Formation of urban cultural images: Wing Lee Street in Hong Kong

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the cultural images of an urban quarter have been formulated by analyzing the Wing Lee Street (WLS) case in Hong Kong. This study aims to fill the gap in knowledge, which is predominantly associated with the effects of cultural policies on the production of attractive urban images, but has overlooked the social and ideological constructions placed on such imagery by the people viewing them.

Design/methodology/approach

In accordance with the study’s purpose, these images have been taken to have been formulated, thanks to the participation of different social forces that act based on their own respective interests.

Findings

This research has identified four social parties involved in the WLS project: the Urban Renewal Authority, which is a self-financed public corporation; local residents; nonprofit cultural organizations concerned with cultural continuity; and community interests, and artists and the media.

Originality/value

This study reveals the collisions, constraints and influences that result from these social forces’ interactions with one another, and how these have shaped the cultural image of WLS. Finally, this research presents the five dimensions of the cultural image of WLS.

Citation

Cheung, W.T. and Zheng, J. (2018), "Formation of urban cultural images: Wing Lee Street in Hong Kong", Asian Education and Development Studies, Vol. 7 No. 1, pp. 102-117. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEDS-04-2016-0028