Low-rise creative quarter

LOW RISE

AFFORDABLE CREATIVE QUARTER

The low-rise block takes inspiration from Hong Kong’s floating village tradition, raising the buildings above the sponge park on the waterfront. Designed in the group masterplan to tackle the lack of space for artists in the city, this block will act as a creative quarter providing affordable spaces to live and work for the arts community. Buildings revisit the ‘tong lau” typology with shops on the ground floor and apartments above, providing collaborative studios, galleries and ateliers for artists on the public level (+1) and living units on the private floors above. D.O 3

The connection with the waterfront is expressed through the landscape of the sponge park that extends below the buildings, suggesting a symbiotic relationship between nature and architecture to both protect from flooding and also foment creativity for the residents. Varying between 4-8 stories, it is a perimeter block on level +1 overlooking a central courtyard on both the ground and first floor. The block connects back with the rest of the buildings a +1, with the elevated boardwalk allowing pedestrians to move around, and walk towards the waterfront pavilions or the other surrounding blocks. D.O 1

Fig 20. Tai O fishing village (Chensiyuan, 2015)

Render of the low-rise facade, revealing the semi-open corrirdor and wooden framed structure

Land use, massing and connectivity

UPPER FLOORS

The massing plays with height by lowering towards the water. It is the first skyline and need to reflect a sense of human scale.

2ND FLOOR

Typical floor of the residential levels with dwellings for artists, a semi-open corridor and community spaces.

FIRST FLOOR

Main public level, bringing together artists and visitors to create a creative space - connects to adacing podiums and sponge installations.

GROUND FLOOR

Blending the urban streetscape with natural sponge park - the waterfront extends under the block.

Retail-Commercial

Cultural

Residential Workshops/ateliers

Servicing/core

Workshops/ateliers