MIT SA+P, in partnership with the MIT Hong Kong Innovation Node, is offering a virtual design course this winter and spring bringing students from Hong Kong and MIT together to address some of the challenges cities are facing now. The course is organised collaboratively and uniquely with students and MIT Industry partners, MIT Alumni/ae in Hong Kong and is open to a wide variety of students. MIT students will form groups with mentors from local Hong Kong universities and MIT Alumni
The course will be co-taught by Brent Ryan, Assoc Professor of Urban Design and Planning, and Sunnie Lau MArch ‘13 and Director of Smart City Research and Industry Collaboration at the MIT Hong Kong Innovation Node. Initial research led by Sunnie Lau, titled Kowloon East Inclusive Innovation and Growth, seeks to understand the gaps and identify opportunities in Kowloon East that foster inclusive economic growth. Kowloon East (Kwun Town District), Hong Kong’s poorest and most densely populated district, is currently undergoing a transition to become the second CBD. There are a set of socio-economic challenges faced by the underprivileged individuals during this urban regeneration process. How can we better drive collaboration among public, private and non-profit organizations to support equitable workforce and small business development efforts while promoting innovative solutions? See more about the research here.
The Innovation Node also presented the project at the Hong Kong Collateral Event at the 17th Venice Biennale International Architecture in a virtual and later physical venue. View the virtual exhibition here.