Prof. MO, Kar Him (毛家謙)
Assistant Professor
PhD (CUHK)
MArch (CUHK)
BSSc (AS) (1st Hons) (CUHK)
3943 6193
khmo@cuhk.edu.hk
Introduction
Mo Kar Him is an urbanist focusing on participatory design process in his teaching, research and design practice. With a profound interest in the production of space in contemporary society, his doctoral dissertation unfolded the historical dynamics of urban development, private patronage and public/private interests through archival research on one of the city’s key urban actors – Hongkong Land. The urban manifestation of corporates’ ideal has been further explored by Mo in a different theoretical context, which has led to his investigation in participatory design celebrating individuals’ imagination, ownership of and right to the city.
Prior to joining CUHK, Mo led a number of consultancy projects related to public policy review, through which he developed his expertise in sustainable development. These experiences have led to his research on the relationship between health and wellbeing and the built environment, with a specific focus on ageing society. With the goal to foster equitable healthy design, Mo’s works aim to bridge the academia, architecture and urban design professions, and the public at large through community empowerment and social innovation.
Besides academic research, Mo is actively involved in curatorial and arts events, with works exhibited at the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture (2010, 2019), Architecture is Art Festival (2011), ArtAlive@Park (2012) and Reveal-HKIA@Artistree (2013).
Research Interests
- Participatory Design
- Health and Wellbeing in the Built Environment
- Design for Ageing
- Contemporary Urban History
Publications
Mo, K.H. (2017). “Profit, Virtue and Megaform: Hongkong Land’s Building Activities in Central District, 1889 – 1983”. Ph.D. dissertation. The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Retrieved from http://repository.lib.cuhk.edu.hk/en/item/cuhk-1587286
Savela, M. & Mo, K.H. (2015). “The Babel Project: Towards an Urban Education Startup” in Urban Pamphleteer 5, 25-27.
Chang P.H. & Mo, K.H. (2015).“The Cultural Landscape of Aging Community(長者社群.人文景觀)” in Hong Kong Economic Journal. Retrieved from http://www1.hkej.com/dailynews/commentary/article/1049143
Savela, M. & Mo, K.H. (2014). “Tin Shui Wai Game Lab: Introduction to Visualizing Urbanism & Urban Design”. MSc Urban Design, CUHK. Retrieved from https://issuu.com/mscudxcuhk/docs/tswgamelab2014_mscudxcuhk
Savela, M., Mo, K.H. & Yuen M.S. (2013). “Mapping the City: Introduction to Visualizing Urbanism & Urban Design”. MSc Urban Design, CUHK. Retrieved from https://issuu.com/mscudxcuhk/docs/mappingthecity_2013_mscudxcuhk
Mo, K.H. (2014) “Chaozhou” in Kowloon Cultural District: An Investigation into Spatial Capabilities in Hong Kong, ed. Lorenz, E., & Li, S., 193-198.
Mo, K.H. (2011). “New Monumentality: Architecture of Money”. MArch thesis. The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Retrieved from http://repository.lib.cuhk.edu.hk/en/item/cuhk-327272
Research Projects
Research on Play Space Consultancy Services for Open Space at Eastern Street North, Sai Ying Pun, 2020-2025, in collaboration with OneBite Design Studio, for Architectural Services Department, HKSAR (as Collaborator)
Prototype of Training & Empowerment Programme for Promoting Elderly Wellbeing in Built Environment, 2020-2021, administrated under HKCSS and funded by Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund (as PI)
Sustainable Communities Lab for People’s Multifaceted Well-being, 2020-2021, Knowledge Transfer Project (KPF20SCP11), funded by Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund (as Co-Leader)
Urban Design Lab @ Via North Point – Formulation of Urban Charter for North Point District, 2020-2021, in collaboration with Hong Kong Arts Centre, funded by Urban Renewal Fund under the Urban Renewal Heritage Preservation and District Revitalisation Funding Scheme (as PI)
Study of Residential Design Guide for Healthy Ageing in Hong Kong (open-source), 2019-2024, in collaboration with CUHK Jockey Club Institute of Ageing, funded by Chinachem Group (as Co-PI)
Empowerment Research Project Fostering Elderly Wellbeing in Built Environment of Hong Kong, 2019-2020, Knowledge Transfer Project (KPF19SEF25), funded by Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund (as Co-Leader)
A Multi-dimensional “Point-Line-Plane” Approach to Industrial Heritage Conservation in Hong Kong: A Case Study of Ma On Shan (MOS) Iron Mine, 2018-2020, Thematic Research on Built Heritage Conservation, funded by Built Heritage Conservation Fund, Development Bureau, HKSAR (as Co-I)
Advised Theses
CHAN Cheuk Man, Miranda, “Dynamics between Perceptions, Spatial Behaviours and Well-being: A Study of Urban Parks as Social Space to Promote Social Well-being of Children in Hong Kong,” 2019-20 (Capstone Thesis, Urban Studies Programme)
MA Cheuk Long, Thomas, “Design of a Digital Platform to Promote Community Inclusion,” 2019-20 (Capstone Project, Urban Studies Programme)
TANG Sung Him, Owen, “Can You Take Your Emotions Out for a Walk? A Study of Walkability and Psychological Well-being in Shatin,” 2019-20 (Capstone Thesis, Co-supervised with Prof. Sylvia He, Urban Studies Programme)
Honours and Recognitions
“Project Hap Sap”, The Second Silver Innovators’ Competition, The Hong Kong Council of Social Service, 2019-20 – Prototype Awardee
ICS Mok Hing Cheong Postgraduate Scholarship, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2016-17
M+ Design Trust Research Fellowship, 2015-16 – Shortlist
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme, Research Grants Council of Hong Kong, 2012-2016
HKIA Student Medal 2011, The Hong Kong Institute of Architects
RIBA President’s Medals (Silver Medal) 2011, The Royal Institute of British Architects – Shortlist
DLN Award, School of Architecture, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2010-2011
Wong Tung & Partners Scholarship, School of Architecture, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2010-2011