IB Diploma Extended Essay

“To what extent does the limited space available in Hong Kong affect the designs of

homes?”

Topic: Design Technology

Word count: 3596

Number of pages: 21

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Table of contents

IB Diploma Extended Essay..................................................................................... 1

Introduction:............................................................................................................3
What is Housing:.................................................................................................... 4
Private Housing:..................................................................................................... 5
Micro Flats:.............................................................................................................5
Nano Flats:............................................................................................................. 6
Coffin homes:......................................................................................................... 6
Public housing:....................................................................................................... 7
Public housing design:........................................................................................... 7
Vertical architecture:...............................................................................................9
The role of technology:.........................................................................................10
Fittings:................................................................................................................. 11
Open floor plan:....................................................................................................12
Compact Kitchens and Bathrooms:......................................................................12
Privacy and Noise Control:...................................................................................13
Cultural Influences:...............................................................................................14
Hidden Storage:................................................................................................... 15
Impact On User:................................................................................................... 16
Impact on Environment:....................................................................................... 17
Laws and legislations:.......................................................................................... 17
Conclusion:...........................................................................................................17
Bibliography:.........................................................................................................19

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Introduction:

Hong Kong is known for its high population density and limited space. This

has encouraged local designers to create innovative solutions to maximise the

limited space of the households.

This essay aims to explore the extent to which the shortage of space in Hong

Kong impacts the design of homes by examining the use of compact and innovative

designs which create efficient housing. This paper will then analyse the impacts of

these designs on quality of life by analysing government data, cultural factors,

innovative design, floor plans, and technology.

By exploring the housing designs shaped by the challenges posed by limited

space, this project seeks to reveal how Hong Kong can strike a balance between

affordability, functionality, and quality of life. Hong Kong has always had a housing

shortage and demand continues to be strong. Evident from the 5. 3 years for general

applicants as of August 2023 (Hong Kong Free Press). Consequently, this land

scarcity has propelled the creation of compact and efficient architecture in both

public and private housing.

Why is there a shortage of space?:

Space shortage in Hong Kong is primarily due to the high population density

with more than 6,749.20 people per square kilometre (2023) a 0.04% increase from

2022 (Macro Trends). Furthermore Hong Kong lacks land which can be developed

due to government restrictions and policies protecting certain areas. In addition to

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limited land, Hong Kong's topography infrastructure and transportation possess

additional challenges to our shortage of space.

What is Housing:

Housing is or refers to shelter or living spaces made for people to live in.

Housing is a basic human need which provides safety and security to people. The

types of housing you grow up in shape you and your communities. Housing should

be accessible to all, even those living below the poverty line. The type of housing

you live in also impacts your social, cultural, and economic opportunities. This

influences your access to education, employment, access to healthcare and social

networks.

Government Data:

According to government data, a critical shortage of housing caused

home prices to soar 187% from 2010 through 2019 (Bloomberg). This is the root

cause of why limited space available affects the design of homes in Hong Kong. The

lack of space and need for homes eventually led the government to create smaller,

more compact and efficient designs to attempt to provide those in need with public

housing. The smallest living space built on government land must not be smaller

than 280 sq ft (Secretary for Development Michael Wong). In 2017, over 200

apartments measuring less than 215 square feet were built in the city, catering to the

growing demand for smaller living spaces (CNN).

The government estimates that at least 200,000 of the city's poorest residents

live in subdivided apartments, some of which are as small as 15 square feet

(Thematic Household Survey Report).

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The development of innovative housing solutions such as nano flats and micro flats

were designed to provide affordable living options for those unable to afford larger

homes. Due to the limited space available in Hong Kong, housing prices can rises

greatly, causing residents to be discouraged in buying 'regular' sized homesThese

small apartments are classified as saleable areas of up to 200 square feet and have

gained popularity among investors and those seeking affordable housing options

(Pipe Dreams).

The government has recently implemented a minimum flat size of 280 square

feet for residential sites sold through government tender. Despite the efforts of

architecture in Hong Kong, limited space continues to pose a challenge for architects

attempting to find an economically viable solution to aid this issue.

Private Housing:

Private housing has been affected by the limited amount of space in Hong

Kong in many ways. Hong Kong residents' demand for housing greatly outweighs the

supply. This imbalance causes the pricing for Hong Kong's private housing to rise

exponentially even being placed at the top of the least affordable housing market in

2022. Average house prices were 23.2 times of the average annual income,

according to the (Demographia International Housing Affordability report released in

March 2022).

