MEMORY MAPPING FOR PLACE MAKING 

HONG KONG, 2018

Identifying community roots in a gentrifying neighbourhood   

Many Sai Ying Pun residents didn’t realise how precious the character of their neighbourhood was until it had changed beyond recognition, how valuable their public space until it was slowly eaten up by new developments. Neighbourhood sentiment is what triggered an unusual outreach project for the design of upgrading a staircase in this fast gentrifying area.  

What followed was a 6-month ‘Magic Lanes’ mapping trajectory with 200 local residents. Street surveys and focus groups showed a strong identity of traditional craftsmanship, unique for the city. We shared stories in an app, a map, a series of mini docs, workshops, tours and even a pop-up street museum. Setting a new standard for human-centred public space design in the city.   

Collaborative Partnership:

Funded by:

“What iDiscover is doing is like making an archive of Hong Kong history – through the eyes of locals”

– Amy Tse, social worker Caritas, Hong Kong