The work seeks to reconsider aspects of high density in urban architecture, exemplified in a site in Hong Kong, where currently urban housing, temple, commercial, office and other structures coexist. While a very high density of urban housing is in place, it does not consider qualities of living such as natural light and view in the apartment layouts. In addition to qualities directly related to living, the thesis also seeks to engage a notion of identity and individuality which is often absent in high density projects. The stereotypical image of mediocre high-density environments is a relentless repetition of stacked units which accommodates only very basic human needs of cooking and sleeping but does not offer high quality urban spaces where people can expand their otherwise tight dwelling.

The investigation seeks to recognize the particularities of the Hong Kong site, including a temple complex which offers itself as a unique and peaceful moment, contrary to the hustle and bustle of the city. The relationship between dwellings and temple is a point of departure which architecturally expresses a deep respect for culture and context of Hong Kong.

A good architectural density in this sense is a composite of diverse function and spaces that offer opportunities of activities that together form a sense of place.