OPENING THE COFFIN: The Weight of Suffering and Survival in Hong Kong’s Coffin Homes

Coffin homes, a visual shorthand for systemic housing failures, offer a unique lens into Hong Kong’s ongoing housing crisis. This paper traces the emergence and persistence of coffin homes by examining the impact of Hong Kong’s colonial legacy, post-war population pressures, and flawed housing policies. It highlights how a combination of factors have left many residents with little choice but to seek refuge in these tiny, windowless spaces. However, what began as a desperate solution has, over time, become a testament to the resilience of these residents, who navigate the challenges of Hong Kong’s housing crisis with remarkable strength. Combining historical analysis, policy critique, and an exploration of residents’ experiences, this paper argues that coffin homes are a direct consequence of urban failures. As a striking symptom of a failed housing system, coffin homes emphasize the urgent need for policy reforms that address the growing divide between the city’s wealthiest and poorest populations.