Spaces Between: The Lack of Third Spaces in Hong Kong
What happens to a city that doesn’t have a community?
What happens to a city that doesn’t have a community?
Hong Kong residents are slowly finding out. The combination of a stressful city with a lack of spaces to unwind threatens the livelihood of residents of all ages and backgrounds.
Being part of a healthy community is essential to our well-being, providing a sense of belonging, support through tough times, and shaping identity. A decline in gathering spaces impacts our ability to connect and unwind, making it harder to develop meaningful connections and establish cohesive communities.
Research shows that urban dwellers generally are more susceptible to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and stress.
Stressors have long plagued Hong Kong’s citizens – AXA's Mind Health Study 2024 has revealed that 77% of respondents experienced at least one mental health issue from their jobs in 2023. 80% of Hong Kong's workforce seeks to disconnect from work to alleviate stress caused by their jobs. These spaces are something we are asking for and that we need, or we risk jeopardizing the mental health of those living in this vibrant city.
Hong Kong has also had a problem with this among the elderly. A survey conducted by the Hong Kong Christian Service (HKCS) also found that around 63% of elderly with children overseas were at a high risk of social isolation, whilst almost half of them exhibited symptoms of depression. They cited an absence of companionship and not having anyone to rely on. This was particularly prominent in the elderly who struggled with digital literacy, making it hard for them to contact their family members overseas.
Supportive community spaces in Hong Kong are few and far between. Although public parks, coffee shops, shopping malls, and other spaces exist, they don’t provide the qualities that pertain to community building, and are extremely limited due to Hong Kong's lack of space.
Regarding recreational open space, The Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG) suggests planning districts so that each person has at least 2m^2 of space. Whilst Hong Kong does reach this, at around 2.7 metres squared of public open space per person, this is inadequate compared to many other countries.
It depends on where in Hong Kong you live. In Mong Kok, residents have merely 0.6m^2 of open space per person.
What is the solution?
Although public spaces are inadequate, some private organizations have taken it upon themselves to create spaces to socialize and foster a sense of community.
They are termed “third spaces”. Coined by Ray Oldenburg in the early 1990s in his book "The Great Good Place", he refers to these spaces as private spaces that people can sit and spend time in, with the main objective being to converse and connect.
Why a "third" space?
What is a third space?
You may not have heard of the term "third space", but you've definitely seen them on TV. Third spaces are an icon of community and interaction and have been for a while. The concept has popped up numerous times in different parts of pop culture, especially sitcoms and varying TV shows, all across the globe.
The difficulties
Hong Kong faces many challenges contributing to the scarcity of third spaces, including but not limited to high costs driven by limited land, rapid technological advancements, and a tense sociopolitical climate. Owners and customers of these community spaces have observed how these factors impede their growth and sustainability.
Project House
Despite the challenges, third spaces continue to emerge throughout Hong Kong and do their best to serve the community. One such space is Project House.
An initiative by the NGO One Bite Social, it originally started as pop-up third spaces in vacant stores in 2017. It now has a permanent location on the ground floor of a tong lau (唐樓, tenement building) in Sheung Wan.
This space has been operating as a community hub since August 2023, dedicated to providing a comfortable environment for kai fong (街坊, local residents) to rest, connect, and unwind.
1st Queen's Road West, the home of Project House (Image: Carmen Ho)
1st Queen's Road West, the home of Project House (Image: Carmen Ho)
Let's explore Project House.
This is the treasured music player of a kai fong named Uncle Mui. Every Tuesday and Thursday, he holds events where people can listen to music with him.
This is a water station and microwave, encouraging kai fongs to remember to drink water, and providing a space for office workers to relax and have their meals.
The activities of these few months have a music theme, including the decorations around the store. Here is an exhibit of antique vinyl records.
This is a sewing station where they provide alteration services every morning from 09:30 to 12:30.
How to get to Project House
The space has now grown to be a community pillar, well-loved by kai fongs of Sheung Wan. However, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. It was initially very difficult for the NGO to build trust with the community because residents thought the space to be too good to be true.
