In the ever-increasing gentrified density of Hong Kong, skyscrapers are often unable to fulfill their destiny - being part of the skyline. Most skyscrapers end up hidden by the taller skyline skyscrapers from all sides. The inhabitants of such hidden skyscrapers, living in isolated pods, end up suspended in the rigid urban fabric, stuck between the two unattainable extremes of the street and the sky.

In contrast, the informal architecture of Kowloon Walled City, although unsightly, empowered a vibrant, interconnected, and inclusive community despite being largely skyless and streetless.

The Skyless Skyscraper is an informal city fabric weaved into a formal structure. The flexibility and adaptability of the informal are not restrained by formalization but expanded further by the ability to take modules out of the building with cranes, take them apart in the basement, put them back together in any configuration, and put them back in any place in the building. Through that, the skyscraper captures the key quality of informal architecture: it becomes a direct reflection of the residents’ changing community, culture, and priorities - their changing way of life.

Could this hybrid of formal and informal halt gentrification and create a humane streetless and skyless environment?

The site is located in Hong Kong, Tai Kok Tsui area (behind the H of Hong Kong on the map). This is just one of many currently gentrified areas of the city. Can self-management of informal architecture halt this process?

Existing Community Fabric

Below is the diagram of the existing flexible community fabric. The properties of the fabric are outlined in white, while the proposed interventions are in orange. The project gives the community tools to enrich the existing community fabric and expand it upward.

Enhanced Community Fabric

Plug-in modules are assembled out of individual elements called cores. Cores can be prefabricated (bathrooms, kitchens, utilities), or self-made (walls, partitions). Cores are sized to fit on a delivery truck.

Meanwhile, modules, and therefore living spaces, are free from constraints imposed by delivery vehicles. The maximum module size (a cube with 7500 side) is limited only by the superstructure.

Flexibility / Interior Street

Love Story

Sample communities, conceived, built, and morphed by the residents. Together, they call themselves exChange co-op. As such, residents do not own/rent a specific place in the building, but rather have share in it. It allows them to combine and cross-share their individual spaces, overcoming the constraints of density in hundreds of unique ways to suits each resident’s unique personality.

Libra Dorm (Students’ Community)

The cheapest accommodations on the exCHANGE for all sorts of struggling students! Downsizing to half or even quarter module! Come and perform the students’ ancient balancing act: wild parties and ruthless study!

Price - $

Engine Heads (Mechanics’ Community)

Does your transport have a soul, a name, and you spent more time tinkering with it than you’re willing to admit? Did the cranes park something into your apartment and you have an engine on your kitchen counter? Perhaps it’s time to get a proper Air Garage and work in comfort among similarly-minded Engine Heads!

Price - $$$

Role Play Legion (Gaming Community)

Live-action Role Playing Games! Hand-crafted locations, detailed costumes, captivating quests, and complex characters – all built, stitched, written, and acted out by the participants! If you see an army of orcs marching around - don’t be alarmed, it’s us. Probably.

Sky Farm (Farming Community)

We are amateur farmers attempting to grow edible plants. We have our own tech sorcerers who help us with hydroponics, UV lights, and automation. Sometimes the results are tasty. Sometimes starvation is preferable. We have fun either way!

Price - $$

Crowns & Roots (Garden Community)

Come and be one with nature. Pitch a tent, stretch a hammock, or claim a bunk. Re-define the concept of apartment.

Price - $$$$

Urban Decathlon (Sports Center)

Huge milestone! We are now DECA! The swimming pool and the climbing wall are finally open! All communities at exCHANGE brought their gyms together to make it happen, so come enjoy our success! Stay healthy!

Price - $$