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The Paradox of Kowloon Walled City: Architectural Anomaly and Social Microcosm

Author

Listed:
  • Maryam AlSuwaidi

    (Department of Architecture and Urban Planning (DAUP), College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar)

  • Djamel Boussaa

    (Department of Architecture and Urban Planning (DAUP), College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar)

  • Raffaello Furlan

    (Department of Architecture and Urban Planning (DAUP), College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar)

  • Reem Awwaad

    (Department of Architecture and Urban Planning (DAUP), College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar)

Abstract

Kowloon Walled City (KWC), formerly the world’s most densely populated place, is an example of urban density and self-organization in opposition to current urban developments, such as NEOM’s The Line, which illustrates the future of envisioned sustainable living. The main research question addressed in this study is: How can principles of self-organization and resilience from densely populated historical urban areas be applied to enhance the sustainability and livability of future planned urban developments? This study investigates the critical components of urban livability and governance amid severe densities by examining the underlying factors that lead to KWC’s unique sort of urban equilibrium and comparing them to the ideas that motivated the creation of The Line. This multidisciplinary research employs qualitative analysis to focus on architectural styles, community interactions, and governance systems. This approach allows for an in-depth examination of the parallels and dissimilarities between natural city evolution and future city planning. Key findings reveal that KWC’s functioning stems from its complex social fabric and adaptable informal governance, providing valuable lessons in resilience and community-driven urban development. The results suggest that the flexibility and community-driven efforts of KWC are essential for ensuring long-term viability, and these aspects may be integrated into contemporary projects such as The Line. The outcomes highlight the potential of combining KWC’s social cohesiveness with The Line’s technology developments to create urban environments that are both robust and sustainable. The results are supported by evidence obtained from historical analysis, which showcases the practical uses of integrating organic and planned urban development concepts.

Suggested Citation

  • Maryam AlSuwaidi & Djamel Boussaa & Raffaello Furlan & Reem Awwaad, 2024. "The Paradox of Kowloon Walled City: Architectural Anomaly and Social Microcosm," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-29, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:15:p:6515-:d:1446154
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Boussaa, Djamel, 2015. "Urban regeneration, sustainability and urban heritage: A case study of Souk Waqif, Doha," Journal of Urban Regeneration and Renewal, Henry Stewart Publications, vol. 8(4), pages 389-400, June.
    2. Nadia Yusuf & Miltiadis D. Lytras, 2023. "Competitive Sustainability of Saudi Companies through Digitalization and the Circular Carbon Economy Model: A Bold Contribution to the Vision 2030 Agenda in Saudi Arabia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-20, February.
    3. Peter Brand & Julio D. Dávila, 2011. "Mobility innovation at the urban margins," City, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 15(6), pages 647-661, December.
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