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Micro Flats:

Micro flats have been increasingly popular in Hong Kong over the past few

years. They usually measure under 200 square feet (the inside-

the-smallest-living-spaces-around-the-world-2019) and offer a small but comfortable

living space. Most micro flats have a combined living room, bedroom, and kitchen

area, along with a small bathroom.The development of micro flats can be traced

back to the high cost of property in Hong Kong. This made it increasingly difficult for

younger adults and the low-income class to buy sustainable homes. Micro flats

became a more affordable option for those who cannot afford larger homes. Another

factor leading to micro flats being such a wide chosen option is the limited amount of

land.The limited amount of land caused housing development to become expensive,

forcing developers to lean towards creating many high-quality micro flats opposed to

few larger homes. Finally, changing demographics and lifestyles caused micro flats

to become quite popular in Hong Kong. This all led to a growing interest in smaller

efficient housing from Hong Kong residents.

Nano Flats:

Nano flats can be classified as 200 square feet apartments. They are often

located in densely populated areas where the price of land is expensive. According

to (Santos, 2022) the average size of a nano flat in Hong Kong measures 219

square feet. Nano Flats were created very similarly to micro flats as their only major

difference is the size of a nano flat being under or up to 200 square feet. The need

for Nano flats and Micro flats are almost identical, both designs attempting to aid

Hong Kong's housing crisis.

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Coffin homes:

Coffin homes are a particularly extreme example of the impact of limited

space on home design in Hong Kong.These are tiny, subdivided apartments that

measure less than 50 square feet, and are typically rented out to low-income

residents who cannot afford traditional housing. The name 'Coffin home' comes from

the cramped and claustrophobic living conditions which are said to resemble a

coffin.Despite being illegal there are still 200,000 people living in coffin homes (Claire

Reid UNILAD quoting government data) in Hong Kong. Hong Kong's extreme

housing pricing and housing issue caused the proliferation of coffin homes as a last

resort.To attempt to reduce the amount of people illegally living in coffin homes, the

Hong Kong government has implemented measures to try to catch landlords

violating regulations. These methods consist of increased inspections, and fines to

landlords who violate regulations. Due to the housing crisis in Hong Kong, a large

number of people living under the poverty line were forced to live in these coffin

homes. These unsanitary, cramped, inhuman spaces should never be a place where

people are forced to live.

Public housing:

Public housing has also been affected by the limited amount of space in Hong

Kong. This has led to a large development price increase, reducing the amount of

public housing available to be funded by the government. There has been a large

shortage of public housing since the 1950s (November 16, 2017 Aris Teon) which

has been worsened by the rising prices of housing and inflation. The limited space

available has led Hong Kong to develop a high-rise building design which

accommodates many more homes in a smaller area. These buildings are built near

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each other along with access to a nearby supermarket to accommodate the

residence. Hong Kong's shortage of space has led to the development of subdivided

flats. These subdivided flats are small units divided into multiple living spaces. These

flats are often overcrowded and lack basic living necessities, such as kitchens and

bathrooms.

Public housing design:

Old public housing design could be described as cramped, overcrowded,

unsanitary, and inefficient. The minimal space allocation led along with time

pressures, to medium rise buildings with minimal living necessities and low access to

natural light and ventilation. The homes commonly have low lighting and limited

consideration for sustainability and environmental impact. New housing designs take

into consideration efficiency and environmental impact as shown in the new design

and accommodations made for the residence. New Public housing offers, new

homes, larger living quarters, additional utility and amenities, increased natural light

and ventilation. These high rise buildings allow for urticantes to create more space

for residence. Most of these homes are built by bus terminals, supermarkets,

"remarkets", to aid in the everyday lives of residents. New public housing design now

has more consideration for environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. One

example of this is the use of solar panels or "Green Rooms and stations for water

harvesting" (\/, 2023). Almost half of Hong Kong's population live in public housing

(According to the 2006 census). This is due to Hong Kong's affordable and desirable

designs. Challenges posed by Hong Kong's limited amount of space are committed

by public housing, through the use of more innovative and efficient compact designs.

New public housing designs aim to prioritise space utilisation. Hong Kong's

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government's response to the housing crisis by implementing public housing

initiatives. These initiatives aim to provide affordable and functional homes for

people. Almost half of Hong Kong's population live in public housing (According to

the 2006 census). This is due to Hong Kong's affordable and desirable designs.

Public housing design plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by

limited space in Hong Kong. In response to the high population density and housing

demand, the government has implemented public housing initiatives that aim to

provide affordable and functional homes for residents. Public housing designs in

Hong Kong prioritise efficient space utilisation. Public housing apartments are

typically compact and smart. These public housing apartments are designed to

utilise appliances such as built in storage solutions, customizable adaptable floor

plans and designs where space is maximised. These features are crucial to the

success of efficient public housing to create the most cost efficient and practical

apartment. Public housing also allows residents to have access to essential

amenities and a comfortably living environment. Furthermore Public housing allows

for the use of communal facilities and shared spaces. This contributes to maximising

space utility. Recognizing that private spaces within individual units may be limited,

common areas such as playgrounds, gardens, and communal facilities are

thoughtfully incorporated into the design to provide residents with additional

recreational and social spaces. This approach addresses the need for community

engagement and fosters social interaction within the constrained living environment.

