“Listening to the stories of subdivided units” - Lingnan scholars and artists collaborate in an exhibition showing the reality of grassroots living

The public consultation on the HKSAR Government’s proposal to introduce Basic Housing Units (BHUs) of no less than eight square metres (approximately 86 square feet) to replace subdivided units will be completed by the end of February. In an attempt to reduce the negative labels and stereotypes attached to the residents of subdivided units (SDU), Prof Ruby Lai Yuen-shan, Assistant Professor of the Department of Sociology and Social Policy at Lingnan University, joined forces with two Hong Kong artists, Ms Miu Law and Mr Victor Sham Chung-tat, in an interdisciplinary collaboration, and together they have curated the exhibition Listening to the Stories of 118.4 Square Feet, which highlights 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 their possessions, 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 metres, equivalent to 118.4 square feet. Prof Lai, who has been studying the lives of families living in subdivided units, has visited over 50 in the New Territories and Kowloon since 2021. Using qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews and direct contact with the residents, she has investigated the everyday life of residents and documented how they create homes in unsuitable housing with everyday objects and unpaid labour.

The exhibition, based on academic research, bridges the gap between academia and art, revealing the everyday lives of grassroots residents, and helping to attenuate the harsh stereotypes and labels associated with people living in these subdivided units. Prof Lai said “Building a home is a daily process. Transforming a cramped 118-square-foot space into a home is not easy for the 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 tours, inviting visitors to use smartphones to explore the everyday life of the Kwai Chung community as they listen to the stories of local residents.

Route 1: The Adventure of Little Tung

Join little Tung, an inquisitive little boy from Kwai Chung, as he introduces his friends and shows his secret hideouts. This route shows how many steps he 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 special 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, telling unusual stories and examining the various forms of city life.

Route 4: The Social Worker’s Afternoon

Accompany a social worker as she visits needy residents, finding her way through alleys and over rooftops and bridges to provide support. Listen to the different sounds of Kwai Chung on 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 pm (Closed on Mondays)

Venue: Common Lab, Bank Building, 47 G/F, Tai Loong Street, Kwai Chung, New Territories