
KPF
Hong Kong, 2020
Hong Kong, 2020
Knowledge Transfer Project Fund
The project aims to reactivate the abandoned traditional villages in Hong Kong by working closely with an existing site, with the aim to keep the village’s cultural heritage alive. Historically, villages have played an important role in development of Hong Kong, where people made a living via activities such as farming, fishing and salt making. For some time, since Hong Kong became an important free port and eventually a major international financial centre, the focus has shifted towards the development of urban areas, in the process marginalizing the role of traditional villages.
Most villages in Hong Kong face similar issues. They are left vacant, undeveloped and disconnected from the rest of the city. The connection between the villages and the city, physically and culturally, has evaporated and in most cases no longer exists. This cultural phenomemon results in the new generations only being aware of this rich heritage via books, online stories and oral narratives. Hong Kong faces a future where it is very likely that most of the remaining villages will be torn down for commercial development or housing provision as urban areas become saturated. By this time village traditions, both tangible and intangible, might altogether disappeare. For these reasons, before this regrettable reality is implemented, this project seeks to inject life back into these villages. Through creative workshops and participatory activities with people from the village, the young generations and students from the city, we plan to share knowledge about how villages can transform and become cultural destinations.
The team has agreed to collaborate with the Government (Countryside Conservation Office of Environmental Protection Department). Among their list of 12 prioritised villages, Sha Lo Tung is taken as the testing village of this project.
The project aims to reactivate the abandoned traditional villages in Hong Kong by working closely with an existing site, with the aim to keep the village’s cultural heritage alive. Historically, villages have played an important role in development of Hong Kong, where people made a living via activities such as farming, fishing and salt making. For some time, since Hong Kong became an important free port and eventually a major international financial centre, the focus has shifted towards the development of urban areas, in the process marginalizing the role of traditional villages.
Most villages in Hong Kong face similar issues. They are left vacant, undeveloped and disconnected from the rest of the city. The connection between the villages and the city, physically and culturally, has evaporated and in most cases no longer exists. This cultural phenomemon results in the new generations only being aware of this rich heritage via books, online stories and oral narratives. Hong Kong faces a future where it is very likely that most of the remaining villages will be torn down for commercial development or housing provision as urban areas become saturated. By this time village traditions, both tangible and intangible, might altogether disappeare. For these reasons, before this regrettable reality is implemented, this project seeks to inject life back into these villages. Through creative workshops and participatory activities with people from the village, the young generations and students from the city, we plan to share knowledge about how villages can transform and become cultural destinations.
The team has agreed to collaborate with the Government (Countryside Conservation Office of Environmental Protection Department). Among their list of 12 prioritised villages, Sha Lo Tung is taken as the testing village of this project.
Research Team
Prof. Peter W. Ferretto
LAM Man Yan Milly
WONG Yuk Tsin Beryl
Collaboration
Countryside Convervation Office(EPD)
Mr. LI Pui-k Kevin
Mr. TANG Yuk Hang Marco

