Prof. Edward Ng, professor in the Department of Architecture of The Chinese University, has been awarded a research contract of HK$ 9 million by the Planning Department of the HKSAR. The three-year project, entitled 'Urban Climatic Map and Standards for Wind Environment – Feasibility Study', is a follow-up to Ng's 'Feasibility Study for the Establishment of Air Ventilation Assessment Systems' of 2003. The air ventilation study has also won this year's Professional Green Building Council (PGBC) Grand Award – Research and Planning Studies Category.
Following the SARS outbreak of 2003, there is a growing realization in Hong Kong of the urgent need for a healthy living environment. The Planning Department of the HKSAR Government commissioned Prof. Edward Ng to conduct a 'Feasibility Study for the Establishment of Air Ventilation Assessment Systems'. The study addresses the territory's high-density urban development from the perspectives of overall urban planning and building design.
Completed in 2005, the study was very well received by the professional and the scholarly communities, winning the Hong Kong Institute of Architects Research Award 2005, in addition to the first ever PGBC Award in 2006. The PGBC award is set up by the Professional Green Buildings Council to give recognition to building-related/research projects with outstanding contributions in sustainability; and to encourage adoption of sustainable planning, design, construction, maintenance and renovation of buildings. It comprises the four categories of new building, planning/research, existing building, newly renovated building. There are one grand award and merit awards for each category.
More importantly, the study led to the issuance of a Joint Bureau Technical Circular by the Housing, Planning and Lands Bureau and the Environment, Transport and Works Bureau. Its recommendations have also been incorporated into Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG), to provide guidelines and assessment systems for improving air ventilation in the territory.
Prof. Ng said, 'I feel honoured that my study is being recognized. It is proof of the importance of academic research and a perfect example that it can contribute to the daily lives of people'.
The issue of large, bulky buildings blocking the wind's path into our urban centres has raised much concern. Hong Kong's urbanites desire a better ventilated and more spacious city. Hence the Planning Department commissioned Prof. Ng to launch 'Urban Climatic Map and Standards for Wind Environment – Feasibility Study'.
The project aims at, first, creating an urban climatic map of Hong Kong so that planning and designs of our built environment can be more strategically focused and guided; and, second, to conduct tests, surveys and field measurements in order to set up a wind and air ventilation standard for Hong Kong so future developments can be more objectively and precisely evaluated.
Prof. Ng said, 'The study is original and unprecedented in the world. Typically scientists study strong wind issues. Hong Kong has weak wind but a high-density living environment. This means we have to tackle the problem from its base and its fundamental principles. When the study is completed, Hong Kong will lead the world in terms of urban weak wind studies and policies. The findings will not only benefit Hong Kong, we will also take the opportunity to establish an international focus group to advance the related research.'