Synopsis
Megalopolis is a densely populated urban region embracing one or more very large cities or metropolises. Megalopolis evokes daunting size, a vast scale of infrastructure, organization and governance of an unprecedented order. Academics, architects, planners, city developers and governance designers have explored the concept and the way in which accepted ideas of the city and urban hierarchy needs to be re-conceptualised for a well-balanced living environment in the future.
In today's context, with economic considerations to the fore, Megalopolis becomes manifest with the joining of a number of independent cities through fast transport and electronic systems. The successful linking and merging of such systems has sparked current concerns with the need to house an increasing proportion of the population who will be moving from the country side to the city to take advantage of employment and the convenience of urban living.
Were the concept of 'Megalopolis' to be considered in ancient times it would then be applicable to the ancient small townships that retained their identities as sub-centres within the larger town or city area. Each of these centres retained ancient landmarks and social institutions which helped to give the larger city points of reference and character. The definition of architecture was once the description of a piece of well considered building which, through its cultural context, gained a higher meaning. In the modern city and even more in the formation of Megalopolis, can we any longer separate out the idea of architecture from urbanism or from city planning? Is it not necessary to realize that the hierarchy in the city, from housing unit to building block, to neighbourhood, to city, to mega city forms a continuum: however to see these as separate challenges in design and organization is to start the process of alienation?
In Hong Kong we are fortunate that the development of our transport system and the introduction of transport nodes has helped us to understand the city's geography and varied character. We have increasingly come to recognize, that as urban regeneration takes place it becomes very important to strengthen local identity through improving the public realm and emphasis of local institutions. However large the city may be these principles must always apply. The challenge is always to focus upon the individual and his or her needs in the wider community.
Under the 12th Five-year Plan for China, Hong Kong will play a significant role in the development of the Pearl River Delta region. With the recent development of cross-boundary facilities and infra-structure, Hong Kong would be better connected with the Pearl River Delta and with the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Quality Lioing Area. The Hong Kong-Pearl River Delta region will surely develop into a Megalopolis in the 21st century.
The 55th Anniversary Conference will explore the development of Megalopolis and its components – the architecture with particular reference to Hong Kong and Pearl River Delta region and other similar developments in the world.
The Conference will be held on 5th November 2011 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre in Wanchai, Hong Kong. It will be followed by the 55th Anniversary Ball in the evening. The Chief Executive of the HKSAR Government, the Hon Sir Donald Tsang has agreed to officiate at the opening of the Conference and to deliver the opening address. The speakers invited are renowned architects, planners, academia, politicians and government officials from Hong Kong, Mainland China and overseas. Plenary sessions being considered at the moment will cover infra-structure, transport and the high-density cum high-rise development in Megalopolis. The Conference is expected to attract architects, legislators, government officials, developers, consultants, contractors and other stakeholders to attend.
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