The Western District Harbourfront Planning

Client: Yunnan Central & Western District Council,
Working Group on Beautification & Enhancement of Central & Western District Harbourfront
Status: Competition
Type: Masterplan
Size: 74 Acres (30 Hectare)
Location: Hong Kong, China

The HKWD explores how the district’s original culture can be revived with new activities and the introduction of a contemporary setting.

The Western District Harbourfront in the Hong Kong Island used to be a vibrant fisherman wharf, booming with import and export activities during the 20th century.

The long-term vision for the waterfront redevelopment begins with shoreline emergence as the main focus of our revitalization strategy.

The promenade along the shoreline is the main artery connecting various functions to each other and to the water. Along the promenade, nodes of activity provide opportunities to experience the waterfront from different perspectives.

At the west end, a new transit terminal houses ships and ferry docking. The existing food market warehouse structure at the east end is restored and reused as a goods wholesale warehouse and commercial mall. Linking these two is the proposed metro station that stretches along a 2.5 kilometre park.

The promenade itself is composed of detour wood making up the boardwalk and combines both softscapes as well as hardscapes. The variation in textures articulates pedestrian circulation throughout the park. Points of interest prompt temporary events and gatherings, and encourage the public to engage directly with the water, namely at the lagoon and baths at the famous Victoria Harbour.

The Ripple Stage is an ecological and social approach to preserving the site’s nature while reviving the vibrancy of the harbour’s past. This playful landscape maintains continuity of the linearity of the dock and also envelopes open spaces that will accommodate the hubbub of activity that will unfold there.

The meandering nature of the promenade is sewn into the existing fabric of the city grid. To enhance connectivity between the city and the waterfront, all the acupuncture points of this fabric is knitted together by architectural and spatial interventions along the north-south and east-west directions. The Hong Kong Waterfront District will symbolize the flourishing Victoria Harbour of past and present as it serves as a connector between the people and the waterfront, and the waterfront to the larger context of the city.