It’s a Campaign, a series of Actions, not a single Conference
ACTIONS- WHY, WHAT, WHO
Ageing population has become an issue in most cities. Hong Kong’s population of over 65 years old will double to 31 per cent by 2036, so it is nearly one-third of the populations are elderly. Are we ready to cater for this rapidly ageing population in terms of built environment?
“Active Ageing” and “Caring for the Elderly” are among the important policy issues in the Election Manifesto of the current Chief Executive of Hong Kong.
In fact, there are various efforts around the world addressing the elderly’s needs, such as healthcare, social services, financing and indoor ergonomic designs. However, there is, from an urban design angle, an obvious shortage of studies and examples about the outdoor environment. The Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design (HKIUD) see it as their mission to be informed and to inform others how to improve the city’s livability, and in particular, how urban design could help to cater for the elderly’s needs in the city.
PROFESSOR STEPHEN TANG, BBS
Professor Stephen Tang, BBS is the President of the Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design (2016-2018). He has over 30 years of working experience in architecture, urban planning and design since graduation from the University of Hong Kong. He is a Fellow member of both the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) and the Hong Kong Institute of Planners (HKIP). Whilst he was a Council Member of both institutes in 2002, he was appointed jointly by both institutes to form the Urban Design Alliance (UDA) and became its first Convener. In 2010, he was the Founding Council Member of the Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design (HKIUD), and became its President in 2016.
He was the Deputy Director of Architectural Services, overseeing over 1800 staff till his retirement in late 2016. Apart from achieving various awards in architecture and sustainability design, Mr. Tang has led various significant changes in design and management. More noticeable ones include the urban design improvements to the Kai Tak Development when he was appointed the first Head of the Kai Tak Office. During his term, he also designed and built the temporary offices for the Energizing Kowloon East Office within a short time of 6 months using old containers. Several popular waterfront designs, including the Stanley, Tsim Sha Tsui, and the Sai Kung were also projects under his direction.
Mr. Tang has been appointed as an Honorary Professor by the University of Hong Kong, in teaching urban design, since 2007. He was also appointed as Adjunct Professor in the Urban Studies Programme of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
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