Public housing also considers the diverse needs of residents. Designs incorporate

accessibility features to cater to individuals with disabilities or elderly residents. New

public housing designs show effort used to include identity and cultural significance

through the design. Local and culturally appropriate features can be shown through

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architectural elements that are used to create a new efficient community. These

efforts are combined to try to reduce and aid the Hong Kong housing crisis.

Vertical architecture:

The creation of vertical architecture was a response due to the lack of space

Hong Kong has for housing. Vertical architecture refers to tall buildings such as

skyscrapers. This allows for the creation of multiple floors within a single building,

greatly increasing the amount of apartments in a patch of land. This allows for

maximum usage of each inch of space available to develop housing. Due to space

constraints in Hong Kong, residents have acquired a desire for efficiency and

compactness. Following this desire, architects carefully designed storage solutions

and floor plans to maximise the use of space available. Things such as vertical

storage and multifunction rooms can reduce the amount of space needed for each

appliance. Furthermore, vertical architecture in Hong Kong affects communities. Just

as in Public Housing, many residential complexes often also share communal

spaces. For vertical architecture, areas such as Garden rooftops, common rooms

and dining rooms all compensate for the limited private space within each individual

unit.

The role of technology:

The integration of smart technology can also be examined. Smart technology

provides some solution to maximise space in apartment complexes or housing.

Technological advancement can be vital in reducing waste of space. Things such as

smart home systems, lighting, temperature, security and entertainment can be all

automated. This allows residents to effortlessly control appliances in their homes.

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Through the use of smart technology things such as physical switches, controls, and

bulky equipment can be replaced by a smart control system. This means that space

could be freed up whilst allowing residents to control home appliances easier.

Technology can also refer to the development of advanced materials. Stronger

building materials such as Lightweight and high-strength composites are examples

of such materials that enable the construction of more compact and space-efficient

structures. These materials offer greater design flexibility and can be utilised to

create slim profiles, maximising the usable space within homes. Technology

contributes to the creation of adaptable living environments. Architects use concepts

such as module design and flexible spaces to innovate and improve on modern day

technology. This allows residents to fulfil their personal needs by providing them with

the ability to customise, configure and design their home to their needs. This can be

accomplished through the use of things such as moveable walls, transformable

spaces, and collapsible appliances.

Fittings:

Fittings refer to fixtures, apparatus, and furniture that are used in buildings.

They are free standing furniture and appliances that are not attached to the building.

In Hong Kong, multifunctional furniture, built in storage, sliding doors, compact

appliances, and foldable furniture are all quite popular. This is due to the efficient

compactness these types of fittings provide. This all aids in hiding the clutter and

creating more space in a small home. These storage spaces are designed to offer

hidden storage spaces along with natural furniture of your choice. The use and

choice of these types of fittings are carefully considered in the designs of public and

private homes. This is to ensure maximum space and cost efficiency.

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Open floor plan:

In Hong Kong, open floor plans are a popular design. Open floor plans refer to

the absence of walls between different rooms in a home. This is to create a more

open living space which allows for a large multipurpose room. This design idea is

popular as this allows residents in Hong Kong to make use of small living spaces.

Open floor plans allow more access to natural light, whilst creating a more senseless

flow of efficiency and accessibility. Open floor plans provide more flexibility and often

looks are attractive to the public. Material walls can also be saved making the

construction process simpler and more efficient. In Hong Kong many choose to use

an open floor plan to reduce cost and maximise living space.

Compact Kitchens and Bathrooms:

Compact kitchens and bathrooms are crucial to maximising space in Hong

Kong homes. Our small living spaces require small compact and efficient, functional

kitchens and bathrooms so that we can maximises space used. Some designs to

optimise space are, smart storage solutions such as, vertical storage, compact

fixtures, wall mounted storage, and integrating multifunctional appliances. By

maximising vertical space and using smart fixtures, residents can enjoy a complete

kitchen whilst reducing space required for them in homes. Compact bathrooms use

efficient designs to maximise space usage. architects focus on space saving fixtures

such as corner sinks, wall mounted storage, "toilet in shower design" and

multifunctioning appliances. By using these designs, bathrooms can function

correctly whilst preserving space.

