Location West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong
Site Area 1411m2
Floor Area 470m2
Status Commendation Entry, Design Competition
Design Architect O Studio Architects
Collaborators Arca Limited

 

This project itself beyond the confines of a pavilion. It is:

• a catalyst for local artists’ participation, a constantly changing building envelope, evolving with the seasonal art installation
• a celebrative showcase for international art collections by M+
• an interactive stage for performing events and music festivals
• a great linkage to the vast green field at north, a continuous indoor and outdoor exhibition space
• a flexible venue for arts and culture events: column-free, rectangular space
• an observation deck opening to phenomenal view of Victoria Harbour
• a light, sculptural form complementing M+, while standing out in the front of seaside promenade
• a straightforward building structure within budget constraints

 

Form & Space

• The collision of boxy inner volume and organic outer profile
  • Boxy volume: column free, flexible exhibition/event space
  • Outer profile: a neutral “scaffolding” for seasonal art installation by local artists (winning scheme of design competitions)

• The “organic carvings” of the outer profile form entrance/stage, picture window and roof terrace
  • Entrance/Stage: a welcoming foyer and an imposing proscenium
  • Picture window: frames the stunning sunset vista of Victoria Harbour
  • Roof terrace: 270 degree panoramic view of Victoria Harbour
  • Picture window and main entrance can be fully opened for cross ventilation

 

Structure

• a 900x900mm matrix of steel hollow sections (50×50)
  • rapid assembly
  • straightforward construction
  • conventional building material
  • a bare frame with strong visual effect, also allows additional art installation on top: cost of add-ons is shifted into the future, another way to help reduce initial building cost

 

Material

• steel for structure, polycarbonate sheets for walls, checkered plate for floors
  • Inexpensive materials
  • easy and rapid assembly
  • easy for maintenance and renovation
  • lightweight, translucent and neutral
  • industrial feel, great for contemporary arts