Due to the growing global population, there is a shortage of residential land, particularly in cities with both development and active communities. To sustain their livelihoods, people in these areas live in conditions that might astonish many.Hong Kong is a nation that has always been considered a hub of development and grandeur. With its grand splendour often making it to the news, one of its dark sides is hidden from public view. Recently, a video from Hong Kong highlighting the issue of poor living conditions has gone viral. The space constraints in Hong Kong have become so severe that some residents live in a 15-square-foot wooden ‘coffin home’, named after their coffin-like shape. These cubicles have garnered attention on social media. Canadian photographer Benny Lam captured images of these living spaces and created a documentary titled Trapped to showcase this phenomenon.
In the viral video, it is evident that due to a lack of alternatives and the steep rise in rental prices, low-income individuals are compelled to live in small boxes. These box-like dwellings have extremely cramped conditions, with the kitchen and toilet often combined in a very small space. They are constructed from wood or wires. The buildings appear crowded from the outside but are even more congested inside. Residents do not truly live in these spaces but are rather trapped, unable to walk even a few steps or sleep comfortably, which is why Lam’s documentary is named Trapped. Taller individuals must sleep with their legs curled up. Surprisingly, even the rent for these tiny spaces with such poor living conditions exceeds Rs 20,000 in Indian currency.
These crampy coffin houses are full of bed bugs and do not even receive sunlight. Hong Kong’s coffin homes have a reputation for danger and filth, sheltering convicted criminals and drug abusers. Benny Lam’s documentary has shown many residents regularly dabbling with drugs.
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