Events as community function of shopping centers: A case study of Hong Kong

Events are commonly used for raising people's interests in using urban space for social interaction. Although previous studies have paid much attention to mega events and civic events, events held by profit-making organizations such as shopping centers have not been examined yet. More importantly, at places with shortage in public spaces, the events being held in shopping centers may have the ability in helping community development. This study aims at categorizing and comparing the characteristics of different events in shopping centers of Hong Kong. Events data is collected from Facebook and manipulated under three criteria: duration, accessibility and community. The results show that events of shopping centers can realize community functions such as increased social interaction and strengthen social bonds to a certain degree. Also, they can benefit the community through different levels of community participation. Based on the findings, an extended POSPD scheme is considered to increase the public space in Hong Kong since shopping center is capable of accommodating civic events. Furthermore, the extended POSPD requires a cooperation of government, local community and shopping center developer, which will stimulate community development in the long run.