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Architects: HYHW Architects
- Area: 63000 m²
- Year: 2012
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Photographs:Shu He Photography
The masterplan design explores connections and permeability of Bar Street with the adjacent waterfront. In particular, the design focuses on the entrances to Bar Street and landscaping of the waterfront promenade to maximise public use. The aim is to enrich the urban space, creating dynamic nodes for interaction and to connect indoor and outdoor spaces.
The internal street design employs a strategy of pushing and pulling the facades to relieve the existing monotonous planar condition of the street. This strategy is also used for dealing with the height of the buildings.
The four restaurants act as anchors, yet provide a break in the facade to give variety. The break out space adjacent to them connects to the waterfront improving permeability and boosting potential activity. The design approach makes the restaurants more prominent by contrast with the commercial street.
The balance of solid and void was carefully considered when selecting materials. Solid and transparent materials are used to emphasise the contrasting relationship between the two sides of the street. Transparent and opaque coloured glass is used on the façade facing the water, while in contrast, the other facade is more solid. Solid materials include stone, ceramic tiles, metal and a small proportion of plain render.