Winners of the 'GIFT' (Green Innovation Future Technology) Ideas Competition in Hong Kong have been selected by a panel of judges representing Hong Kong Science Park (HKSTPC), local government, and private organizations. The winning proposals best displayed the aim of the competition: to create an innovative and iconic architecture; design a low-carbon emissions building that promotes sustainable strategies and lifestyles; nurture and uncover new local talent, and to create a scheme that unifies the Park's development.
Review the winning proposals after the break...
Winners of the 'Professional Group' Category
First Prize: 'Seeding Architecture'
Project Team: Chik Tsz Ting, Eugene Kiang, Alan Siu Lun Wu, Tang Wai Kwong, Ho Lai Ki & Hui Po Man
From the architects: "We believe the basic principles of green design should be an awareness of nature: to appreciate the beauty of natural forces, and to create a connection between the man-made and nature."
"Instead of putting in two building blocks — the first gateway building and the future annex building — we decided to preserve as much as possible by lifting the land up to form a 'landscape' that rises from ground, and filling the sloping roof surface with 100% vegetation."
"Main spaces include cafes and offices, placed along the northern side of the site to capture the Tolo Harbour view and avoid noise pollution from the main road. The spaciousness of the surroundings allow these main areas to receive sufficient daylight without being overheated. Each main floor is equipped with an open terrace deck to enjoy the outdoors and wonderful views."
Second Prize: 'The Green Carpet'
Project Team: Wong Hin Fai & Lee Tin Wan
From the architects: "This design is an architectonic expression of cutting a green carpet (the landscape) and folding it up (as the building roof). It creates a new dimension of public space and an iconic building form which resembles a gateway. The landscape is brought to the podium level by the Grand Steps. By situating the sloped building clusters on the two sides, the exposure to natural lighting and view are substantially increased. In addition, the pocket spaces at the Green Boulevard provide a vibrant platform for idea exchange and breeding of talents."
Third Prize: 'Staggered Green'
Project Team: Chan Kin Kwok & Ng Man Hoi Simon
From the architects: "The typical central core office layout, although highly efficient, depends heavily on mechanical ventilation and lighting due to its deep office space with only one side of windows possible. To create a more sustainable working environment, we must abandon the norm of a central core office and rethink the ideal plan for work space."
Fourth Prize: 'The Green Estuary'
Project Team: Oscar Tong Hei, Kelvin Chu, Buran Chen & Ma Vickie Ka Ki
From the architects: "The building form is inspired by the natural formation of the estuary and rock erosion by water. The square office block is being divided by a creek, forming a 'Gateway' towards the main public square in Phase 3. The splitting of the block creates a fantastic communal garden space between the offices/labs with vegetation and water in the middle. The visitors will enter the building as if they are walking into the nature."
Winners of the 'Open Group' Category
First Prize: 'En'phasing'
Project Team: Lu Chih-hao, Vivian Lee & Tien Wen Jack Wu
From the architects: "The idea is to extend the mountains and its nature from the south of the site and continue into the green belt of Science Park development. The architecture acts as a threshold between the nature and the Science Park precinct. Furthermore, it weaves the nature and human interaction together by forming a space that is based on: sustainability, green living, nature, human interaction, ideas for knowledge and discovery, and the housing of technology."
Second Prize (also Best Youth Entry, Under 25): 'Sky Tree'
Project Team: Lee Ka Wai, Tang Yu Tsun, Chan King Man & Ng Tsz Fung
From the architects: "The design concept of 'Sky Tree' is vitality – it takes one to two decades for a “sapling” to grow into a “tree”, during which it would experience all sorts of difficulties, but still unyielding and persevering. This kind of vitality is what Hong Kong people need to have."
Third Prize: 'Gift'
Project Team: Chan Hing Kwan & Benjamin Lee
From the architects: "Our gift to Hong Kong combines science with nature, a blend of man-made forms with a softness that only comes from the natural world. Our concept based on the Taoist Yin and Yang principles, presents a series of opposite and equal qualities. Light and shade, warm and cool, hard and soft, and places these qualities in a building which will both educate and inspire."
