DESIGN NAME: Urban Serene
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Library Station
INSPIRATION: Situated at one of the most famous buildings in HK, the form of this library station takes reference from the signature colonnade of the HK Cultural Centre. During daytime, the white structure sits quietly like a retreat under the big canopy. At night, it glows like a crystal which brings surprises to the tourists and visitors.
The modern and minimal design brings highlight to the left-over space and provides a comfortable and functional library station to the public.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The self-service library station at HK Cultural Centre is the second one launched in Hong Kong, which provide 24-hours borrow and return service to the public. It provides an extra channel for readers to borrow books outside normal working hours.
The design will serve as a prototype for library stations at other districts with the insertion of different materials/transparencies into the generic structural frame to suit various site conditions.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: With the library station, registered users can borrow and return library materials, pick up reserved materials and pay library fees at the library station by following simple on-screen instructions.
Designers have incorporated inclusive design elements. Barrier-free ramp provides access to the public. The slanted translucent panel act as a subtle screen from the busy urban scene while people are using the machine. Low benches are designed to provide a short reading near the entrance.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The library station is situated at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre near the studio theatre entrance. The project started in early 2018 and and is open for public use in December of 2018.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The elegant structure is formed entirely by steel members. Prefabrication with bolts and nuts connections were adopted to reduce overall construction time and minimize the impact to the neighbors.
Materials are carefully chosen to bring a modern taste to the design. Translucent glass floats above the solid base acting as a screen for readers. The fluted profile of the precast wall panels is formed by natural bamboo shoots. The homogeneous white colour enhances its pureness and increases the transparency at the under-covered space.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Library station size: 9500 Wide x 5000m Depth x 4300mm High
Machine size: 3673 wide x 1730 Depth x 2490 high
TAGS: library station, white, public space, reading, urban, under-covered, metal, glass, bamboo, transformation
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Research has been done by the design team on the bolts and nuts fixing methods and prefabricated components in order to minimize the site work and shorten the construction program.
The site of each library station is carefully selected to ensure that each station could benefit the general public. Books of each library station will be slightly different to suit specific site context and the neighborhood.
CHALLENGE: Being located at one of the most famous buildings in Hong Kong, the biggest challenge was to design a structure that is compatible with the surroundings and at the same time, to create a new space that functions beyond a vending machine. The form, colour and materials work hand in hand with each other to transform space.
The second challenge is on construction. As the site is very close to the performing venue and there is limited working space, prefabrication with bolts and nuts connections were widely used in the design to reduce overall construction time and minimize the impact to the surrounding neighbors.
ADDED DATE: 2019-03-25 06:36:24
TEAM MEMBERS (6) : Design Team Leader: Mr. TSANG Wai Lun, William , Architect: Ms. CHIU Ning, Project Manager: TANG Luen-tai, Lawrence, Project Manager: Ms. TSUI York Wan, Winnie, Contractor: Cheung Hing Construction Company Ltd. and Client: Leisure and Cultural Services Department
IMAGE CREDITS: Daniel Wong @ image28
PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: Copyrights belong to Architectural Services Department, 2018
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