“In the beginning, the residents, the kai fongs, really struggled with this concept of having a free space where you just come in and sit and chill. Because we never really had a similar thing in the area, or even in Hong Kong,” says Stephanie Cheung, 30, Program Manager of One Bite Social.
“I think it was really difficult for them to think that this is something that is possible. They thought we were a scam or were selling insurance or something,” she laughs.
To overcome this, the location worked heavily in their favor. “The amazing thing is because we’re in a historical building, they had a lot of memories with this building, so after a while, they’re very curious,” says Cheung. People would share their stories of the place, and gradually, a community of people from all walks of life was formed.
Outside the decorated glass doors of Project House during a closed door music listening session.
Outside the decorated glass doors of Project House during a closed door music listening session.
North Point Estate, Hong Kong's first public housing estate (Image: Hong Kong Housing Authority)
North Point Estate, Hong Kong's first public housing estate (Image: Hong Kong Housing Authority)
Project House is currently in its third term of operations, by way of funding from ZeShan Foundation and Chow Tai Fook Charity Foundation, which have allowed them to operate for another two years.
On this journey though, Cheung faced many challenges with funders, potential partners, and residents, stemming from a lack of understanding of the space’s purpose, and the problems they wish to solve, due to the scarcity of similar places in Hong Kong society.
“I think we have grown to have so few of these places. Back in the day, there were a lot more opportunities maybe in public housing, the corridors, the playground, we have to gather at certain shops to watch TV, you know. Back in the “good old days”. But then as things become very efficient and very isolated, we don’t need to meet up, and we can have our lives sorted,” she says.
Hong Kong’s public housing initiative started in the 1950s as a solution to the housing needs of low-income families. The estates fostered strong communal connections between neighbors, which many look fondly upon. However, the estates have been redeveloped to suit our new lives in this, and the neighborly interactions have diminished.
Without this space, Hong Kongers don’t have the opportunity to build communities at all. This poses a large threat to the overall well-being of a community and to the individuals within it.
“It will become a very fragile community,” says Cheung. “A lot of chronic diseases and everything can happen a lot more easily.”
The primary goal for Cheung is to provide a space for the elderly to forge companionship and build a sense of community. They collaborate with other charities and nearby stores to offer activities like like DJ workshops, mobile phone help sessions, and yoga lessons, that allow seniors to learn new skills and explore their interests.
One of these people is Siu Kam, who is a part of Project House's Sewing Squad. She learned sewing through the space, and has been working with them for almost one year.
“Last year, I was sewing bags with them, and then I started altering clothes,” says Siu, 41.
She comes every morning to alter clothes and has also joined Project House’s other events.
“I’m very happy, especially since there are many different activities that show up here. For example, I really liked the lantern-making event, I never could’ve guessed the entire process of handmaking traditional lanterns. I thought it was so fun. So to us kai fongs, this place is essential. There are many things we need help with, it can help us a lot,” Siu says.
This reflects what Cheung and the other members of One Bite Social have wanted to achieve through this initiative.
“The whole idea is if you have these communities, if you build the social bondings, and they are stronger, mature, and sustainable, you will have a lot more healthy communities and there are, as we term it, more resilient. And when something happens to them, they still can, you know, they’ll get hurt, but they’ll still be a community,” Cheung explains.
The 28 square metre space, though it seems small, has a vibrance to it that can only be attributed to it’s people. With a rich historical background and an inviting, open door, when you walk past on the busy street, you can’t help but want to peek inside.
“I think for a period of time we have overlooked the importance of such because the society was going in different directions,” Cheung reflects. “But I think after all these pursuits, we go back to that time where everyone is lonely and trying to look for connections, and I think this is where place comes in.”
Interview with Siu Kam, member of Project House's Sewing Squad.
Some of their most successful events are the music showcases, one of which occurred on Friday night, the 25th of October. The Community Music Night featured performers Tony Wong, Llufrios, WeBusk, and 四人同樂 (Music 4 For All).
Tony Wong, 64, is now retired, but still played a big part in the conception of this project.
“Because I am an architect, I know of the company in charge of this project,” he says. “They know I’m a musician, so they said to me, “Hey, we want to do this show, can you help us curate it?” So I helped them find people to come hang out. Everyone here is a friend, so it doesn’t cost money, it’s just to have a good time.”
