Public space in the old derelict city area - A case study of Mong Kok, Hong Kong

The authors use Mong Kok, an old district as well as a shopping hub of Hong Kong, to explore the issue of public space in old derelict city areas of Asia. The research finds that the supply of public space in Mong Kok, just quantitatively, is far below the standard of other Asian cities like Singapore, Taipei, Guangzhou and Hong Kong itself. Moreover, many of the public spaces are in poor condition. Despite all this, more than 50% of interviewees find the quality of public space satisfactory in Mong Kok. Most people do not realize the importance of public space. The reasons for public space shortage in Mong Kok are analyzed and strategies for improving the situation are suggested. The analysis, method and suggestions in this article may have universal significance, providing experience and reference for other parts of Hong Kong or other world cities.