Recently, the idea of confined, space-efficient cities has been gaining traction globally. This can be seen in projects such as "The Line" and "Smart Forest City" in Saudi Arabia and Mexico respectively. Little known, though, are the past attempts at building similar cities. One tragic example lies in Kowloon, in Hong Kong. ​

​

Kowloon began as a small area of low-rise illegal settlements. After World War II, an influx of Chinese immigrants moved to Hong Kong, illegally settling in Kowloon. Accordingly, entrepreneurs built high rises on top of the existing settlements to meet the increased demand.

​

Quickly, the area spiraled out of control, growing to 17,000 residents. Soon after, the Chinese Mafia assumed control of the area. During this period, Kowloon became a haven for drugs, crime, and gambling. It became especially dangerous and was considered an area to stay away from, especially at night. This stayed the case until the 1970s, when its reputation had already taken a great toll.​

​

After the 1970s, remarkably, Kowloon had developed its own economy. The city had numerous factories, commercial areas, doctors' offices, etc. In fact, many people would head to Kowloon to book cheaper doctor's appointments with unlicensed doctors. Likewise, Kowloon's meat market would attract people from all over Hong Kong. Other areas of Kowloon also saw this growth. By this time, it had grown to over 30,000 residents, becoming the most densely populated city in the world.

​

Still, Kowloon's reputation had long been damaged. And while it grew economically, its industries were illegal, unhygienic, and spewed health issues for Hong Kong's people. Accordingly, the British and Chinese governments agreed to tear down the city in 1987. After evicting 33,000 residents, the walled city was destroyed in 1993.