The effects of building regulations control on the design of private residential buildings

The main theme of research is to investigate if design is a physical manifestation of building regulations with focus on private residential buildings. In a high density environment, economy drives the developer for maximization of profit and therefore maximum development in a project so that utmost tolerance in the development control to permit the best quantity of 'developable space' is persuited. Quality of life and environmental concern have become second rated issues not to mention sustainability. However, the key controlling factor affecting development is identified as 'developable space'. As a proposal, by re-defining the 'developable space' in private residential buildings, design freedom is opened up to allow better design of buildings for concern for the environment and quality of life. In this research, historical development of development control with particular reference to building regulations in Hong Kong was studied with regard to the effects on building design. Different development control to initiate building design from various places was also compared for their effects on architectonics and building form. This is a proof of design following development control. Survey was conducted with professionals for the view of improving the existing development control. The desire for improvement was evident. Concern was also on quality and environment. The result has also shown that 'developable space' was the key of development control.