

Sociology & Space, 53(1).

36. Meeus, J. H., & Vroom, M. J. (1986). Critique and theory in Dutch landscape architecture.

Landscape and urban planning, 13, 277-302.

37. Meyrowitz, J. (1985). No sense of place : The impact of electronic media on social behavior (Acls humanities e-book). New York: Oxford University Press.

38. Mukhtarov, F., Dieperink, C., & Driessen, P. (2018). The influence of information and communication technologies on public participation in urban water governance: A review of placebased research. Environmental Science & Policy, 89, 430-438.

39. Ruchinskaya, T., Ioannidis, K., & Kimic, K. (2019). Revealing the Potential of Public Places: Adding a New Digital Layer to the Existing Thematic Gardens in Thessaloniki Waterfront. In CyberParks–The Interface Between People, Places and Technology (pp. 181-195). Springer, Cham.

40. Schwartzstein, P (2020) How urban design can make or break protests: Cities’ geography can aid, underscore or discourage a protest movement’s success. Smithsonian Magazine, July/ HKU MLA Thesis

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7.1 Bibliography 41.

42.

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50.

August 2020. Available at: https://tinyurl.com/22539mmb (accessed 26 December 2021) So, T. [蘇芷蕾]. (2013). Redevelopment of aged public rental housing estates : policy and implementation. (Thesis). University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.5353/th_b5131721 Thurber A. (2018) Keeping More Than Homes: A More Than Material Framework for Understanding and Intervening in Gentrifying Neighbourhoods. In: Clark J., Wise N. (eds) Urban Renewal, Community and Participation. The Urban Book Series. Springer.

Tornaghi, C., & Knierbein, S. (2015). Public space and relational perspectives : New challenges for architecture and planning (Routledge research in planning and urban design). Abingdon, Oxon ; New York: Routledge.

Tyler, T.R. and Peter Degoey (1996), ‘Trust in organizational authorities’, in Roderick UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (2018). World Urbanization Prospects: The 2018 Revision.

UN-Habitat. (2019). Mixed Reality for Public Participation in Urban and Public Space Design Towards a New Way of Crowdsourcing more Inclusive Smart Cities. Nairobi GPO: Kenya, Africa.

United Nations Global Pulse. (2019). From Urban Data Collection to Urban Design - A guide to participatory approaches across the globe. United Nations. https://issuu.com/pulselabjakarta/ docs/toolkit_guide_new Walliss, J., & Rahmann, H. (2016). Landscape Architecture and Digital Technologies. London: Routledge.

Yeung, Y., Wang, J., & Hong Kong Housing Authority. (2003). Fifty years of public housing in Hong Kong : A golden jubilee review and appraisal. Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press for the Hong Kong Housing Authority, Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies.

Youngs, R. (2019). Civic activism unleashed : New hope or false dawn for democracy? New York, NY, United States of America: Oxford University Press.

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7.2 Video Transcript Thesis Summary https://youtu.be/-5rmcT0sl_A The 21st century is filled with new challenges to urban practitioners. How to design and manage urban spaces have then become one of the most important tasks in this information era. In a conventional design process, urban professionals usually play a leading role in delivering information, facilitating discussions, and making decisions.

However, in this digitalised society, how can designers make better use of the frontier technologies to encourage greater community engagement, and create a more humane urban space. Therefore, the thesis proposes a new participatory framework in hope of creating a new way of spatial design, focusing on the ways of spatial interaction and data communication.

Under the framework, there are 3 design approaches with different extents of technological involvement.The physical approach focuses on the interaction between people and data, turning big data into a new form of spatial experience. The phygital approach combines the material world with spatial experiences, creating different temporalities. The process encourages people to explore the meaning of a place. The digital approach provides a virtual gaming environment, allowing people to explore and reimagine their everyday landscape. The process promotes social learning and civic capacity building.

With the new form of design, the role of both public spaces and designers have shifted to more democratic and human-oriented aspects.

