Nikki Elim Ng

LISTEN UP: Hong Kong's Urban Rhythm

The ladies bargaining in the market, 

a taxi horn from the road, 

pedestrian lights beeping across the street, 

water dripping from the air conditioner above, 

construction noise from the next street, 

and my own hurried footsteps 

 — These are the sounds that define the melody of Hong Kong. 

Every moment I hear (passively) and listen (actively) as if I feel and experience my surroundings through my ears. In my mind, the sound of a thunderstorm paints a picture of a typhoon night in Hong Kong, while the muted sound of a bird chirping evokes memories of a morning walk under the cast shadows of tall trees. Sound depicts imagination.

What are ways to design architecture so that an experience intends to feed to the ears rather than the eyes? This thesis examines the interplay between urban soundscape and environmental perception in Victoria Park, Hong Kong. It aims to create an acoustic sequence and selectively activate sound filters to enhance one’s spatial perception through architectural design. How can the construction of architectural experience build upon attentive and involuntarily listening? Specifically, how does active listening to Hong Kong’s soundscape within a designed space heal and shape individuals? Healing involves immersing the mind in the natural soundscape to practice mindfulness.

Hong Kong’s sound is dynamic. It defines our spaces and public inclusivity. In a city, where different noises, music, and sounds collide, we share a layered soundscape with the public while still maintaining our individuality within that space. In a park, we hear birds in the distance, conveying an extension of space, even though that space cannot be reached by foot. Victoria park is a site that is surrounded by the ocean, birds, children, traffic and human conversations. Through design, architecture can orchestrate these sounds into a rhythm for specific purposes. 

Listen up! down, in and out. Listen to design rhythm and the urban soundscape.