Book recs? Hong Kong livability, urban design, sustainability

May 24, 2018 5:59 AM

A colleague and I are teaching a short-term course on sustainability, livability and urban design in Hong Kong (including a travel component). We have the academic part covered and lots of experience with the travel logistics, but we’re thinking about suggesting a book for participants to read on their own over the summer. These are undergrads, a variety of majors, not necessarily any experience with the topic/place. Any suggestions for light, engaging books on Hong Kong? Non-academic is fine, so memoirs, fiction, etc. are all great. Thanks!
posted by brozek to Education (2 answers total)

This book talks about Chungking Mansions, which was probably one of the most fascinating parts to visit (not to mention one of the tastiest places to visit) when I was living in Hong Kong.
posted by astapasta24 at 6:05 AM on May 24, 2018 [1 favorite]

This was written by a friend, but I read it recently and found it really interesting and engaging (as someone with no particular knowledge of Hong Kong):

"Where have all the fishballs gone? From a journalist deeply attuned to the subtleties of Hong Kong life comes Borrowed Spaces, a chronicle of the ways in which the grassroots citizens of Hong Kong reshape their city to make up for the shortcomings of their bureaucratic government. Mango trees sprouting on roundabouts, fishball stalls and neon signs: these are just some of the Hong Kong icons that are casualties in the struggle to reclaim public spaces. Christopher DeWolf explores the history of Hong Kong’s urban growth through the daily tug of war between the people’s needs to express themselves and government regulations."
posted by ITheCosmos at 1:49 PM on May 24, 2018