Architectural Case Studies
Recreates Hong Kong public housing and school premises in Minecraft.
This project presents case studies of selected Hong Kong public housing and school buildings, modeled in Minecraft to illustrate functionalist design and the building controls that shaped the city’s skyline. Each piece pairs a detailed diorama with a concise write‑up, making it ready for educational use and immersive learning. To reach a wider audience, the work was published on PlanetMinecraft (PMC), the largest Minecraft creative community.
TL;DR
Activities
Study flat sales brochures, floor plans and elevation plans
Analyse functionalist design philosophies and their evolutions in history
Create 3D models in Minecraft to practice the use of space, proportions and forms
Complete 3D models accurately even when the real objects were still under construction
Explore the development of public housing and school standards in Hong Kong
Compose articles and diagrams to present my findings and thoughts
Research Le Corbusier's theories and building controls with real-life examples
Experiment with different product presentation approaches
Publications
8 Public Housing Buildings (6 HOS, 2 PRH)
2 Standard School Premises
1 Public Library Building
Areas of Focus
Modular flat design
Site-specific design approach
Non-standard domestic blocks
Building controls, Planning standards
Flexi-school and Interlocking school standards
Home Ownership Scheme, Public Rental Housing
Achievements
Ranked 8th among 110 entries and 48 finalists in 2018 PMC Skyscraper Solo Contest
Received "neat+" commendations for product presentation from the contest judges
Featured on PMC’s Twitter, Minecraft: China Edition's blog, and several Minecraft forums
Referred to by the flat owners and architecture students
Among the most popular Hong Kong and educational maps on PMC
What activities did this project involve?
I studied flat sales brochures, floor plans, and elevation drawings, then practiced spatial reasoning by creating accurate 3D models in Minecraft. I researched the development of public housing and school standards in Hong Kong, connected functionalist theories and modern building controls to real examples, and presented findings through articles and diagrams.
What were released from this work?
I published a portfolio that includes eight public housing buildings (six Home Ownership Scheme and two Public Rental Housing), two standard school premises, and one public library building.
What topics does this project focus on?
My work focuses on modular flat design, site‑specific approaches, and non‑standard domestic blocks. I am interested in building controls and planning standards, flexi‑school and interlocking school typologies, and the policies behind the Home Ownership Scheme and Public Rental Housing.
What recognition did the project receive?
I ranked 8th among 110 entries and 48 finalists in the PMC Skyscraper Solo Contest, earning “neat+” commendations for presentation from the judges. The work was featured on PMC’s Twitter, Minecraft: China Edition's blog, and several Minecraft forums. It has been referenced by flat owners and architecture students, and ranks among the most popular Hong Kong and educational maps on PMC.
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