The Housing Bureau and the Housing Authority (HA) today announced the launch of a resident-oriented “Well-being design” guide that will serve as a source of reference in the future design of new public housing estates and improvement works at existing estates.

Design suggestions include providing a leaning bench in elevators and adding jogging tracks and fitness equipment in public housing estates. 

The bureau outlined that the guide consists of eight booklets, covering eight well-being concepts, namely “Health & Vitality”, “Green Living and Sustainability”, “Age-Friendliness”, “Intergenerational & Inclusive Living”, “Family & Community Connection”, “Urban Integration”, “Upward Mobility” and “Perception & Image”. It also includes a section with guidelines on use of space.

The guide provides detailed interpretations of the eight concepts, and offers more than 50 well-being strategies and more than 170 design suggestions derived from them, the bureau added.

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho introduced the guide at a media briefing today. She remarked that it integrates the HA’s building and management experience from the past 50 years.

Views and creative ideas from various sectors were collected in collaboration with a cross-professional team of consultants that included experts in architecture, planning, landscaping, management, nursing, and social services.

The team also conducted research in 26 housing estates and collected first-hand opinions from over 3,000 residents.

Multiple models were displayed at the briefing to demonstrate the practical suggestions contained in the guide. These include the addition of handrails and hanging hooks next to mailboxes, and the provision of seats and handrails of various heights in lobbies.

Other models demonstrated how jogging tracks, fitness equipment, playground, lawns and benches can be flexibly arranged in housing estates, and how improved auxiliary services at parking facilities can enhance mobility.

To promote the guide’s well-being concepts and strengthen cohesion in the community, the bureau and the HA will hold a “WELL•BEING Estate Festival” from September 7 to 15. The programme will include cycling tours, community art jamming and symposiums.

The full “Well-being design” guide will be introduced at a symposium on September 12.