Currently, we can see lots of big project titles from the websites of the Hong Kong government and prominent local developers, such as ‘Lantau Tomorrow Vision’, ‘Place Making’ in Central, Walkability, Smart city, Hong Kong – ZhuhaiMacau Bridge, the Kai Tak development and the West Kowloon Cultural District Development. With all this taking place I believe it is an essential time to consider and reflect on where Hong Kong is heading, and what the new direction for Hong Kong could be. The origins of urban renewal in urban environments are becoming increasingly complex, and a focus on these should not be crowded out. Issues such as changes to household makeup, land scarcity, air quality and noise require innovative solutions. So it would be worthwhile to de-structure all layers of the built environment to allow us to redefine urban living and working practices. With this backdrop, U+U Issue No.1 concerns creativity within the urban design process and as a way of solving problems through academic debate, innovative strategies and future-focused management. The first article is from HKIUD vice president Barry Wilson, who offers a view on the 2030+ policy vision for Hong Kong. This is followed by a series of research papers, including the Macau- Zhuhai- Hong Kong Bridge by Professor Austin Williams, Jing Lu & Gang Wang’s ‘Reconnecting Hong Kong in Time and Space’, and an article from myself concerning walkability within specific districts in Hong Kong. Theses are followed by three practice papers; A developer’s perspective on Taikoo Place is offered by Swire Properties, Sarah (Kwok Yan) Lee (HKIA, RIBA, ARB HK/UK) and Yutaka Yano (HKIA, RIBA, ARB)’ from SKY YUTAKA Ltd. contribute a paper entitled ‘Re-interpreting Landscape and Architecture’ and Fergus Comer has written a short piece reflecting after ten years on the redeveloped public space in Pacific Place, Hong Kong. The issue closes with a review of new urban design books.