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Privacy and Noise Control:

Privacy and control are vital considerations in home designs. Due to the lack

of space and compact apartment complexes, noise and privacy control are more vital

then other rural areas. The concentrated living areas makes it more essential to

install measures to promote privacy and noise control, whilst maximising usage of

space. Privacy concerns are addressed through architectural designs. Features such

as strategically positioned windows, curtains, partitions, and sliding doors to

establish separate living areas and private spaces within compact homes. These

designs allow for personal boundaries and privacy in concentrated compact living

quarters. In addition to privacy, noise control is essential in a high residence compact

apartment complex. Architects use soundproofing materials, double-glazed windows,

and insulation techniques to mitigate external noise and create a serene living

environment. Furthermore, interior design elements such as carpets, curtains, and

wall panels are utilised to absorb and reduce noise within the home. These designs

aid residents maintain privacy and noise control whilst maximising usage of space.

Cultural Influences:

Designs of buildings in Hong Kong are largely affected by cultural influences.

Cultural appropriation and design affect design choices, reflecting the values,

traditions, and lifestyle preferences of its residents. One important aspect for

architects to keep in mind is where to distinguish cultural influence and functionality.

Hong Kong's limited space requires homes to be highly functional and adaptable to

residents' needs. In Hong Kong many families often live with their extended families

or nearby. This affects the designs of homes through the need for necessities and

appliances. Cultural influences also affect aesthetic preferences in home designs.

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Traditional Chinese design principles, such as Feng Shui, exert a significant

influence on the spatial arrangement and organisation of rooms. The orientation of

spaces, the placement of furniture, and the incorporation of natural elements are

carefully considered to promote harmony and positive energy flow within the home.

Cultural influences can also affect communal living spaces. One example of this is

praying areas for different cultures. Many homes in Hong Kong burn incense sticks

in pots at a dedicated station to remember the dead, pay respects and to wish good

fortune on others.

Hidden Storage:

Hidden storage is a design concept or idea that helps architectures to

maximise functionality and space. There can be hidden storage found in places such

as beneath staircases, within walls, underneath furniture, below beds, and many

more. These hidden storage spaces allow residents to have extra space used to

store belonging or valuables. These hidden storage solutions can also preserve the

visual aesthetics of a home. In small living spaces it is important to maintain open

areas and by conceaning storage out of sight residence and accomplish that. This

can foster a sense of tidiness and spaciousness in a small living quarter. Often

rooms may also serve multiple uses such as enabling a living room to become a

guest bedroom, or a dining area to function as a workspace. Using hidden storage

solutions or multipurpose fixtures, the same area can serve multiple functions truly

maximising space for residence.

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Impact On Residence:

The impact on residence living in Hong Kong can vary. Limited space

available can affect the quality of life and wellbeing of each individual residence.

Some effects of living in small spaces are claustrophobia, stress, and anxiety. This is

why many residents in Hong Kong choose to use an open floor plan to bring more

space and light into their homes. Stress and Anxiety can also be dealt with furniture

and companions such as pets. This can be shown by a survey report in 2019 where

9.4 percent of homes had either cats or dogs (Hillebrecht, 2022). The limited space

available in Hong Kong can also have an economic impact on residents. Small living

spaces in Hong Kong can still be expensive to purchase. This can lead to stress and

anxiety of saving up for a home, fixtures, and compact smart technology and

appliances.

Impact on Environment:

The limited space available in Hong Kong also has an impact on the

environment. Due to residents' desire to maximise the usage of limited space, they

may buy fixtures, smart technology and appliances that are not environmentally

friendly. This can lead to firms and companies ability to sell environmentally friendly

products whilst disregarding the negative impacts. Due to the desire for these

products, Hong Kong's limited space may negatively impact the environment. The

limited space in Hong Kong also affects plant life and the need for public housing

reduces the amount of green life in an area.

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Laws and legislations:

In Hong Kong there are some general laws and legislations that may affect the

designs of homes. Some examples of these laws are environmental laws, building

code and regulations, land and use regulations, zoning laws and regulations, and

Consumer protection laws and regulations. These regulations affect the use of

sustainable materials and energy efficient technology. By preventing forms of

contraction these laws may impact Hong Kong's housing cost and increase the price

and time required to develop housing.

Conclusion:

In conclusion the designs of homes were significantly impacted by limited

space. This has led to the creation of innovative design solutions such as compact

living solutions such as micro flats, nano flats, and coffin homes. These smaller

apartments and designs are caused by the high population density and limited land

availability in the city. Unfortunately due to the lack of supply of housing, this led to

housing prices to surge. Due to residents in Hong Kong being able to afford housing

less, the government has attempted to intervene by implementing measures. Some

examples are such as building more public housing and regulating the development

of small-scale housing options. However, the limited space in Hong Kong continues

to pose a large challenge for architects and developers. In turn residents and

architects find creative solutions to maximise living space while providing

comfortable and functional living environments. This resulted in Hong Kong

becoming a city of innovative housing solutions, where compact and efficient designs

are the norm, and residents continue to adapt to living in small spaces to cope with

the housing crisis.

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