The night featured a diverse array of music, ranging from Cantonese and Western classics to traditional Chinese tunes, attracting musicians and passersby alike. Wong aimed to showcase unique multiculturalism, particularly of Sheung Wan and Possession Point.
“My aim is just to create this lively atmosphere and emphasize the multicultural aspect. Originally, Possession Point is where Britain first colonized Hong Kong, so there are people of all cultures living in this area, so this is the best way to curate it,” Wong says.
The event was a tremendous success. The place was packed full, with listeners spilling out onto the street.
“The music comes out. You can hear it everywhere,” Wong explains. “People passing by, even if they don’t sit and listen, they walk by and realize, “Oh, there’s something like this here”. This is also a kind of communication. If you don’t have space, you can’t do something like this.”
Wong emphasizes the significant impact these events have on the broader community, particularly through music, which he notes is a universal form of communication.
Harry and Ellie Llufrio (Image: Carmen Ho)
Harry and Ellie Llufrio (Image: Carmen Ho)
WeBusk (Image: Carmen Ho)
WeBusk (Image: Carmen Ho)
People gather outside Project House on October 25th to enjoy the Community Music Night. (Image: Carmen Ho)
People gather outside Project House on October 25th to enjoy the Community Music Night. (Image: Carmen Ho)
"It’s very important for spaces to enable events for people’s hearts to return there. If you don’t have these spaces, the distance between people grows larger."
- Tony Wong
A short video of Project House's Community Music Night on the 25th of October (Music: Harry and Ellie Llufrio of the Llufrios)
“It’s very important for spaces to have events for people’s hearts to return there. If you don’t have these spaces, the distance between people grows larger,” Wong says. “As for meeting people, what’s better than enjoying music together?"
The sentiment is reflected by the Llufrios, a father-daughter performing duo of Harry Llufrio and Ellie Llufrio, who met Wong at a Welsh choir.
“We live on Lamma Island, which is quite far. Normally we play on Lamma, but it’s nice to play something with the local community,” says Harry Llufrio, 53, who works as an Executive Creative Director.
“It’s nice to get out and be able to perform to different crowds,” Ellie Llufrio, 12, agrees. “I just think it’s very important to be able to reach out to other people and it’s also a way to get to know people from different groups, know their stories and stuff,” she adds.
They both highlight the importance of connecting to the local community.
“I’ve been here 21 years, and my wife, Ellie’s mother, and I do like to connect. If I don’t connect, I feel like I live in a bubble,” says Harry Llufrio. “So for me it’s very important, if I don’t have that connection, I’m missing something very important. And music does help, it bridges the communication gap. So that’s one of the reasons why we’re here.”
knock knock bookstore
Aside from NGOs, third spaces can also take the form of small businesses. In particular, Hong Kong has a niche but passionate community of readers. Some have launched independent bookstores in hopes of providing spaces for this community to interact. These spaces have become important for fostering community interaction amidst societal challenges.
knock knock bookstore is an independent bookstore that opened in mid-2023, selling a unique amalgam of pet treats and toys, and social sciences-related literature.
Interior board and sign of knock knock bookstore (Image: Carmen Ho)
Interior board and sign of knock knock bookstore (Image: Carmen Ho)
Let's explore knock knock bookstore!
In the opening section, there is a mixture of dog toys and books here, which perfectly encapsulate what the shop has to offer.
This is another bookshelf, their books mainly go in depth about social sciences, including psychology, sociology, philosophy, etc., in both English and Chinese.
Another stack with a selection of books, and some dog toys on top, along with a dog bed on bottom, where the shop's dog, a Bichon Frise named Mung, usually stays.
This is the cashier with mainly dog toys and dog food being sold.
This is their iconic seating area, where everyone sits during their events, and also a place where many people chill, read, or make conversation.
How to get to knock knock bookstore
“We have 4 co-owners, all with different hobbies. We thought that our interests in pets, cultural sharing, and books were all rare in Hong Kong. We want to connect people to new thoughts and perspectives through this space,” Noah Ng, 31, co-owner of knock knock bookstore, shares.
