"Space is limited in Hong Kong. That is the fact."
Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated places in the world, with a high population density and limited living space. It also has a significant number of foreign domestic workers (FDWs), making it one of the highest densities of FDWs globally. Approximately 370,000 FDWs work in Hong Kong, accounting for 5% of the total population. Most FDWs come from the Philippines (48%) and Indonesia (49.4%), with smaller percentages from Thailand (1.3%).
Due to the extreme population density and limited space, FDWs often have to live in cramped quarters. The minimum household income required to hire an FDW is around 15,000 HKD, while the average dwelling size for a family is less than 56m². Rent for a single-bedded apartment near the city center is around 16,575 HKD. As a result, only two-thirds of the FDWs have suitable living quarters, and even small beds like those from IKEA may not fit in most maid's rooms.
Recognizing the struggle for space, a proposed solution is to design flatpack furniture that effectively utilizes the limited living space while providing multiple functions for FDWs. These furniture pieces would be designed as a storage cabinet that can expand into a table and a chair with hollowed sections for additional storage. The furniture is simple to assemble and made from durable and affordable chipboard material.
By maximizing and utilizing space through innovative furniture design, I aim to address the challenges FDWs face in Hong Kong. The proposed flatpack furniture offers practical solutions for storage and functionality within the constraints of limited living space.
