Industrial Building - Exploring Its Potential in Adaptive Reuse in Hong Kong

Many world cities experienced a boom in the manufacturing sector after WWII. Industrial developments mushroomed and provided economic prosperity and job opportunities. Increasing competitions among world cities and the trend of globalization, however, caused many industrial buildings to be obsolete and hence, dilapidated. As a result, current building stocks become the testimony of heydays of industrial prosperity of many cities in the developed and developing countries. A new challenge in the 21st century is to revitalize the dilapidated or even vacant building stock and continue to contribute its functions and roles in the cities. The objectives of this paper are: to study the emergence and unique building forms of industrial premises in Hong Kong, to analyze its difficulties and potential of converting industrial building to residential uses, and to suggest alternative proposals for dealing with strategy for adaptive-reuse. The paper adopted a case study approach with the study of the historical and social context of industrial development, changing market and social conditions, and regulatory framework which affect the existing hindrances for adaptive re-use. In addition to literature review, site and field observations and selected group interviews will be used to gather views for analysis. Recommendations and alternative proposals are the outcomes. © 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.