They have two main methods of encouraging interaction – for one, they have specially designed their space in a way unconventional to Hong Kong. A precious half of the store is occupied with a large bench, inviting customers to sit and chat. Secondly, they often hold events at night – talks and discussions that bring the bookstore to life.
“We have two types of events. The first is quite basic, we’ll have a book and the author or publisher will be invited to share. The second type we hold more frequently, where we will invite scholars or professors, especially in humanities-related disciplines like literature, philosophy, and sociology, for sharing sessions,” says Ng.
Carving out this physical space to discuss and generate physical interactions is very important to Ng.
“Our priority is bringing the book into space, to have a physical dialogue. All our ideas can’t come into conception without this physical space,” he says.
The comfortable approach to literature has resonated with some customers, including Duncan Ma, a regular in the store who works in the social impact sector.
“knock knock, I think it’s really special,” Ma, 33, says. “Why I chose to go regularly, is that I found out that the bookstore was quite dynamic. When you’re there, whether it’s the events or the books they talk about, they’re all quite inspiring and impressive to me.”
He felt that the atmosphere was relaxing and that it was easy to have conversations and connect with people.
“It’s a very comfortable process,” says Ma. “Speaking with the owner and seeing familiar faces of other regular customers, there is a closeness and a relaxing atmosphere to speak about topics that I wouldn’t normally talk about at work or in other social circles,” he says.
Soundbite from Anita Lo on what Hong Kong would be like if there were no more third spaces
The bookshelves and dog decorations in knock knock bookstore create a comforting atmosphere (Image: Carmen Ho)
The bookshelves and dog decorations in knock knock bookstore create a comforting atmosphere (Image: Carmen Ho)
Soundbite from Duncan Ma of why he is hesitant to push for more third spaces
Another customer is Anita Lo, who has known and loved the space even before knock knock was formed. Earlier this year, she hosted a co-reading activity at the space. She believed that the ambiance of knock knock bookstore, with its relaxing atmosphere and conducive environment for conversation, made it an ideal setting.
“They obviously have a space that invites you to sit and read or listen to something. Very few bookstores are willing to – because rent is so expensive – empty out two rows of space for people. This space is quiet, and when people come in, they start chatting to the owner,” pointed out Lo, 69, who works as a corporate facilitator.
She is also an avid participant in events held by independent bookstores. By joining these events, she has felt very touched by the level of interaction they facilitate.
“Every time I go I am more touched. I feel like having a space where people have similar hobbies and can listen and interact with each other, is getting less and less in Hong Kong. Specifically public spaces, that you can freely sign up and join, you don’t need to be reviewed. I think that this is a really precious place,” she says.
The popular turnout and collective appreciation for the store’s events have made the owner, Ng, realize the existence of a like-minded community that wished to discuss similar topics.
“People who take part in it really enjoy it, and people who are sharing also really like it. This is because people who come here really love discussion. Sometimes, you know how at the end of lectures, the speaker asks, “Do you have any questions?” We sometimes have hour-long discussions!” he exclaims.
Ng aims for these interactive discussions to create meaningful open exchanges that allow participants to entertain diverse perspectives, and may enhance one’s understanding of the world.
“In this moment in Hong Kong, perhaps everyone is facing different issues. We thought, if we could consider more values, arguments, or complex thoughts, would it change how we react to society, not just Hong Kong, but for the entire world?” Ng questions.
While knock knock is designed to encourage interaction, this concept may feel unfamiliar to the average Hong Konger. One of Ng's standout experiences at the store involved an interaction related to the seating space.
“I once had a very shocking experience while running this shop – a Hong Kong youth, I think they were born and raised here – they came in, read a bit, and they wanted to take a few books to read in detail, and they asked me a question. It was very sincere and you could tell he wasn’t joking,” Ng says. “He asked, “Am I allowed to sit here?” Of course, I answered him very sincerely, “Yes, you can.” But at that moment, in my brain, I was so shocked. I thought, if you can’t sit, then what is this space for?”
