Asian Revitalization: Adaptive Reuse in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Singapore

Asian Revitalization: Adaptive Reuse in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Singapore

Katie Cummer (Editor), Lynne D. DiStefano (Editor)
$58.00
Publication Date: June 5th, 2021
Publisher:
Hong Kong University Press
ISBN:
9789888528554
Pages:
248

Description

Adaptive reuse, or using a building for a new purpose, has become popular around the world, but discussion about adaptive reuse in Asia is relatively scarce. As a result, this architectural innovation in Asia, which includes redesigned institutional buildings, awards for cultural heritage conservation projects, and adapted reuse field studies, is overdue for consideration. Asian Revitalization’s review of adaptive reuse begins by comparing the global presence of adaptive reuse to its presence in Asia and evolves into a detailed examination of adaptive reuse’s relationship to urban development and sustainability, how adaptive reuse supports heritage buildings, and its connection to best practices in heritage conservation in Asia. The text grounds its analysis in essays, timelines, and case studies that focus on revitalization in Hong Kong, commercial development in Shanghai, and community building in Singapore in addition to analysis of government policy documents and extensive fieldwork. At a time when sustainable development is crucial, Asian Revitalization can provide classrooms and a professional readership with a valuable resource about Asia’s participation in this flourishing and creative architectural movement.

About the Author

Katie Cummer is the principal heritage consultant of Cummer Heritage Consulting and was the founding director of the Bachelor of Arts in Conservation Degree offered by the Division of Architectural Conservation Programmes at the University of Hong Kong. She is coauthor of Heritage Revealed. Lynne D. DiStefano is an adjunct professor and academic advisor for the Division of Architectural Conversation Programmes, of which she was also a founder and director, at the University of Hong Kong. She is coauthor of Small God, Big City: Earth God Shrines in Urban Hong Kong and Hong Kong Corner Houses.

Praise for Asian Revitalization: Adaptive Reuse in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Singapore

“Asian Revitalization is a highly practical and accessible volume on the long-established conservation practice of adaptive reuse in East Asia. Its focus on real-life issues, examples, and challenges posed by revitalization programs in the region is extremely relevant to researchers and practitioners in architectural conservation, urban design, and urban studies.”—Miles Glendinning, University of Edinburgh

“This is a superb, well-documented, and original book written by some of the best-known and highly respected authors in the field of heritage conservation. The carefully examined case studies illustrate a wide variety of solutions that highlight the work of some of the best minds of the next generations.”—Alastair Kerr, University of Victoria

“This is a most interesting set of essays, informative and thought-provoking. The best way to save any heritage building is by keeping it in beneficial use and how to achieve this in a sensitive manner is what these essays are about. They should be vital reading for anyone considering an adaptive reuse project in Asia.”—Michael Morrison, Purcell

“With cultural heritage firmly ensconced in the global development agendas of the United Nations, this well-grounded volume draws upon the experience of Hong Kong SAR, Shanghai, and Singapore to demonstrate to scholars and practitioners alike how historic properties can be sustained through savvy adaptive reuse in the midst of tremendous urban redevelopment pressures.” —Montira Horayangura Unakul, UNESCO Bangkok

“Asian Revitalization is a highly practical and accessible volume on the long-established conservation practice of adaptive reuse in East Asia. Its focus on real-life issues, examples, and challenges posed by revitalization programs in the region is extremely relevant to researchers and practitioners in architectural conservation, urban design, and urban studies.”
— Miles Glendinning, University of Edinburgh

“This is a superb, well-documented, and original book written by some of the best-known and highly respected authors in the field of heritage conservation. The carefully examined case studies illustrate a wide variety of solutions that highlight the work of some of the best minds of the next generations.”
— Alastair Kerr, University of Victoria

“This is a most interesting set of essays, informative and thought-provoking. The best way to save any heritage building is by keeping it in beneficial use and how to achieve this in a sensitive manner is what these essays are about. They should be vital reading for anyone considering an adaptive reuse project in Asia.”
— Michael Morrison, Purcell

“With cultural heritage firmly ensconced in the global development agendas of the United Nations, this well-grounded volume draws upon the experience of Hong Kong SAR, Shanghai, and Singapore to demonstrate to scholars and practitioners alike how historic properties can be sustained through savvy adaptive reuse in the midst of tremendous urban redevelopment pressures.”
— Montira Horayangura Unakul, UNESCO Bangkok