ARCH5110/6210F
Advanced Architectural Design Studio I & II: FRAGMENTS – Converting Fragments
Target Students MArch1, MArch2
Course Term 1 & 2
Course Type Studio
Venue Studio
Teacher HAN, Man
We will focus on Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA) for our exploration, as architectural conversion—repurposing and renovating existing buildings for new uses—has become a key urban strategy in the area, as these cities grapple with unique and urgent challenges.
In Hong Kong, the physical limits imposed by mountains and the harbor have resulted in some of the world’s highest population densities and property prices. This scarcity of developable land makes it essential to maximize the potential of existing structures, both for economic efficiency and to maintain a livable urban environment. A large portion of the building stock in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA) is aging, with many industrial and residential structures now decades old. Public housing renovation is a particularly urgent issue. Most of Hong Kong’s public housing estates were constructed between the 1950s and 1980s and are now in need of substantial upgrades. While complete demolition and rebuilding are options, they are often expensive, disruptive, and environmentally unsustainable. In contrast, comprehensive renovation programs can extend the lifespan of these estates, enhance safety and energy efficiency, and improve residents' quality of life. There is a persistent mismatch between vacant or obsolete buildings and pressing social needs. Many office towers and factories remain empty, even as Hong Kong and GBA cities struggle with shortages of affordable housing, community facilities, and spaces for start-ups. Adaptive reuse, particularly when combined with public housing renovation, can revitalize struggling neighborhoods, promote social integration, and stimulate local economies. Finally, environmental sustainability is increasingly central to regional policy. In Hong Kong, demolition and new construction generate over 20,000 tons of construction waste daily, putting immense pressure on limited landfill space and increasing carbon emissions. Renovation and adaptive reuse are far more resource-efficient, supporting government objectives under the “Climate Action Plan 2050” and broader GBA green development goals.
The exploration is divided into two phases, each lasting one semester. The first phase will focus on research, which will be carried out collectively by all the students in the studio. The second phase will center on design exploration, which can be individual work or group work. The research will begin with interrogating the German word “Umbau” and differentiating the multiple terms associated with it, such as remodeling, renovation, refurbishment, etc. The study will conclude with a catalog of strategies and design approaches that address the challenges of contemporary architectural conversion. Drawing on the research outcomes achieved in the first semester, students will select an existing fabric to design a project in the second semester.
