The Catalytic Escalators of Hong Kong

Abstract

The Central Mid-Level Escalators in Hong Kong’s Central and Western Neighborhoods are the result of a highly dense urban fabric, a population that needs to move throughout the city, and topography that makes this movement difficult. The escalators facilitate the continuous and fluid movement of people through a city that has become a rich and vibrant urban metropolis. The resulting escalator corridor has provided unique connections and enlivened the urban environment at multiple levels, creating a street that flows in and out of Hong Kong’s buildings. The diverse building makeups, parks that provide small moments of relief, and the ocean and forest as visual breaks further allow for an increased density while also providing a diverse and exciting urban context. This case study and accompanying illustrations show a few of the diverse moments along the path, and some of the lessons that can be learned from this successful infrastructural intervention.