Research on Urban Ground of Chung Ying Street, Sha Tau Kok

In the phase of high-quality urban development, urban quality and experience become particularly crucial. This study aims to conduct an in-depth study of the urban ground. It specifically focuses on the horizontal part of the city, which is at eye level. This study seeks to reveal that the urban ground is a key element in shaping the urban experience. The urban ground serves as the foundational plane that supports public activities and urban elements. It represents a tangible urban space where human-scale experiences and sensations occur within city districts. The ground, as an integral component of urban space, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality and experiential aspects of a city or neighborhood. While the Gold Coast City in Australia has published Urban Ground Guideline, China has comparatively limited research and publications in this area. Located at the crossroads of Shenzhen and Hong Kong, Chung Ying Street in Sha Tau Kok has historical significance dating back to 1898 when a boundary marker was erected in its center. This marker divided Sha Tau Kok into two parts: Shenzhen Sha Tau Kok on the east side and British (Hong Kong) controlled Sha Tau Kok on the west side. This division led to its name, "Chung Ying Street,". The distinctive feature of Chung Ying Street lies in its "One Street, Two Systems" status, serving as a microcosm of the "One Country, Two Systems" policy. It has been referred to as a "Special Region within a Special Region." While it thrived at one point, it has undergone several social transformations and is in need of optimization and transformation. The scope of this research extends beyond Chung Ying Street itself and encompasses the broader area, referring to the Hong Kong side of Chung Ying Street and the eastern region of Chung Ying Street in Sha Tau Kok, south of the Shenzhen Sha Tau Kok Customs checkpoint. The evolution of the ground in Chung Ying Street reflects the changes in the cultural and historical landscape of the Sha Tau Kok region, holding significant historical and cultural value. However, the current condition of the ground is marked by prominent issues such as disruptions in pedestrian continuity, a lack of accessibility considerations, and a somewhat chaotic distribution of functions supported by the ground. Consequently, in-depth research on the ground of Chung Ying Street is warranted, as it can contribute to future transformations and enhance the overall quality and experiential value of the district. The research outcomes of this study include: a detailed record of the ground elements in Chung Ying Street through on-site investigations, the creation of a "Nolli map" and spatial interface classification chart for Chung Ying Street, an analysis of the current situation based on the theory of figure-ground relationship and urban experience. Drawing upon case studies such as the Gold Coast Urban Ground Guidelines, design visions and strategies were proposed. This culminated in the completion of an overall conceptual design and the renovation plans for typical nodes.