Mojo
Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. With its iconic skyline, bustling streets, and global economic significance, it is often viewed as a beacon of prosperity and modernity. Yet, beneath the surface of its gleaming skyscrapers and affluent neighbourhoods lies a stark reality faced by many of its residents: coffin-sized apartments.
Video Credit To: https://www.youtube.com/@drewbinsky
These living spaces, often referred to as “coffin homes” or “cage homes,” epitomise the housing crisis gripping Hong Kong. They are a striking symbol of the city’s extreme inequality, where exorbitant housing prices force many to live in spaces smaller than a car parking spot. These apartments, typically measuring between 15 and 50 square feet, reveal a grim side of urbanisation, where individuals trade dignity for survival in one of the most expensive real estate markets in the world.
The Origins of Coffin-Sized Apartments
The phenomenon of coffin-sized apartments emerged from Hong Kong’s unique history and its ever-increasing demand for housing. As a British colony, the city saw a massive influx of refugees fleeing mainland China in the mid-20th century. Rapid urbanisation and a burgeoning population placed immense pressure on the city’s limited land resources.
Post-handover in 1997, Hong Kong continued to attract businesses and workers, further exacerbating the housing shortage. Government land policies, which restricted the availability of new land for development, coupled with speculative property investment, sent housing prices soaring. By 2023, the city’s median home price was nearly 20 times the median annual household income, making it one of the least affordable housing markets globally.
For those unable to afford even modest accommodations, coffin-sized apartments became a grim alternative. These micro-dwellings often occupy subdivided flats in older tenement buildings, where landlords maximise profits by partitioning rooms into tiny cubicles. While these spaces are technically illegal under local building codes, enforcement is often lax, leaving thousands to live in such conditions.
Life Inside a Coffin Home
To step into a coffin-sized apartment is to enter a world of extreme minimalism, but not by choice. Each “unit” typically consists of a narrow bed surrounded by walls or metal mesh, leaving just enough room for the occupant to lie down. Personal belongings are stacked precariously, while cooking, bathing, and toilet facilities are often shared with dozens of other tenants.
Many of these spaces lack proper ventilation or natural light, creating a stifling environment. The smell of damp clothes, cooking odours, and unclean facilities permeates the air, and the constant proximity to neighbours leaves little room for privacy or peace.
For families, the situation is even more harrowing. It is not uncommon for an entire household to live in a space meant for a single person. Parents and children share cramped quarters, where daily life revolves around managing the bare essentials. Children study on makeshift desks or their beds, while parents juggle work and household chores within the same confined area.
The Human Cost
The physical and mental toll of living in coffin-sized apartments is profound. Residents often suffer from respiratory issues due to poor air quality and damp conditions. The lack of space for physical activity exacerbates health problems, while constant stress and overcrowding contribute to mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression.
Moreover, these living conditions foster a deep sense of social stigma. Many residents feel shame about their circumstances, isolating themselves from friends and family. The young and elderly are particularly vulnerable, with the former seeing their aspirations stifled and the latter left to live out their twilight years in undignified conditions.
The Underlying Issues
Hong Kong’s coffin-sized apartments are not merely a product of high property prices; they are a manifestation of systemic inequality. The wealth gap in Hong Kong is among the widest in the developed world. While the city boasts a significant number of billionaires, a large segment of the population struggles to make ends meet.
Government policies, though well-intentioned, have often fallen short in addressing the root causes of the housing crisis. Public housing schemes, which accommodate nearly half the population, are plagued by long waiting times, with some families waiting over five years for allocation. Meanwhile, private developers continue to prioritise luxury housing projects, catering to the affluent and neglecting the needs of the working class.
Grassroots Advocacy and Government Response
Amidst this bleak scenario, advocacy groups and NGOs have been working tirelessly to highlight the plight of coffin home residents. Organisations such as the Society for Community Organisation (SoCO) have been instrumental in documenting living conditions and pushing for policy changes. Their photographs and campaigns have brought international attention to the issue, sparking debates on housing justice.
In response, the Hong Kong government has introduced measures to tackle the crisis, including plans to build more public housing and develop land reserves. Initiatives such as transitional housing, which provides temporary accommodation for those awaiting public housing, have shown promise. However, critics argue that these efforts are insufficient, given the scale and urgency of the problem.
Innovative Solutions
To address the housing crisis, architects and urban planners have proposed innovative solutions that balance affordability with dignity. For instance, modular housing units made from shipping containers or prefabricated materials offer a quicker, cost-effective alternative to traditional construction. Projects like the “Nano Flats” concept aim to maximise space efficiency while maintaining a semblance of comfort.
Another approach involves repurposing underutilised spaces, such as vacant industrial buildings or rooftops, for residential use. While these solutions are not without challenges, they represent a step forward in rethinking urban living for a densely populated city.
The Broader Implications
The issue of coffin-sized apartments extends beyond Hong Kong, serving as a cautionary tale for other global cities grappling with housing crises. As urban populations swell, the need for affordable housing solutions becomes increasingly urgent. The rise of micro-apartments in cities like New York, Tokyo, and London underscores the universality of this challenge.
At its core, the debate over coffin homes is about more than just housing; it is about the right to live with dignity. It raises pressing questions about urban planning, economic priorities, and the moral obligations of governments and societies.
Conclusion
The coffin-sized apartments of Hong Kong are a stark reminder of the human cost of unchecked urbanisation and economic disparity. They highlight the urgent need for comprehensive housing reform that prioritises the well-being of all citizens, not just the affluent few.
While solutions are complex and multifaceted, the first step lies in acknowledging the humanity of those living in these conditions. By shining a light on their struggles, society can begin to address the systemic issues that perpetuate such extreme inequality. For the thousands who call these cramped spaces home, the hope is that change will come before another generation grows up without knowing the simple luxury of space to breathe.
