Geography- The problem of residential areas near industrial areas

First of all, where are the industrial areas in Hong Kong?

Before the mid-1970s:

Flatted factories in old urban areas, like To Kwa Wan, San Po Kong and Kwun Tong

Between the mid-1970s and 1990s:

Industrial estates on areas in new towns, like Yuen Long, Tuen Mun, Fanling, Tai Po, Fo Tan and Tseung Kwan O

Why are some residential areas close to industrial areas?

Residential areas are near industrial areas, mostly low-income residential areas. This situation is common in the old urban areas because:

  • It was easier for the factories to find enough workers by locating near the residential areas

  • When factory workers lived near industrial areas, they could save transport costs and time

  • Due to early development,urban planning was poor there.

In contrast, people with higher incomes can afford to live in places with better environments. Therefore, high-income residential areas are far away fromindustrial areas.

What is wrong with residential areas located near industrial areas?

When one type of land use has a bad effect on the land use nearby, it creates a land use conflict. It is common in areas of mixed land use in the old urban areas.

Problems caused:

  • Traffic congestion: many lorries often cause traffic congestion

  • Inconvenient transport

  • Noisy environment: noise and exhaust gases from the factories and cars

  • Dangerous environment: Factories nearby pose a high risk of fire

Examples about land use conflict.

  1. Funeral parlour or landfill near a public housing estate = bad luck

  2. When roads are close to residential blocks = noise and exhaust gases willaffect residents

  3. Car-reparing workshops and storage facilities in New Territories = may pollute farmland nearby

Study Plan: Learning about Industrial Areas in Hong Kong

Day 1: Introduction and Pre-1970s Industrial Areas

  • Read and understand the introduction to industrial areas in Hong Kong.

  • Focus on the flatted factories in old urban areas like To Kwa Wan, San Po Kong, and Kwun Tong.

  • Research the reasons behind locating factories near residential areas during this period.

  • Take notes on the advantages and disadvantages of this arrangement.

Day 2: Mid-1970s to 1990s Industrial Areas

  • Review the information on industrial estates in new towns such as Yuen Long, Tuen Mun, Fanling, Tai Po, Fo Tan, and Tseung Kwan O.

  • Understand the shift in location and reasons for establishing industrial estates in these areas.

  • Compare and contrast the characteristics of industrial areas in this period with the pre-1970s era.

  • Note any changes in the relationship between residential and industrial areas.

Day 3: Residential Areas near Industrial Areas

  • Explore the reasons why some residential areas are located close to industrial areas, particularly low-income residential areas.

  • Analyze the factors that made it beneficial for factories to be near residential areas.

  • Examine the impact of living near industrial areas on transportation, cost savings, and urban planning.

  • Investigate the differences between high-income residential areas and their distance from industrial areas.

Day 4: Issues with Residential Areas near Industrial Areas

  • Identify the problems that arise when residential areas are located near industrial areas.

  • Focus on common land use conflicts in old urban areas, including traffic congestion, inconvenient transport, noise pollution, and fire risks.

  • Understand the negative consequences of these conflicts on the quality of life for residents.

  • Consider specific examples of land use conflicts, such as funeral parlors or landfills near public housing estates, roads close to residential blocks, and car-repairing workshops near farmland.

Day 5: Recap and Review

  • Review all the key concepts and information learned throughout the study plan.

  • Summarize the main points related to industrial areas, residential areas, and land use conflicts in Hong Kong.

  • Create flashcards or study aids to reinforce the knowledge gained.

  • Test yourself by answering questions or discussing the topics with a study partner.

Note: It is important to allocate sufficient time for breaks, revision, and practice questions throughout the study plan to enhance understanding and retention of the material.