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This article examines the relationship between spatial planning and housing unaffordability in Hong Kong. It challenges the belief that restrictive land use planning is solely responsible for the high housing prices in the city, arguing that historical factors and government policies have also played a role. The article emphasizes the need for strategic spatial planning to address housing affordability and informality issues, and highlights the importance of involving different actors, including children, in the planning process. It also explores the concept of "normal accidents" in planning and the potential for reparative urban science to address inequality. The article concludes by discussing the governance of the physical and digital commons and the importance of sustained cooperation. [Extracted from the article]

Placemaking is a concept used in urban planning to shape public spaces. It is a complex and evolving concept that involves various actors with different goals, including grassroots community members, artists, developers, and governments. Placemaking has the potential to address urban crises and improve urban life, but it is distinct from mainstream planning and can take the form of informal interventions led by activists. It has been influenced by various discourses, including post-capitalism and post-liberalism, and it is important to consider how it can benefit marginalized groups and contribute to meeting place-based goals of access and inclusion. Placemaking has gained renewed attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are challenges to maintaining its integrity, such as the rush to implement initiatives without proper community engagement. Despite these challenges, placemaking holds potential for progress in addressing social vulnerabilities and building bridges across communities. [Extracted from the article]