The Politics of Public Space

During last year’s Occupy movement, the “reclamation” of Civic Square and the tents, study areas, libraries and art in the occupied sites of Admiralty, Mong Kok and Causeway Bay showed how collective actions could take place within public spaces. While the government tightens restrictions on the use of public space, it seems the public is awakened to the idea of public space as a place to express ideas.

The Public Private Paradox

A policy to integrate public spaces into private developments was first introduced in the 1980s in order to improve urban land use. But some privately owned public spaces are not user-friendly at all. Varsity visited some open spaces in heritage buildings and a private residential estate to take a look at some of the issues and problems.

Street life or street obstruction?

The government is proposing to tighten laws on street obstruction, but critics of the plan say the authorities should accommodate local features. Varsity visits black spots for street obstruction at Mong Kok’s flower market, Temple Street and Tai Ping Shan Street.

March 2015 – Civic Awakening

The 79 day occupation of sites in Admiralty, Mong Kok and Causeway Bay ended without protesters winning any concessions from the government on their...

Youth March to the Polls

The Occupy Movement was a large-scale civic awakening for Hong Kong young's people. In the post-Occupy era, they are seeking ways to preserve the spirit of the movement and spread the concept of democracy to local communities. Some of them consider joining the District Council elections later this year as a way to change the established system.

Stars Take a Stand

Some local stars, notably singers Denise Ho and Anthony Wong took a high profile stance in support of the Umbrella Movement. Varsity looks at the price celebrities may have to pay by supporting political causes, not just in Hong Kong but in the increasingly lucrative mainland market.

Professionals Get Political

With stable jobs and incomes, professionals tend to keep quiet when it comes to politics. But in recent years, more professionals have been willing to speak out to safeguard the city’s core values. Some pan-democratic professionals have set up new platforms to gather like-minded peers to advocate for democracy within their sectors.

December 2014 – Information to opinion

We live in a world full of information and we have never had so many channels through which to receive that information. In this...

Open Information, Open Minds?

Does free information flow change political opinions of Mainlanders in Hong Kong? by Yan Li & Brian Wong Hui Kei, a 29-year-old freelance writer from Zhejiang...

The Shifting Middle

Opinion polls consistently show that support for the Umbrella Movement is highest among young people who are more likely to get their news and information from social media. But what about older people? Varsity talks to some parents and working people about their views on the movement and how they get informed about it.