The Hidden Basketball Courts of Hong Kong: A Photographer’s Journey
Hong Kong, a city known for its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, holds a surprising secret: it is home to a vast number of outdoor basketball courts. These courts, often tucked into narrow laneways, perched atop rooftops, and nestled between high-rise buildings, are a testament to the city’s unique urban landscape and its people’s love for the sport. For American photographer Austin Bell, this hidden world of basketball courts became an obsession, leading him on a three-year journey to document every single one of them in a project that would result in an exhibition and a photobook titled “Shooting Hoops.”
Discovering the Courts: A Photographer’s Mission
Bell’s fascination with Hong Kong’s basketball courts began during his first visit to the city in 2017. While exploring the vibrant Choi Hung Estates, a public housing project famed for its rainbow-colored buildings, he stumbled upon a group of basketball courts that were almost as colorful as the towers themselves. The courts, painted in vivid hues of marigold yellow, royal blue, and emerald green, captured his attention and sparked a curiosity that would grow into a full-fledged project. Over the next few years, Bell dedicated himself to mapping and photographing these courts, using both his camera and drone to capture their unique beauty.
The sheer scale of the project became apparent as Bell began to explore the city. Using satellite imagery, he identified over 2,500 basketball courts scattered across Hong Kong, many of which were hidden in unexpected places. From courts nestled between skyscrapers to those perched on rooftops or tucked away in remote jungle areas, Bell’s mission took him to nearly every corner of the city. The project was not just about basketball; it was about capturing the essence of Hong Kong’s urban design and the way its people use public spaces.
Beyond Basketball: The Cultural Significance of Hong Kong’s Courts
Basketball has a long history in Hong Kong, dating back to the early 20th century when the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) introduced the sport to the city. Over time, basketball became an integral part of Hong Kong’s culture, particularly as the city’s population grew rapidly in the mid-20th century. To meet the recreational needs of its residents, city planners incorporated basketball courts into public housing projects, with guidelines stipulating that there should be one outdoor court for every 10,000 residents—a ratio higher than that of any other sport.
These courts have become more than just places to play basketball; they are community hubs where people gather to socialize, exercise, and engage in a variety of activities. Bell’s photos often capture the courts without people, but the stories they tell are about the vibrant life that surrounds them. From choral practices and pet tortoise walks to drying orange peels and impromptu gatherings, the courts serve as multipurpose spaces that reflect the resourcefulness and resilience of Hong Kong’s residents.
The Urban Design Behind Hong Kong’s Basketball Courts
Hong Kong’s basketball courts are a reflection of the city’s unique urban design, which is shaped by its high population density and limited land availability. Jeroen van Ameijde, an urban design expert at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, notes that the city’s approach to recreational spaces is both practical and innovative. Basketball courts, being smaller and easier to maintain than soccer fields, are ideal for fitting into tight spaces—whether it’s between buildings, on rooftops, or in parking lots.
This efficient use of space is part of a broader urban planning strategy that aims to create self-contained neighborhoods where everything is within walking distance. The courts also reflect a growing trend toward beautifying public spaces, with many featuring vibrant designs that add color and character to the city’s concrete landscape. In a place where land is scarce, Hong Kong’s basketball courts represent a perfect balance of functionality and creativity.
Capturing the Courts: Challenges and Discoveries
Documenting Hong Kong’s basketball courts was no easy feat. Bell faced numerous challenges, from navigating the city’s densely populated neighborhoods to dealing with the limitations of drone photography. At one point, he even set a personal challenge to photograph as many courts as possible in a single day, managing to capture an impressive 475 courts. However, not all courts were easily accessible. Some were located in remote areas, such as the tiny island of Ap Chau, requiring Bell to spend an entire day traveling just to reach them.
The constant evolution of Hong Kong’s urban landscape also posed a challenge. Over the course of the project, new courts were built while others were demolished, making it a race against time to document them all. Despite these obstacles, Bell’s dedication paid off. His photos, many of which were taken using a drone, offer a unique perspective on the city’s hidden basketball courts, revealing their beauty and significance in ways that might otherwise go unnoticed.
A Legacy Beyond the Courts: The Impact of Bell’s Work
Austin Bell’s journey to photograph every basketball court in Hong Kong is more than just a photographic project; it’s a celebration of the city’s urban fabric and the people who inhabit it. By capturing these often overlooked spaces, Bell reminds us to appreciate the beauty in the mundane and the creativity that arises from necessity. His work also highlights the importance of public spaces in fostering community life—something that is increasingly valuable in one of the world’s most densely populated cities.
As Hong Kong continues to evolve, Bell’s photographs serve as a time capsule, preserving the story of its basketball courts and the role they play in the lives of its residents. Though he has completed his project, the legacy of his work lives on, inspiring others to see the city—and their own communities—with fresh eyes. In a place where space is a luxury, Hong Kong’s basketball courts are a reminder that even the smallest corners can hold big significance.
