Experience and enlightenment of strategic development of urban underground space pilot area in Hong Kong
As the urban development focus shifts from incremental expansion to stock optimization,the development of underground spaces is increasingly recognized as one of the methods to enhance the quality of urban spatial environments and improve urban spatial efficiency.In the context of contemporary urban development,considering the feasibility of underground space development at the initial planning stages contributes to the overall benefits of urban development.Numerous scholars have directed their attention towards using underground space development in old city areas to alleviate urban problems arising from high building density and limited spatial capacity.These studies provide ample evidence for the necessity and feasibility of incorporating urban underground space into urban planning criteria as a means to address urban challenges.High-density cities,exemplified by Hong Kong,face a range of issues,including outdated road networks,poor transportation conditions,environmental degradation,deteriorating facilities,and low quality of life.Therefore,the utilization of urban underground space emerges as the optimal choice for achieving urban revitalization,intelligence,resilience,and sustainable development.Hong Kong,one of the most densely populated regions in the world,has accumulated a wealth of experience in addressing land scarcity and severe surface congestion through urban underground space development.To date,extensive research has been conducted on various aspects of Hong Kong's underground space development,including its historical development,planning framework,regulatory construction,and cave utilization.In recent years,Hong Kong has undertaken the"Urban Underground Space Development:Strategic Regional Pilot Study"to enhance the comprehensive benefits of underground space development.This project aims to analyze the feasibility and concept design of underground space development in four high-density areas:Tsim Sha Tsui West,Causeway Bay and Happy Valley,and Admiralty/Wan Chai.It explores the limitations and opportunities of developing underground space in high-density areas,engages the public to identify the ultimate underground space development pilot area,conducts preliminary planning and feasibility analysis for the chosen pilot area,and advances the project's implementation.While urban underground spaces have made significant contributions to urban development for several decades,the relationship between the utilization of urban underground spaces and new town development,particularly how such utilization can promote transportation,land use,economic,environmental,and social development in new towns,is a topic that warrants exploration.The project's three main objectives are as follows:First and foremost,the success of urban underground space development in Hong Kong offers several valuable insights.The establishment of a systematic underground space planning and implementation mechanism,along with a well-developed underground space ownership system,serves as the foundational framework for promoting efficient and effective underground space utilization.The synergistic development of underground spaces with the expansion of rail transit systems plays a proactive role in guiding urban sustainable development and fostering a convenient and efficient urban lifestyle.Leveraging advanced engineering development technologies and the creation of underground municipal infrastructure networks are pivotal in enhancing urban resilience and fostering environmental sustainability.Furthermore,the experience of urban underground space development in Hong Kong demonstrates a commitment to diverse and user-centric design principles,encompassing underground shopping complexes,transportation hubs,parking facilities,and pedestrian tunnels.By developing a variety of underground facilities,Hong Kong effectively expands the functional space within the city while enhancing its overall sustainability.The emphasis is on integrating underground space development with the needs of the population,striving to provide safe,convenient,and comfortable subterranean environments.Scientifically identifying development requirements is another hallmark of Hong Kong's approach.Prior to initiating underground space development,the city conducts comprehensive research to identify the development needs and potential of different regions,taking into account factors such as geological conditions,urban planning,transportation demands,and population density.These experiences provide valuable reference points for other cities embarking on underground space development initiatives.Lastly,the strategic development of underground spaces in Hong Kong primarily focuses on densely built urban areas with complex environments.The development cycle,from planning and design to construction,spans approximately ten years.This comprehensive approach considers not only the compatibility of development functions and scale but also vertical connectivity between aboveground and underground spaces and the creation of vibrant underground environments.This ensures the appropriateness of underground space functionality and the comfort of the spatial environment.Challenges in the short term include potential disruption to existing surface ecological environments and impacts on residents'daily lives.The timing of development projects is critical.Therefore,strategic underground space development in designated areas necessitates extensive consultation with local residents,active public engagement,and open communication with stakeholders.During the planning and design phases,the government organizes public consultations to gather input and feedback.This approach guarantees that underground space development aligns with the public interest,garners public support and involvement,and establishes a lasting mechanism for underground space development,public participation,and progressive urban renewal.
urban underground space pilot areastrategic developmentHong Kongfine developmentpeople oriented
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