In a city as fast-paced and densely populated as Hong Kong, the pursuit of happiness can often feel elusive. However, under the direction of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, a new focus on well-being in public housing developments aims to bring contentment within reach for more residents. Through a series of innovative design guidelines and programs, the government is taking concrete steps to improve the quality of life for the city’s public housing tenants.

One of the key initiatives is the newly launched “well-being design” guide from the Housing Bureau. This comprehensive set of guidelines integrates eight fundamental principles: health and vitality, green living and sustainability, age-friendliness, intergenerational and inclusive living, family and community connection, urban integration, upward mobility, and perception and image. Together, these concepts aim to elevate public housing from merely functional shelters to vibrant, people-centered communities.

With over 50 strategies and 170 specific recommendations, ranging from the addition of greenery and community spaces to the installation of more functional seating and accessibility features, the guide emphasizes creating environments that foster social interaction and inclusivity. The introduction of small yet meaningful improvements — like placing benches in elevators and adding hooks near mailboxes — signals a thoughtful, human-centered approach to urban design that prioritizes well-being.

This marks a notable shift in Hong Kong’s public housing policy, where quality of life and community bonds are becoming essential parts of urban planning. While these new measures may not immediately solve all the challenges that residents face, they demonstrate a growing recognition by the government that housing must address more than just physical shelter. It must also nurture social connectivity and enhance overall happiness.

The drive to enhance well-being in public housing is not simply theoretical. Over the past year, the government consulted nearly 3,000 residents across 26 public housing estates, incorporating their feedback into the design guide. This collaborative approach is aimed at ensuring that the improvements truly meet the needs of the community.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has repeatedly expressed his desire for government policies that create a tangible sense of well-being among the people. The Housing Bureau’s well-being guide appears to be an answer to that call, providing a framework for future developments that place residents and happiness at the forefront of decision-making.

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin has emphasized that future public housing estates will adhere to these guidelines. Design consultants bidding for renovation projects will also be encouraged to incorporate the well-being principles, with additional points awarded during the tendering process for those who prioritize these elements.

The journey toward a happier Hong Kong has begun, and if the government remains committed to these principles, it could pave the way for a more content and connected city in the years to come

While these plans are ambitious and forward-thinking, they raise the question of how well they will be executed. Hong Kong has seen well-intentioned projects falter in the past, with the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal being a notable example. Despite its modern design and strategic location, poor planning around transportation options left visitors stranded — a reminder that well-being extends beyond aesthetic upgrades and must consider functionality and urban connectivity.

Urban connectivity remains a key concern, particularly for residents of public housing located in more remote areas. The recent Light Public Housing projects, designed as temporary homes for applicants waiting for permanent public rental housing units, have faced criticism for their isolated locations.Without adequate transport links, these projects risk creating the same kinds of socioeconomic disadvantages that have historically plagued districts like Tin Shui Wai.

The well-being guide acknowledges this challenge by emphasizing the importance of integrating housing developments with the city’s transport networks. After all, living well also means being able to travel easily to work, school or leisure activities — a critical aspect of quality of life in Hong Kong.

In addition to connectivity, the issue of space remains a persistent challenge. Many public housing residents, when interviewed, expressed a simple wish for larger living areas. At present, the minimum size of subsidized housing units is 26 square meters (280 square feet). This is significantly smaller than the living spaces found in cities like Singapore and Shanghai, where the average living area per person exceeds 300 square feet.

While the government has promised that no new public housing units will fall below this minimum size after 2026, the demand for more spacious homes is a constant refrain among residents. In response, the Housing Bureau has reserved a 10 percent increase in living space for future public housing projects in locations like the Northern Metropolis, in a bid to address these concerns.

Beyond addressing issues of space and transport, the well-being design guide places a strong emphasis on creating community. Public housing estates will feature more communal spaces, designed to encourage social interaction and strengthen neighborhood bonds. The concept of “intergenerational integration” is also central to the new guidelines, promoting the idea that young and old residents should have opportunities to interact and support each other.

For elderly residents in particular, these efforts are crucial. Many seniors living in public housing have experienced increasing isolation as family members emigrate or work long hours. Creating spaces where older residents can gather and engage with others is an important step in tackling loneliness, a growing concern in Hong Kong’s aging population.

Pilot projects in five older public housing estates are already underway to test the effectiveness of the well-being guidelines.These estates will receive significant renovations based on the principles outlined in the guide, with completion expected by 2027. The success of these pilot projects will likely determine the extent to which these design principles are implemented in other areas.

Hong Kong’s renewed focus on well-being is a promising shift in its approach to housing policy. Rather than simply constructing more homes to meet growing demand, the government is taking steps to ensure that these homes foster happiness, community and social connection. This holistic approach, if executed well, could reshape public housing estates into vibrant, inclusive environments where residents of all ages and backgrounds can thrive.

However, the success of these initiatives will ultimately depend on how well the government can balance ambition with practicality. While the well-being design guide sets out an admirable vision, the real challenge will be in the details — ensuring that these plans are translated into meaningful, lasting improvements for residents.

As the city continues to grow and evolve, the emphasis on well-being in public housing signals a broader commitment to creating a livable, sustainable future for all. It’s a bold vision, one that reflects the city’s ongoing efforts to adapt to the needs of its residents in an increasingly complex urban landscape. The journey toward a happier Hong Kong has begun, and if the government remains committed to these principles, it could pave the way for a more content and connected city in the years to come.

The author is chairman of the Asia MarTech Society and sits on the advisory boards of several professional organizations, including two universities.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.