Spatial Analysis of the Development Potential of a Commercial District: A Case of Hong Kong
Publication: Journal of Urban Planning and Development
Volume 148, Issue 1
Abstract
With large-scale urbanization globally, the world is facing environmental problems brought about by high-density cities. To achieve sustainable development in Hong Kong, especially for the heavily loaded Cross Harbour Tunnel district, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University proposes a Green Deck over the Cross Harbour Tunnel to enhance the neighboring environments. Green belts, buildings, and a new exhibition center are planned for this deck. This will require an increase in the guest capacity of nearby hotels in the Tsim Sha Tsui East (TSTE) area. This study, therefore, investigated the development potential of the 23 existing buildings in TSTE and the environmental impact brought about by the increase of plot ration (PR)/building height (BH) in that area. Spatial analyzes of solar exposure, wind ventilation, and air temperature were conducted based on four different scenarios with various PR/BH; human thermal comfort brought about by PR/BH changes were also measured. A comparison of different scenarios revealed no significant changes in the surrounding environment. The study concludes that there is potential for PR/BH relaxations in TSTE to increase spaces to meet increased population flow.
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Acknowledgments
The authors thank the Research Grants Council, the Innovation and Technology Commission, the Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development, and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University for the funding support to the research which has contributed to the preparation of this paper.
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Journal of Urban Planning and Development
Volume 148 • Issue 1 • March 2022
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© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Feb 24, 2021
Accepted: Jul 1, 2021
Published online: Oct 26, 2021
Published in print: Mar 1, 2022
Discussion open until: Mar 26, 2022
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