Shelter + Economy, Kowloon Walled City (Sneha)

Snehanjali Sumanth
Nov. 2nd, 2010
Kowloon walled City

The city is an ungoverned settlement in Kowloon, Hong Kong. It is densely populated and the population increased after Japan occupied Hong Kong during World War II. Between the 50's and 70's, it had high rates of of prostitution, gambling and drug use. In 1987, the Walled City contained 33 000 residents within its 6.5 acre borders.

Triad Rule

The triad were a group of newcomers and/or former residents that occupied the Walled City and resister the British from driving them out. Their rule lasted till 1974.

Urban Settlement

During the 1960's and 1970's, the city underwent massive construction. For the water system, eight municipal pipes provided water to the entire structure.

A few of the streets were illuminated by fluorescent lights as sunlight rarely reached the lower levels.

Economy

Although crime rates decreased in later years, the Walled City was known for its high number of unlicensed doctors and dentists. Despite the large amount of criminal activity, many of its residents lived peacefully and numerous small factories and businesses thrived inside the Walled City.

Some residents even formed groups to organize and improve daily life there. Charities, religious societies, and other welfare groups were gradually introduced to the City. While medical clinics and schools went unregulated, the Hong Kong government did provide some services, such as water supply and mail delivery.