Mention Wan Chai to most people and they automatically think of bars, restaurants and neon-lit nightlife.
But have you ever imagined what it might be like to rebuild Wan Chai? More than 100 budding young architects from primary and secondary schools took part in 'Learn to Care, Care to Learn', an architectural competition, in which they created blueprints to make the district suitable for both the elderly and children.
'Hong Kong's crowded environment provides no space for the elderly to chat with their friends or take a breath of fresh air,' said secondary school candidate Vera Lam Wing-kam , 18. 'Often on housing estates, markets are too far away and roads are too rough and narrow for wheelchairs.'
The event was held by the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) in support of World Day of Architecture 2001 to arouse interest in architecture and sensitivity to the environment.
Bob Tsui Ping-wing, 11, the youngest candidate in the secondary section, won with his 'one door, two apartments' design. 'You go through the same door but one side is the elderly person's home and the other is for the rest of the family. The elderly person can enjoy privacy and have help at hand next door,' said the Raimondi College student. Ping-wing thinks most elderly people are friendly and want companionship. Having a recreational area close by is important.
In Ping-wing's design, there is a huge screen on the roof of a shopping mall which raises the alarm if someone is in danger.