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Figure 60. Video of Thesis Summary

Source: Produced by author, in May, 2021

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7.2 Video Transcript Digital Participatory Game Demonstration https://youtu.be/f-HHNlDeu_E Today it's an another normal afternoon of Wo Lok estate. 今日嘅和樂邨同平時一樣 But do you want to have some fun? 不過你想唔想搞搞新意思 ?

Join us and design the future Wo Lok with your imagination! 等我哋一齊玩轉和華邨 !

Are you get to join the virtural community? 你準備好未呀 ?

Hey, welcome to the future Wo Lok estate! 歡迎嚟到將來嘅和樂邨 !

Let's take a journey through this whimsical community created by your friends and design the space together. 不如一齊行吓呢個異想天開嘅社區，同你嘅朋 友一齊發揮創意。

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Figure 61. Video of Digital Participatory Game Demonstration

Source: Produced by author, in May, 2021

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7.3 Record of Interim Review Feedback and Responses 23/2/2021 Interim Review 1 Reviewer: Bin JIANG, Vincci Mak, Cecilia Chu 1. Vincci appreciated the research on the technological impacts on public space development, yet she was unable to link such impacts to the chronological development of public rental housing in Hong Kong.

2. Similar concerns were also raised from Cecilia. She was confused about the relationship between public rental housing and technologies. Besides, Cecilia proposed several key questions: (a) Why is there a need to apply such technologies? (b) What role does technology play in the creation of public space? (c) What are key issues/problems behind the existing public space?

3. Bin Jiang concerned the actual application of technology and how the process could generate actual impacts on public space, instead of being fancy and eyecatching design elements. He suggested that I should conduct a much more detailed site analysis.

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Figure 62. Layout of Panel for the Review 1

Source: Drawn by author, in February, 2021

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7.3 Record of Interim Review Feedback and Responses 6/4/2021 Interim Review 2 Reviewer: David Jung, Lu Xiaoxuan, Bin Chen 1. David was curious about the actual practice of such design approaches.

2. Lu questioned whether the technologies could create impacts or change the decision-making process.

It is necessary to clearly define the levels of public participation. Besides, she was also concerned with the issues of personal privacy that arose during the data collection process: How the data would be used and who is responsible for keeping that information.

3. Bin wondered whether the process would create the problem of digital divide, particularly in some aging neighborhoods. He asked if the newly put forward framework would include the extent of technology involvement.

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Figure 63. Layout of Panel for the Review 2

Source: Drawn by author, in April, 2021

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7.3 Record of Interim Review Feedback and Responses 11/5/2021 Mock-up Review Reviewer: Mathew Pryor, Susanne Trumpf 1. Susanne pointed out that there should be a much clearer table/matrix showing how these 3 design approaches could be applied in the design process (site understanding, prototyping and actualizing).

2. Mathew agreed that there is a need for urban practitioners to explore how to design the public space via technologies, yet how to manage public space is also another issue that the thesis should be discussed.

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Figure 64. Layout of Panel for the Mock-up Review

Source: Drawn by author, in May, 2021

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7.3 Record of Interim Review Feedback and Responses 25/5/2021 Final Review Reviewer: Natalia Echeverri; Ashley Scott Kelly; Vincci Mak; Ivan Valin; Mark Blackwell; Cecilia Chu; Ei-Kie Gam 1. The new design framework is unclear, in particular the levels of information exchange, data visualization, data contribution, data collaboration and data creation. Did the thesis refer to any existing established digital participatory framework? The presentation should clearly introduce the framework before going into the design approach.

2. This lacked a detailed explanation on stakeholder involvement which was supposed to be the most interesting part. The involvement of different stakeholders may result in different design outcomes.

3. The thesis should push further and examine its possible impacts on the decision making process.

4. The idea of conducting case studies was good, yet there was a missing link between how those successful cases could contribute to the establishment of framework.

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Figure 65. Layout of Panel for the Final Review

Source: Drawn by author, in May, 2021

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7.3 Record of Interim Review Feedback and Responses 25/5/2021 Final Review Reviewer: Natalia Echeverri; Ashley Scott Kelly; Vincci Mak; Ivan Valin; Mark Blackwell; Cecilia Chu; Ei-Kie Gam

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Figure 66. Presentation During Final Review Source: Taken by author, in 25 May, 2021

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Annotated Bibliography

01/ Castells, M. (2020). Space of Flows, Space of Places: Materials for a Theory of Urbanism in the Information Age. In The City Reader (pp. 240-251).

