Lingnan University scholars and artists collaborate to showcase the reality of grassroots living. (From right: Prof Ruby Lai Yuen-shan, Mr Victor Sham Chung-tat, and Ms Miu Law.)
The exhibition showcases the objects and belongings of SDU tenants, reflecting their everyday lives and domestic labour.
The exhibition also features four audio tours that explore the community landscape of the Kwai Chung district and highlight how the community has played a pivotal role in alleviating the consequences of housing inadequacy.
The public consultation on the HKSAR Government’s proposal to introduce “Basic Housing Units (BHUs)” of no less than 8 square meters (approximately 86 square feet) to replace subdivided units will be completed by the end of February. In an attempt to reduce negative labels and stereotypes surrounding the residents of subdivided units (SDU), Prof Ruby Lai Yuen-shan, Assistant Professor of the Department of Sociology and Social Policy at Lingnan University in Hong Kong, has partnered with two Hong Kong artists, Ms Miu Law and Mr Victor Sham Chung-tat, for an interdisciplinary collaboration. Together, they have curated the exhibition “Listening to the Stories of 118.4 Square Feet”, which highlights a selection of real-life stories from residents of subdivided units. Through installations and sound art, the exhibition invites the public to listen to the daily lives of these residents—how they transform their cramped living spaces into homes with “objects”, care for their loved ones, preserve memories, and ultimately create a sense of belonging.
According to the 2021 population census data from the Census and Statistics Department, the median floor area of a subdivided unit in Hong Kong is 11.0 square meters, equivalent to 118.4 square feet. Prof Lai, who has been studying the lives of families living in subdivided units, has visited over 50 subdivided units in the New Territories and Kowloon since 2021. Through qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews and direct interaction with the residents, she has explored the lived experiences of residents and documented how individuals build homes in unsuitable housing through the use of everyday objects and unpaid labour.
The exhibition is based on academic research and aims to bridge the gap between academia and art. Through sound art and installation displays, it reveals the everyday lives of grassroots residents, helping to alleviate stereotypes and labels associated with those living in subdivided units. Prof Ruby Lai Yuen-shan said, “Building a home is a daily process. Transforming a cramped 118-square-foot space into a home is not easy for subdivided unit residents. The hidden labour, memories, and self-awareness embedded in everyday objects reflect the intimate connections between people, space, home, labour, and policy.”
The exhibition features four audio-guided routes, inviting participants to use smartphones and explore the everyday life of the Kwai Chung community, listening to the stories of local residents.
Route 1: The Adventure of Little Tung
Join little Tung, a curious boy from Kwai Chung, as he introduces his friends and secret hideouts in the community. This route explores how many steps it takes to meet his best friend.
Route 2: Mei Kiu’s Mission
Follow Mei Kiu, a mother living in a subdivided unit, as she runs errands for her family. Along the way, she shares the unique secrets of mothers, navigating daily challenges that may seem simple but are far from it.
Route 3: A Youth’s Guide to Living in Industrial Buildings
A young person living in an industrial building in Kwai Chung shares a fresh perspective on life in the district, recounting unusual tales and examining the various forms of city life.
Route 4: The Social Worker’s Afternoon
Accompany a social worker as she visits residents in need, navigating through alleys, rooftops, and over bridges to provide support. Listen to the different sounds of Kwai Chung through her afternoon journey.
Exhibition: Listening to the Stories of 118.4 Square Feet (Free admission)
Dates: 1 - 16 February 2025
Opening Hours: 11:00 am - 6:00 am (Closed on Mondays)
Venue: Common Lab, Bank Building, 47 G/F, Tai Loong Street, Kwai Chung, New Territories
