HAPPY GREEN FAMILY
HAPPY GREEN FAMILY
“Happy Green Family” aims to improve the existing landscape environment through introduction of a diverse range of plants, creating a pleasant living environment abundant with lush greenery, fresh air, and peaceful spots for residents to enjoy. By distancing themselves from noise and embracing nature, residents can experience a profound sense of tranquillity. We also organize different greening promotional activities, enabling residents to learn more about the plants and environment within the housing estate, while also experiencing the joy of gardening, thereby enhancing residents’ sense of belonging to the estate and fostering community cohesion. , strengthen their connection to the housing estate, and foster a stronger sense of well-being.
This project also focuses on improving outdoor spaces and landscapes based on an understanding of residents’ preferences and the existing environment.
By optimizing the design of outdoor areas, both visually and functionally, the project aims to enhance residents’ well-being on multiple levels, including their visual enjoyment, social interactions, and psychological satisfaction.
Spatial Improvement
Review the utilization of existing outdoor spaces and identify opportunities for spatial and landscape enhancement to encourage multi-purpose usage of public space. For instance, the entrance area at Shatin Pass Estate mainly serves as circulation space. By upgrading the landscape design to incorporate floral and amenity planting, it encourages residents of all ages to enjoy and socialize in this outdoor space.
Similarly, the entrance plaza at Tin Ching Estate facing Tin Wah Road is currently comprised of several small planting areas and a circular plaza in the middle inaccessible to residents. By transforming these areas into open lawns with flexible seatings, the space can be better utilized for various activities or festive functions for residents of all ages. This modification will also enhance the estate’s green image.
Social Interactions
Promoting inclusivity and fostering social interaction through place-making or upgrading existing focal areas can significantly contribute to the well-being and social cohesion of residents. In Wo Lok Estate, there is a large planting area abutting Yuet Wah Street covered with mature trees and shrub plantings, which is currently fenced off. The proposal is to replace the shrub planting with a lawn and remove the surrounding fencing while preserving the mature trees, forming a tree trail that allows residents to access and enjoy the space under the shade.
Another example can be found in an open space at Lower Ngau Tau Kok Estate. Planting upgrade with a central lawn and amenity planting at the sides provides ecological and communal enhancement. The lawn provides space for leisure enjoyment whereas the surrounding gardens define spaces with diversity of experiences that encourage people to connect with nature and each other.
Psychological Satisfaction
Identify areas subject with potential for enhancing the identity of the estate or strengthen the residents’ connection to it through landscape architectural interventions. For example, toward the southern side of Wo Lok Estate, there is a sizable open space facing the back walls of the shops. While there are limitations due to underground utilities and operation of the shops, this space can be better utilised by incorporating playful graphical illustrations on the floor and historical recollection of this old estate on the walls. The intervention will bring unique character to the space and a sense of belonging to the residents.
Similarly, an existing porch at the main entrance of Fung Wo Estate serves as the focal point for residents. Landscape enhancement incorporating floral plants of different layers and sculptural elements strengthens the character of the place through the use of colours and seasonal changes.
Besides, exploring the creation of tree walks in various estates with featured signage and QR-coded tree labels for trees within the estates to facilitate connection between residents and the neighbourhood, promoting a sense of belonging.
