Hong Kong is known for being a true skyscraper city for having 6588 high-rise buildings which far more behind than the 5818 buildings of New York. It’s no secret that the country has only 6.8% land area devoted for housing development projects. For this reason, Hong Kong became one of the most densely populated places in the world with over 6, 400 people occupying every square kilometer in most urban areas..
High-density housing is not new in every country with a high concentration of populations in the urban areas seeking for more opportunities. In the urban world, people fit themselves into the city’s way of life to survive and earn for a living. This is done economically, environmentally, socially, and even psychologically. The increasing density per unit area can still be considered beneficial in so many ways. Poor people in Hong Kong can still have a decent life in high-density settlements with the right technical assistance, community control, and flexible designs of their apartments. Living in the skyscraper city of Hong Kong must be considered along with its mixed land use, quality design, greater connectivity, and accessibility.
Why choose to live in a high density residential area?
Higher-density residential demands less public infrastructure than low-density subdivisions. Fewer vehicle trips occur in this type of area. The usual thing to do by the residents is to riding a bicycle, walking in street or taking a public transport. There is more efficiency in offering public services like office space, retail, dining, and entertainment. In addition, higher density can give more life to sluggish commercial districts through tax revenue and customer sales in the nearby business centers.
High density and crimes is not really a huge problem in Hong Kong. Despite its crowded areas for residential housing infrastructures, the country’s high density of living were properly addressed with proper management, improve building designs and more job opportunities for people.
Regardless of density, job opportunities in the area have resulted in lesser crime rates. Moreover, Hong Kong was able to preserve more green space efficiently. After all, if a high-density residential area is built and utilized the way they are intended, then despite its population and numbers of buildings, residential apartments in the skyscraper city are still considered sustainable.
Why are the possible consequences in a high density residential area?
The issue between sustainability and high-density development remain a big challenge. Land use also has been a major issue in the housing industry. With the increasing density in major cities in Hong Kong, people deserve a better neighborhood planning and design. Even if the apartments provide storage, privacy, and sound insulation, there are still many concerns to be addressed. This calls for higher construction costs. High-rise building must require the better organization of space, sound insulation, and underground parking. Also, higher density means more different types of people. This could still possibly increase the crime level within the area.