Routledge.

Manuel Castells proposes that the city consists of 2 domains, “space of places” and “space of flows”. Space of places refers to the geographic spaces and communities of everyday life in cities whereas the "space of flows" means the accelerating domains of trans-local and transnational technological movement and flow (Castells, 2020). The article explains the concept of technology and its relationship with our environment in a theoretical manner, forming a theoretical basis of the thesis. Through utilizing the information technologies, new socio-spatial forms and shared symbolic meaning could be established in the new metropolitan context.

02/ Li, M., Winterbottom, D., & University of Washington. Landscape Architecture. (2019).

Public Space Beta : Gamification for an Engaged Participatory Landscape Design. Ann Arbor: ProQuest LLC. The thesis explores how urban practitioners employ the concept of gamification in participatory landscape design (PLD) which offers renewed perspectives for me to understand the role of gamification in the field of landscape architecture, in particular the public engagement process. Meanwhile, the paper helps to reflect on how gamification forms a design methodology/ framework/procedure, changing a function-focused design into a human-focused design. Under the unique socio-political context of Hong Kong, gamification could be an alternative way to engage public participation.

03/ Qabshoqa, M. (2018). Virtual Place-Making The Re-discovery of Architectural Places through Augmented Play. Collaborative & Participative Design, 1, 451-458. Retrieved September 20, 2021, from http:// papers.cumincad.org/data/works/att/ecaade2018_264. pdf The article introduces the idea of Virtual Place-making through urban gamification as an alternative approach for landscape architecture in the urban context. This offers new ways of understanding and creating our urban environment. In this day and age, virtual urban space is an emerging trend, and landscape architects must understand both opportunities and challenges posed by the technologies in the transformation of contemporary urban spaces. In the article, the author uses Pokémon Go as a case study to examine the relationship HKU MLA Thesis

between augmented spaces, virtual places, and people interactions.

04/ Leorke, D. (2018). Urban Policy and Participatory Planning Location-Based Games. In Location-Based Gaming (pp. 163-194). Singapore: Springer Singapore.

The chapter provides insights on the application of location-based games in the urban planning and design process and their role in formulating urban economic and cultural policy. The 2 case studies: Participatory Chinatown (2010) and Community PlayIt (2012) offer me a practical understanding of how to link players’ actions through the game interface to the physical environment and achieve collective actions. However, from landscape architects' perspectives, these are more technologicalbased designs, rather visual/physical design intervention engaged players with the spaces of the city. The design intervention needs to combine both dimensions.

05/ Nofal, E., Reffat, M., & Vande Moere, A. (2017).

Phygital heritage: An approach for heritage communication. In Immersive Learning Research Network Conference (pp. 220-229). Verlag der Technischen Universität Graz; Graz, Austria.

The paper introduces the concept of "phygital heritage" which integrates digital technology "into" physical artifacts/ exhibits so as to provide more enriched and playful communication between visitors and heritage. The paper opens the discussion about how digital technologies could be used in real-world applications. Besides, the paper also raises concerns regarding the use of digital tools, such as user experience, privacy concerns and the proportions of time and attention spent interacting with the real and augmented worlds. These are vital aspects of designing digital experiences for public spaces that designers must address.

06/ Chandrasekera, T. (2015). Rejuvenating Dysfunctional Public Spaces Using Augmented Reality Systems (ARS). American Journal of Mobile Systems, Applications and Services, 64-76.

The paper helps to provide a basis for understanding how digital interventions (augmented reality) helps to rejuvenate public spaces. Digital space often be criticized for neglecting the place's history or everyday life as well as effacing the materiality of the environment. This paper focuses on how to make use of the existing contextual pattern and historical narrative to regenerate an already abandoned public square in the old town.

