Lok Yan (Olive)Wong
Landscape Architecture Portfolio
• Master Planning
• 3D Modelling & Rendering
• GIS, Rhino, Grasshopper
• Exhibition & Engagement
Growing up in a densely populated housing block in Hong Kong, my fondest childhood memories revolve around weekly hikes in the mountains behind our estate. These hikes always end with a picnic by the lake which I later discovered it was not a natural lake but a man-made reservoir. It supplied drinking water to my estate and served as a home to wildlife. This realization ignited my passion in symbiosis of landscape and urbanism ever since.
My ambitions in landscape architecture resonate deeply with Andy Goldsworthy’s quote:
My art is an attempt to reach beyond the surface appearance. I want to see growth in wood, time in stone, nature in a city, and I do not mean its parks but a deeper understanding that a city is nature too- the ground upon which it is built, the stone with which it is made.
TOP: Picture taken by me from a drone in 2020 near home in Hong Kong,
MY ENCOUNTER TO LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Profile
Lok Yan (Olive) Wong
Lok Yan (Olive) Wong, 黃樂欣
olivewly@gmail.com
+47 4674 6640
Practice Awards
SO-LA, Oslo / Aug 2022 –Jun 2024 Landscape Architect
Snøhetta, Oslo / Jul 2021 – Jun 2022
Landscape Architecture Intern
Aedas, Hong Kong / Oct 2018 – Jul 2020
Landscape Designer
AECOM, Hong Kong/ Aug 2015 – Dec 2016
Assistant Landscape Designer
Johannes Werner Str.5
12487 Berlin
I am an award-winning landscape architect originally from Hong Kong, earned my Master’s degree from the Oslo School of Architecture and Design in 2023. My master thesis, “Mining Sand | Claiming Land,” gained professional recognition, including the World Landscape Architecture Student Honour Awards and the DOGA-merket nykommer Award from Design og arkitektur Norge. With 6 years of professional experience spanning Hong Kong and Norway, I specialize in master planning, landscape infrastructure and public realm design. My dedication to blue-green landscape architecture drives me to develop climate-responsive and community-centered solutions, aiming for positive societal and environmental impacts.
Education
The Oslo School of Architecture and Design Master of Landscape Architecture / 2020– 2023
University of Hong Kong (HKU) Bachelor of Arts in Landscape Studies / 2012– 2015
Exhibtion & Engagement
2 Square Metres Design & Engagement
Engagement and Exhibition Designer / 2016 - 2020
• Worked on urban planning and regulatory projects such as redevelopment of Marienlyst and Lillestrøm Varemessen, specializing in 3D modeling and GIS analysis for urban-scale projects.
* Full time position from Aug 2023 - Jun 2024 and part-time position from Aug 2022 Jul 2023.
• Worked on multiple competitions in Europe including Helsinki, Hamburg, Amsterdam and cities in Norway, worked on landscape and architectural integrated concept development.
• Specialized in 3D modeling with Enscape Realtime rendering .Significant projects include the winning competition for Eliel Square in Helsinki and design of Quartier am Baumwall in Hamburg
• Collaborated with urban planners and architects to work on competitions, Master Planning Project and Landscape Integrated Infrastructure Design in China.
• Significant projects include the Winning competition for Transit-Oriented Development Master Planning of Xili Station City, ShenZhen.
• Collaborated with engineers and ecologists to work on Blue- green Infrastructure and Landscape Intervention in both Hong Kong and China.
• Significant Built Projects include the Ecoshoreline and french international school in Hong Kong and Shenzhen Wetland Park in China.
• Recipient of DOGA-merket Nykommer Awards from Design og arkitektur Norge in 2024
• Recipient of World Landscape Architecture Student Honour Awards in 2023
Skills
• Thesis project ‘‘Mining Sand Claiming Land ‘‘ is awarded with DOGA-merket Nykommer Awards from Design og arkitektur Norge and World Landscape Architecture Student Honour Awards
• Graduated with First Class Honours with GPA of 3.58/ 4.0 and attained Grade A- or above for all design studio courses.
University of Hong Kong, Landscape Division
Curatorial Assistant / Feb - May 2018
Exploration Theatre, Hong Kong
Project Manager (Exhibition & Event Design) / 2017
• Grant recipient of Make a Difference Community Project Grant 2019 for the development of Engagement Toolkit for participatory design. Developed Engagement & Co-design Workshops for enhancement of public sports Venue in Hong Kong government.
