The top 10 submissions have been selected in a pioneering design competition aimed at reshaping the living environment of Chak On Estate, a public housing complex in Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong. This contest taps into the innovative potential of young designers to reimagine community spaces.

The finalists include five teams of students aged 18 to 25, studying design-related disciplines at Hong Kong’s tertiary institutions, and five teams of emerging architects and designers aged under 35. Their groundbreaking ideas have been shortlisted in the “Let’s Go Well-being Chak On” Design Competition, which offers a total prize pool of nearly HK$100,000, industry-wide recognition, and the opportunity to see their designs come to life.

Ms. Helen LEUNG, Chief Architect of the Hong Kong Housing Authority, highlighted the overwhelming response, with 97 “exceptional designs” submitted by 223 contestants. Helen praised the “time, effort, and creativity” poured into each proposal, making it a tough task for the jury—comprising senior Housing Department officials and industry leaders (photographed above and below)—to select the finalists.

The shortlisted teams will now participate in two design-thinking and co-creation workshops with about 30 Chak On Estate residents. These sessions aim to refine the designs to better align with residents’ needs and aspirations. Additionally, the teams will consult with three technical advisors specializing in play experience, fitness, and open space design, as well as estate management, to ensure their concepts are both practical and feasible.

Chak On Estate, one of Hong Kong’s older public housing developments, consists of four residential towers on a hillside near Sham Shui Po. With limited nearby facilities—apart from a convenience store and a small grocery—many elderly residents face daily challenges. This competition seeks to transform the estate into a vibrant, community-centric space.

Final proposals are due in mid-April, with assessment by the Final Jury Panel chaired by Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho. Awards will include a winner, runner-up, and honorable mentions in both categories, along with the Resident Most Beloved Award, chosen by Chak On residents. Results will be announced by the end of May.

This initiative aligns with the Housing Bureau’s vision of creating public housing that prioritizes well-being. Secretary Winnie Ho recently introduced the ‘Well-being Design Guide’, offering practical strategies for architects and designers to foster friendly, healthy, natural, and community-oriented public housing spaces. The Chak On competition exemplifies this human-centric approach to urban living.

For more details, please visit: https://housingwellbeing.hk/chak-on-design-competition.