The project kicks off with desktop research, several site visits and expert consultations.
Our research focused on understanding 6 aspects of the region and the 9 villages - natural landscape, cultural heritage, demography, transportation and infrastructures, land use, and industrial development.
Case studies
We completed 14 global case studies and policy reviews from 6 continents. The case studies are categorized into 10 conceptual models featuring various inspiring strategies for rural development, including the agri-production model in Kamikatsu, Japan, and the digital nomad models in Ireland and Italy. We also reviewed Hong Kong development policies, natural conservation goals and 3 other local village revitalization projects. Head to Our Vision page to read our case studies booklet!
On-site geo-referenced data documentation
On 3 October 2021, our research team and other helpers were divided into 3 groups, each visiting 3 villages (So Lo Pun, Kuk Po and Fung Hang; Lai Chi Wo, Mui Tsz Lam and Kop Tong; Siu Tan, Sam A Tsuen and Ngau Shi Wu). Each researcher was given a set of physical maps, a data collection guide, a questionnaire for passers-by and an offline map on the mobile ArcGIS Collector. Most routes are quite challenging, but we managed to record and pinpoint locations related to the current socio-economic, environmental and infrastructural conditions of the villages.
We later went back to the villages for a few more visits, and we were grateful to be accompanied by several villagers to guide us around their home communities.
Baseline research and expert consultations
Apart from site visits, it was important to understand the historical and ecological values, as well as the spatial and institutional arrangement of the villages. We researched existing academic literature and historical databases, and consulted with ecological and cultural specialists to help us evaluate key assets and planning directions for the region.
These datasets were important inputs within our comprehensive assessment, and serve to this day as the basis for our regional and village revitalisation proposal.
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