Western District: Vertical Transportation: Connecting the Community

Authors. FUNG Ho Hin Christopher, HUNG Lok Yin, KAM Wai Fung, TANG Wai Yin

The Western District has been one of the oldest settlements in Hong Kong, it is characterized by its steep slopes, which are extremely inconvenient to the elderly; and at the same time, it ironically has a huge population of aged people. These slopes complicated the communication within the district and with its relationship to the rest of Hong Kong. Although this region is literally built on a mountain, it clearly lacks vertical transportation up and down the existing hills. Therefore we decided to look into this particular issue.

The MTR recently commenced their construction of the West Island Line a few years ago. Tunnels will be constructed connecting the upper and lower parts of the district and the MTR system. Meanwhile, the government is constructing an escalator along Central Street up to Bonham Rd. We believe that these new constructions of vertical transportation will be a practical and sustainable development for the district.

This project evaluates the pros and cons of the tunnel system development; and proposes several ways to alter the underground environment, making it more attractive and both culturally and environmentally sustainable.