Do you know that Hong Kong is a city in possession of the largest proportion of country parks in the world?  In view of Hong Kong’s severe housing problems and the great demand for ‘boarding’ the first flat purchase, it is about time to review Hong Kong’s land uses, including the country parks, and to re-think and re-invent the extreme density of the city.

The success of Hong Kong is, undoubtedly, a legend. Despite the fragmented and hilly landscape, limited natural resources and a very high population density, Hong Kong has managed to become one of the most livable cities in the world and a renowned metropolis in the region. This relies heavily on its smart citizens, designers, professionals and practitioners in the building and real estate industry. Equipped with fast, efficient and flexible abilities, Hong Kongers are very good at “improvising” according to the actual situations and constraints. These wisdom, experience and culture, collectively named as “City Smarts”, may point ways to solve some of the current problems, and help Hong Kong to become a more appreciative, positive and inclusive society. These “City Smarts” may also be shared with other cities facing similar challenges of land shortage while striving to achieve quality living and high environmental sustainability.

For this Biennale, we, again, demonstrate, Hong Kong people’s ability to improvise. The curation started in April 2017 from confirming the theme, finding the venues, co-curators and exhibits, doing the design to completing the installation. In a very short time, we have managed to create “an augmented city gallery” from many highly accessible and yet not-well-utilized urban frontages and spaces, and connecting them with technology. Through this, we hope to bring the exhibition to the people and re-awakening Hong Kong people’s improvising ability and pride of the city.