Module B: What is the city-nature relationship?
Module B
This module explored public spaces along with the function and value of regional plants species. Students delved into the relationships between nature and the built environment. The module ended up with the development of a public space intervention led by a local practitioner.
Talk 1
The Symbolism of Plants
Students reflected on the role of nature in the city. From aesthetic perceptions to historical significance, they examined the relationships between plants and public spaces.
Dr. Yin-Lun Chan shares his research on the symbolism of plants in Hong Kong.
Exploration 3
Tropical Asias
‘Tropical Asias’ took students to map and learn the concepts of endemic and exotic vegetation in South East Asia. In active discussion with peers, they identified plant species.
Exploration 4
Shaping
Public Space
with Kate Lau
This exercise aims to provide students with hands-on experience in shaping an open space by small interventions at the Main Building Plaza (HKU Campus). Basing on selected scenarios, each team is provided with portable materials and loose furniture to create prototypes of open space.
Based on guided site analysis on key topics related to urban and nature, namely site access, site programming, microclimate and natural resources, students learnt to derive site strengths and weaknesses which informed an open space design.
