Honor Award in Urban Design – Kuk Po Vision by Centre for Chinese Architecture and Urbanism (HKU) studio

Project Overview

Situated in the rural landscapes of Sha Tau Kok, Hong Kong, Kuk Po preserves extensive wetlands and traditionalHakka settlements, juxtaposed against Shenzhen’s urban skyline. Supported by the CCO and HKADC, the project, witha total budget of approximately HK$8.3 million, integrates design research, conservation, and revitalization toimplement an acupuncture planning strategy. Through site participation and micro-renewal, the initiative restoreshistorical memory, preserves heritage, and enhances environmental quality while fostering community resilience.

The plan focuses on five key interventions: Kuk Po Common, adaptively reusing a school building to create communityspaces; Kai Choi Plaza, a vibrant public space rooted in collective memories; Art Kuk Po, fostering cultural participationthrough creative interventions and activities; Eco-Toilet, a green infrastructure solution that uses temporary design toovercome rural construction challenges, strategically placed at the village entrance to serve residents and visitorsefficiently; and Ruin Garden, conserving heritage with innovative methods to reinterpret the village’s history.

The “Kuk Po Vision” urban planning strategy addresses wetland valleys and Hakka architecture’s typology andstructure, interweaving architecture, landscape, and community. Over four years, the team revitalized built structures,enhanced the environment, and engaged the community through collaborative efforts, including exhibitions, publicspace revitalization, cultural programs, and educational initiatives.

This project explores sustainable urban-rural relationships, promotes traditional architecture and ecologicalconservation, and reestablishes a sense of place through participatory design. By combining heritage preservation,community involvement, and environmental improvement, it leaves a lasting impact on Kuk Po’s people, culture, andnatural environment.

Project History

Over the past half-century, like other rural villages in Hong Kong, Kuk Po experienced significant population outflowdue to the British migration wave starting in the 1960s and local urbanization. The village’s Kai Choi School, built in1932, was closed in 1993, and other residences were gradually abandoned, leaving the village increasinglydeserted.Today, only 1-3 residents remain in Kuk Po. Through government funding and community support, theproject, based on the Acupuncture Strategy, revitalized four key points, providing activity spaces for villagers. It aims toencourage more villagers to return, inspire rural conservation, and breathe new life into the village.

Project Team

Architect : WANG Weijen

Company : Centre for Chinese Architecture and Urbanism of HKU Architecture

Associate Architect: –

Owner: Kuk Po Villagers,Countryside Conservation Office