ARC4303

Studies of Cities: Form and Fabric--"HKSAR-SEZ" Urbanisms

Faculty
Prof. Laurence Liauw (coordinator)
(Specialist Seminar Expert lecturers:
2 from CUHK / Overseas, 2 from Shenzhen SEZ, 2 from Hong Kong)

Course Description
This seminar based elective course will introduce urban studies for Southern China’s major twin cities of Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Over the past 10 years since 1997 Handover, there have been large shifts in urban dynamics for both Hong Kong SAR and Shenzhen SEZ. Twin cities separated by a permeable and contracting border, both cities represent differing ideologies and diverse modes of architectural production and urbanisms. Yet both are key anchors of the Pearl River Delta urban agglomeration that operates like a giant interconnected metropolis.

The course will introduce and investigate the urban fabrics, architectural culture of both Hong Kong and Shenzhen recent years urbanization. From housing, to public buildings, to commercial architecture, to industry and landscape, the course sets out the 5 different themes for understanding both cities from the vantage point of Hong Kong (where the Summer School is based)

These themes will complement and provide background knowledge to another parallel Studio Design Elective ‘Borders of Desire’ running at the same time.

Note:
Students who need a China visa for the field trip are advised to apply for the visa in their home country before coming to Hong Kong.  They must ensure that the China visa validity period covers the period of their entry to China for the field trip.  Please refer to the tentative syllabus for details about the field trip.