• Grant recipient of Design Trust Grant 2017 for curating and executing the Pedestrianize DVRC’ Exhibition at Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/ Architecture(HK) 2017
• Responsible for research, curation, and production management of Exhibition ‘Hong Kong City’s Future: Infrastructure Imagination’ in City Gallery of Hong Kong.
• Grant recipient of HK Arts Development Council Community Art Fund 2017 for curating series of exhibitions and events in Activation of Urban Public Open Space.
• Design: Masterplanning, Competition, Concept & Schematic
• Expertise: 3D Modeling, GIS data, Climate analysis, Rendering
• Software: Rhino, grasshopper, QGIS, Enscape, AutoCad, Adobe
• Softskills: Exhibition Curation, Engagement design, Public Speaking
• Language: Cantonese (native), Mandarin Chinese (native), English (flurent), German ( Learning, Currently at B1)
Reference
The Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO)
• Sabine Müller, Thesis supervisor, +49 176 64080243 Studio Oslo Landskapsarkitekter (SO-LA)
• Marius Løkken Skogvang, Project Manager, +47 41 57 10 37 Snøhetta, Oslo
• Thea Kvamme Hartmann, Team Lead Landscape, +47 98 60 72 91 Aedas, Hong Kong:
• Dr. Yin Lun Chan, Landscape Team Leader, +852 5100 4307
Projects Design Ambitions
Regenerating
Nature
via Landscape Infrastructure
Envisioning Urbanism via Master Planning
• DE | Mining Sand, Claiming Land
• NO | Revive the River; Reconnect the Community
• HK | Eco-shoreline: The Urban Habitat
• CN The Silver Tree Wetland Park
Inheritating Culture via Urban revitalization
• NO | Reshaping Marienlyst from NRK’s Legacy
• NO | From industrial Legacy to Harbour City
• DE | Hamburg: Quartier am Baumwall
Connecting People via Engagement & Exhibition
• DE | Pedestrianizing Burchardplatz
• FIN | Revitalizing Eliel Square: KLYYGA
• HK | French International School
• Engagement Toolkit for Participatory Design
• Engagement & Co-design Workshops for Sports Venue
• Exhibition: Pedestrianize DVRC - The Road and Beyond
• Exhibition: HK City Futures : Infrastructure Imagination
Oslo Fredrikstad
Mittelweser
Hamburg Helsinki Hong Kong
Sheng Zheng Hong Kong
1 Regenerating Nature
via Landscape Infrastructure
SAND LAND MINING CLAIMING
ACADEMIC WORK IN AHO MASTER
Date | Jun 2022 - Jun 2023
Location | Mittelweser, Germany
Status | Idea project, send to municipality
My part | All. Individual work
Awards DOGA ny-kommer, WLA students award
TRANSFORMING POST- MINING LAKESCAPE INTO A RESILIENT CULTURAL LANDSCAPE IN N. GERMANY
Sand, Earth’s most heavily extracted resource, primarily serves construction purposes. Extraction involves digging below the groundwater table, creating vast groundwater lakes as post-mining landscapes. Traditionally, these lakes are abandoned for nature’s reclamation. However, in Mittelweser, Germany, this project challenges convention by intervening before mining’s negative consequences and viewing mining as a landscape architect would. This proposal fosters positive transformation by creating a post-mining cultural landscape, introducing new activities, climate resilience, and cultural identity to the local community, which has contributed land and materials to society.
TOP Photo of operating sand mind in Mittelweser
THE POST MINING LAKESCAPE
The Mittelweser floodplain, a major sand extraction area in northern Germany, has seen vast changes since the 1990s, with mining creating extensive groundwater lakes, covering 500 hectares of former farmland. This expansion worsens groundwater depletion and farmland desiccation, compounded by increased floods along the Weser River. To mitigate these issues, the project proposes a landscape framework using half of the current mining plan. It connects groundwater lakes with ditches, expands forests for water retention, and adds sealed ponds for irrigation. This transforms isolated mines into a cohesive, adaptable landscape, reflecting the area’s geological dynamics and agricultural heritage.
“CUT-FILL-CULTIVATE
“ AN INTEGRATED MINING REHABILITATION MODEL
UTILIZING THE MINING PROCESS AS A LANDSCAPE PROCESS
The project innovates by using the mining process to shape the landscape, introducing the “Cut-Fill-Cultivation” model. This approach integrates mining operations, closure, and rehabilitation, tailored to the site’s unique characteristics. Unlike current practices limited to specific slope ratios, the project incorporates diverse water edges and slope ratios to create riparian zones. These zones adapt to groundwater fluctuations, offering varied habitats and recreational opportunities for both humans and wildlife.
