Design Institute Competition
International competition entry for the Hong Kong Design Institute.
Sector: Education
Country: Hong Kong
Client: Hong Kong Design Institute.
Services: Master Planning; Architecture
Year: 2006
Budget: 200 million HKD
Size: 100,000m2
“In 2006 an international competition was held to find an iconic design for the Hong Kong Design Institute in Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong. One hundred and sixty two architectural firms submitted designs for the building, which were judged by an international jury including American architect Richard Meier.
The MAP design looked beyond the traditional ‘box’ approach of institutional design. The outer skin is a ‘breathing’ membrane of glass supported by a lightweight steel network structure. Air cooled by the surrounding landscape and water features is drawn in at low level and allowed to infiltrate common areas drawing out heated ‘waste’ air, which rises to operable vents at the roof peaks.
Interior spaces swirl about the key programmatic forms and are interspersed with landscape and connecting bridges. The occupants’ sense of community will be enhanced by the transparency and special interconnectivity obvious in the scheme.
The design of the promenade and green roof was to encourage students and visitors to extend their stay. The roof of the library is precisely perforated to bring natural light into the reading areas and courtyards.
Auditoriums and lecture theatres are unique in form to construct an environment in which to perform. Walkway, bridges and staircases are wrapped in the central void, providing shortcuts in the higher zones. Each mezzanine is designed to encourage collaboration and creativity.
MAP did not win the competition; however, it was particularly proud of its entry.”
