Morphological Characteristics of Rural Settlement in Rapidly Urbanising Regions: A Comparative Study of Existing Villages in the New Territories, Hong Kong

The unprecedented rate of urbanisation is reshaping rural landscapes across the globe, particularly in Southeast Asia. Rural settlements in these regions often become transitional zones, experiencing rapid socio-spatial transformations. The New Territories represent a unique historical and cultural landscape in Hong Kong, with rural settlements that have existed for centuries. However, the villages are now caught between traditional ways of life and the pressures of urban development. This study combines different methods to examine the morphological patterns of rural settlements in the New Territories of Hong Kong under the impact of rapid urbanisation. The findings highlight the dynamics of rural-urban integration in the New Territories, where urbanisation has reshaped settlement morphology while eroding traditional rural landscapes. This research emphasises the need for sustainable rural-urban integration that balances development with heritage preservation and ecological conservation. Beyond its focus on morphology, the study provides insights into the socio-economic and cultural impacts of urbanisation, offering policy insights for integrated urbanrural development.