Kowloon Walled City

[Twitchy]

This is kind of a strange message, but I've found myself becoming fascinated with this place. It served as inspiration for quite a few science fiction books and films, and even looked like something you'd find in the background of Blade Runner.
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After World War II, the original Walled City fort became home to roughly 2,000 squatters. After being unable to drive them out, the Chinese and British goverment gave up and allowed the city to prosper without government enforcement of any kind.

Over the decades, structures were built on top of one another in a complicated labyrinth of tenements and staircases. With no architectural plan, few areas ended up with utilities or proper sanitation. Eventually natural light was almost completely blotted out, aside from a few rooftop areas where children could play. It has been said that you could walk across the rooftops from one end to another.

Since there was no government control, the city became a haven for crime. Prostitution, gambling and drugs became important sources of income, largely controlled by the Triads.

In 1987, it was reported that roughly 33,000 people lived in the walled city (within 6.5 acres) and in 1993 the Hong Kong government finally decided to demolish it. After an extensive eviction process, the demolition was completed in 1994. A park now stands in it's place.

Anyone have more information on this? If so, I'd be interested in hearing it.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kowloon_Walled_City

http://www.archidose.org/KWC/

 

[Badjedidude]

Weird...I've never heard of that.

The only thing that comes close is those underground squatters in some U.S. cities in California...they live in the extensive underground tunnels, thousands of them...and build a huge network of housing. I seem to remember a recent documentary on the subject, but I can't remember what it was called, nor what channel it was on.

----Steve

 

[Ravager1663]

This is awesome. It's almost a shame that they demolished it as it would have been very cool to see.

 

[yesm]

sounds like a place i would have liked to escaped too...

 

[Zak]

Oh yes, I did this as part of my presentation for tourism, history of that place as well. Pretty fascinating. Only thing I can relate to is, I guess something similar was shown in bloodsport. The place where the fights take place.

 

[owaispoul]

Kowloon Walled City, never heard about it. Would have been a place to visit and see for yourself the unplanned architecture. As of now the park stands providing some space for the people. Thanks for providing some information on this unusual place.