Hong Kong’s dazzling, densely-populated cityscape is a perfect manifestation of the city’s complicated land problems. In this seemingly claustrophobic setting, some lament its constraints while others see opportunities beyond the blocks. In this Cubic Zine issue, Thomas Chung, Associate Professor of the School of Architecture, CUHK shares with us the infinity of possibilities with space, as well as the transfer of knowledge into abandoned rural villages. Hear his story of enlivening the once derelict village of Mui Tsz Lam through co-creating an architectural experiment with over a hundred CUHKers, villagers and volunteers. In this issue: #Architecture #LivingSpace #ExperientialLearning #CrossInterdisciplinary #VillageRevitalisation #MuiTszLam #CountrysideConservation #HongKongCulture

Local villages in Hong Kong are disappearing – before the regrettable reality comes to be, the Condition_Lab plans to engage people through design, injecting life back into these villages with social architecture.

Known for its picturesque beaches, Shek O has a lot more to offer in terms of cultural and historical resources – all of which would fade away lest proper preservation is done. The team revitalises the community through a tech-based platform with local engagement, connecting Shek O to the wider public.

Shanzhai City is in the business of empowering disadvantaged groups from remote regions with technology.

Prefabrication is not only suitable for construction in urban centres but also in remote rural areas. In 2015, Professor Zhu, using prefabrication, set up the first Checkered Playroom in a remote village in Gansu Province.

‘I was thrilled to realize that social service can be interwoven into architecture!’