The baffling exchange prompted Ng to reflect upon how foreign these spaces are to Hong Kong society. The conversation between him and the youth was, to him, symbolic of how Hong Kong residents have become extremely distant from these shared spaces, to the point where they feel foreign and awkward in their use of them, which is the opposite effect of what the spaces are supposed to bring to the community.
“Actually, after that, many people, whether they are locals or not, have asked me similar questions. Since then, I’ve realized that in Hong Kong there aren’t many public shared spaces for people to use without much purpose,” he says.
He explains that Hong Kong rent is so expensive that spending time somewhere usually has to be linked to a monetary cost.
“Once, a customer described this as very “not Hong Kong”, because if I let them sit, that doesn’t mean they’re going to buy the book. To use Hong Kongers’ understandings, this may not be able to “cover costs”,” he says.
Due to this scarcity, Ng feels like these places become even more necessary in Hong Kong society.
“I feel like these spaces are what people need. Why do we need a space like this, like our talks, for example? It is for us to have a space that is indirectly for people to use and enjoy.” he says. “I just want to create a venue to exchange thoughts, that’s the most important thing we want to pursue. I think a bookstore is the best way to do this.”
The large seating area of knock knock bookstore is an open invitation to sit and relax (Image: knock knock bookstore)
The large seating area of knock knock bookstore is an open invitation to sit and relax (Image: knock knock bookstore)
Noah Ng, co-owner of knock knock bookstore, sits and reads in the space (Image: Carmen Ho)
Noah Ng, co-owner of knock knock bookstore, sits and reads in the space (Image: Carmen Ho)
A close-up of the books that knock knock bookstore sells (Image: Carmen Ho)
A close-up of the books that knock knock bookstore sells (Image: Carmen Ho)
The future
Rebuilding communities is a challenging endeavor because results are not immediately visible, nor are they easily measured. Many threats have, and continue to, hinder the prosperity of third spaces in Hong Kong. Despite this, the enthusiasm and participation of kai fong in these spaces show a strong desire for connection and belonging, which is a promising start toward revitalizing the community.
“Somehow, creating a street accessible street front for the community seems to be a way that is working well. I think this is a very good experiment that needs to be carried out to figure out the possible ways and opportunities to build communities that are mature and resilient. I think we feel like there’s still a glimpse of hope and of possibilities in what we’re doing right now,” Stephanie Cheung of Project House says.
Duncan Ma, regular of knock knock bookstore, acknowledges the growing trend but emphasizes the need for ongoing support to ensure their sustainability.
“I think, whether or not it's from the government, there are now fewer resources allocated to support these activities, so I think there should be more. But perhaps recently there are more popping up, so I think there needs to be a bit more time,” says Ma.
“If everyone agrees that society needs spaces similar to these, they really need some extra support from the public,” says Noah Ng of Knock Knock Books. “To the point where, whilst the outside world continues to develop, they should still have a special place in society to do what they can do to give back to the community.”
The historical pillar holding up Project House (Image: Carmen Ho)
The historical pillar holding up Project House (Image: Carmen Ho)
Many thanks to:
Interviewees
• Stephanie Cheung
• Noah Ng
• Siu Kam
• Tony Wong
• Harry Llufrio and Ellie Llufrio
• Duncan Ma
• Anita Lo
Primary Project Advisor
• Foon Shing Lee
Secondary Project Advisor
• Yolanda Jinxin Ma
Producer
• Carmen Ho
Also, thanks to:
• Abbas Ifra Shahid for being my capstone work buddy
• Jimin Lee for video and photography (and moral) support
• Ada Chu and Amanda Tang from Project House
• Roy Ching for camera equipment
• JMSC DM Lab, JMSC Lounge, Eliot Hall, Chi Wah Learning Commons
• Flourish, Datawrapper, and Canva for graphics, Freepik and Unsplash for images and icons, VEED for soundwaves
• Ray Oldenburg for coining the phrase "third spaces"
Hi, I'm Carmen, and thanks for reading my project! This is my capstone project, which marks the completion of my Journalism and English double major at HKU. This topic came about due to my interest in how the design of space fosters community. Feel free to contact me for any further inquiries or thoughts about third spaces in Hong Kong!
Built with Shorthand