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07/ Stadler, R. L. (2016). The Decline of Virtual Reality and the Rise of Augmented Reality-A digital Reshape of Public Spaces. Journal of Urban and Landscape Planning, (1), 12-21.

The paper compares the difference between virtual reality and augmented reality and demonstrates how augmented reality could be used in connecting the two realms: the virtual and physical reality. Compared to the above literature, this paper is more technical and provides a "user manual", introducing how we could make use of augmented reality to improve the attractiveness of contemporary public spaces by strengthening its essential features, achieving digital reconstruction. The paper uses 3 criteria in evaluating the effectiveness of AR in public space, namely usefulness (access to information), quality (playfulness) and customization (adaptability). These criteria are beneficial in framing the design methodology in the thesis.

08/ Thibault, M. (2019). Re-interpreting Cities with Play Urban Semiotics and Gamification. In Interactivity, Game Creation, Design, Learning, and Innovation (Lecture Notes of the Institute for Computer Sciences, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering, pp. 276-285).

Cham: Springer International Publishing.

The paper is particularly important for me in establishing and contextualizing my narrative/discourse. The author examines how to use play/games to impact the formation of urban spaces and what effects this might have on the citizens and their practices. Sociologically speaking, gamifying city spaces is an expression of bottom-up actions fueled by the desire to (re)appropriating public spaces or to deliver messages. The paper provides a comprehensive analytical framework for us to understand gaming and its interrelationship with people's perception of space. Besides games like Pokemon Go, flash mobs and parkour are also used as a case study which offers a unique perspective in defining "game" in the city.

Gamification could be either digital or physical.

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7.5 Responses Collected from Facebook Groups Childhood in Kwun Tong

Childhood in Kwun Tong

Photo provided by Sofia Sze Background showing Wo Lok Estate

Photo provided by Kim Hung Law Background showing Wo Lok Estate in 1970s

Childhood in Kwun Tong

Childhood in Kwun Tong

Photo provided by Waterpot Lee Background showing nearby Yuet Wah Street Playground

Photo provided by Kim Hung Law Background showing Wo Lok Estate in 1970s

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Wo Lok Estate in 1960s Photo provided by Andy Kong

Wo Lok Estate in 1980s Photo provided by KwanKin Cheung

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7.5 Responses Collected from Facebook Groups Question Posted in Facebook Group 21 April 2022 Screenshot of Post

Comments used in the thesis Alex Ang

以前叫佢大地球。仲有長嘅鐵馬仔騎 We used to call the climbing ramp as "The Big Earth" and there was a chute of a long metal slide.

Wing Lo

我叫地球 , 留下不少開心回憶 I had many joyous and happy memories there BM Bear

邨內近茶餐廳的後門附近 , 還有用石造的滑梯 , 它不會像那些鐵皮做的滑梯般於夏天時太熱而 消到屁股 !

There was a stone slide near the back door of Cha Chaan Teng. Compared to those metal slides, it would not be too hot and burn your butt!

Joe Tsang

大地球前面的變電站，現時亦在，小時候 70 年 代，晚上有在這播放投射影畫的，很多人圍 觀，那年代沒有甚麼娛樂的 !

The electronic substation still stands there. When I was a kid in the 1970s, people were projecting movies on the facade and lots of people watched together as there was not much entertainment back then. 薛莎莉

和樂邨的旭光書局記憶猶新，當年是大書局 I still remember there was a big bookstore.

Fat Wai Shui Chai

以前和樂邨是沒有電梯，只有樓梯上落。加上 以前飛鵝山沒有被樓宇遮擋，好大風，我小的 時候可以在放風筝！ In the past, there was no lift in Wo Lok Estate, only stairs went up and down. And Fei Ngo Shan was not blocked by any buildings at that time and therefore it was very windy.

When I was a kid, I always flew kites here.

Colin Km Lee

和樂邨入面有一座社區中心，有康樂活動，乒 乓波，康樂棋，圖書館等等提供。 There was a community centre located inside the Wo Lok Estate which provided different recreational activities, such as table tennis, happy chess, library, and so on.

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JUNE 2022