In Zagreb for inaugural session of a fantastic new EUR2.4 million ERC research project on mass housing in ex-Yugoslavia - www.ipu.hr/article/hr/1... We've long known it was unique (DUSI, Split III, Novi Beograd, IMS etc), but now we'll find out exactly how, both in its architecture and governance...

Meanwhile new construction still continues apace: seen on an HK visit 3 weeks ago, site-specific 41-storey public rental housing at Tung Chung Areas 99-103 (designed by Housing Dept.) and 19-storey short-life modular 'light public housing' at Tuen Mun Area 54 (by govt. Architectural Services Dept.)

The ‘obvious’ Wang Fuk-Grenfell comparison a bit misleading: main issue here looks like dangerous site materials and contracting practices, not bad retrofit per se: more like Børsen or GSA 2018? Also governance issues: HOS retrofits overseen by ‘amateur’ Owners’ Committees, not by HD (unlike PRH).

In happier days - Flexi point blocks (similar to Wang Fuk) at Siu Hong Court, Tuen Mun Area 51, the largest HOS scheme - 1983 construction view showing mosaic-cladding and finishing, and 2013 mature landscaping view + detail of plaque commemorating 1985 opening by Chief Secretary Philip Haddon-Cave

This was Sui Wo Court (Sha Tin Area 42A HOS) back in April 2024 - and still today! And this is what it should be like......

Wang Fuk Court must surely be the end of bamboo scaffolding on housing. Flexi 2 HOS blocks intrinsically safe – only 8 flats/floor – but the scaffolding is like wrapping them in a ‘temporary Grenfell’! Big questions for HKSAR Buildings Dept. to answer (esp. with other live cases - eg Sui Wo Court)