In common with many other cities in the world, Hong Kong has a large number of older and less well‐maintained buildings which, for predominantly economic reasons, are still highly utilised by a variety of mixed and non‐compatible uses. In these circumstances, a comprehensive approach to...

Purpose – The paper examines the operation of the Land (compulsory sale for redevelopment) Ordinance, one of a series of urban renewal policy initiatives introduced by the Hong Kong Government. The new institutional arrangement was mooted as a means to facilitate greater private sector...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore two of the paradoxes arising from different views about resource limits and sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach – The paper identifies the implications for property rights and public participation in environmental decisions....

Purpose – To examine political and economic institutional constraints that can facilitate or impede the implementation of sustainable development policies in urban areas. Design/methodology/approach – A case study of Santa Monica, California is sued to examine the practical limitations of...

Purpose – There has been a growing public concern over the importance of building management in apartment buildings. However, people's views toward the effects of building management on building performance have long been divergent due to a lack of empirical study. This study aims to...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to trace the heavy reliance of coal as an energy source in the city of Chongqing and the serious impact this has had on the air quality together with the municipal authority's responses. Design/methodology/approach – It provides a factual description of...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to trace the connection between China's growth and urbanization processes and the amount of building space that is being constructed. Design/methodology/approach – Buildings consume energy and are not always built with subsequent efficient use of energy...

Risk and uncertainty are part of the everyday operating environment for all organisations. Occasionally the risks may be sufficient to generate a crisis which, if left unattended, can become a disaster. The key person in an organisation who is often charged with the responsibility of recovering...

Hong Kong is a wealthy part of China, home to some of the tallest buildings, on some of the most expensive real estate in the world. Yet the living and working conditions of its residents are a cause for concern following a spate of fires and falling debris from poorly maintained blocks of...