To Cut (Mine Operating)
To Fill (Mine Closure)
To Cultivate (Mine Rehabilitation)
RIGHT Mittelweser in 1990 (top) and 2015 (bottom)
CRAFT WATER EDGES, GROW RIPARIAN FOREST & RECLAIM MATERIALS
The project aims to rediscover and utilize community contributed underground materials, integrating those directly sourced from the site and supplemented by local farms. These materials inspire the design of water edges like Sandy Beach, Brick Terrace, Rocky Shore, Willow Strips, and Riparian Wetland, forming the Lakeside Edge Park. Rooted in the region’s agricultural and industrial history, this post-mining cultural landscape invites villagers to gather in a gravel plaza, enjoy a sand playground, and savor the blossoms of cherry trees. With a moisture gradient ranging from wetland areas to riparian woodland and mixed woodland, the park enhances biodiversity, protects against floods, and mitigates soil erosion, transforming the landscape into a more climate-resilient ecosystem.
REIMAGINE POST MINING LANDSCAPE AS ASSETS RATHER THAN LIABILITIES
The mining of sand, a heavily extracted material, has resulted in the creation of large water bodies that are typically left to nature’s reclamation. However, through creative landscape design, these postmining landscapes can be transformed into multi-functional landscape infrastructure that enhance climate resilience and provide new identity, programmes and ecology to the local area. By utilizing the mining process to develop a “ cut- fill- cultivation ” design and construction model, a more diverse edge environment of the post-mining landscape can be created, benefiting both people and wildlife.
The proposed project in Mittelweser, Germany serves as a model for other regions grappling with the impact of mining activities on their landscape. It is a call for a new perspective on post-industrial landscapes and an opportunity to reimagine them as assets rather than liabilities.
ACADEMIC WORK IN AHO MASTER
Date | Aug - Dec 2020
Location | Alna River- Haugerud, Oslo
Status | Idea project
My part | Everything. Individual work
THE CONCEPT: A SOCIAL AND RESILIENT WATER JOURNEY
The Alna River valley has undergone significant changes since the 1960s, marked by residential densification on the plateau and heavy industrialization in the valley, resulting in a segregated area. Our project seeks to revitalize the region by addressing housing needs, rejuvenating the river for open spaces, and repurposing brownfields for mixed-use development and community facilities. Integrating stormwater management with a landscape corridor enhances climate resilience and fosters community engagement. Water serves as the crucial link between the plateau and the valley. Our design concept aims to culturally elevate the Alna riverscape to the plateau while functionally directing stormwater down to the valley. Reopening the piped stream and reconnecting it to the Alna river creates a contemporary urban stream, facilitating new community activities, open space, and bridging the gap between the two areas.
Green Ring
BRIDGING TERRAIN FOR ACCESSIBILITY: BUILDING ACROSS LANDSCAPES
Despite the terrain challenges, rift residences are introduced on the cliffs of the river valley, connecting existing plateau housing with riverside warehouses to enhance accessibility and development opportunities. This initiative breaks barriers of terrain and height. Additionally, with warehouses being redeveloped into mixed-use facilities, the layers of the valley are activated.
PLANNING CONCEPT: A PERFORMATIVE AND SOCIAL WATER JOURNEY
Our design concept aims to culturally brings the Alna riverscape to the plateau while functionally directing stormwater down to the valley. Reopening the piped stream and reconnecting it to the Alna river creates a contemporary urban stream, facilitating new community activities and bridging the terrain between the two areas. The project revives an abandoned industrial brownfield along the River for housing and comercials and bring life back to the river. The landscapes design offer community spaces with stormwater management, facilitating both social and ecological benefits.
In order to enhance accessibility, an ecosocial corridor is designed as a terraced park, connecting plateau residents to the river. It serves as a blue-green infrastructure, collecting, retaining, and filtering stormwater, while also providing multiple social nodes along the water journey. The water-performance including irrigation, retention, and filtration, give rise to a terraced allotment, a retention pond, and a wetland park, respectively. This creates a water journey that integrates the beauty of the blue-green system into daily life, benefiting both the community and the neighborhood’s ecology. The deesign gives a connecting landscape corridor and turnstopographical challenges into an opportunity and identity for the area.
CONNECTING BY LANDSCAPE: THE ECO-SOCIAL CORRIDOR N
TOP Illustration of the retention pond & activity center
BOTTOM Model of eco-social corridor
Irrigation: terraced allotment)
Retention:
Pondside Community Center
Filtration: Wetland Park
BALANCING GROWTH AND NATURE: RECLAIMING LAND FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The reclaimed site, slated to accommodate a population of 146,000 by 2030, faces a pressing need for public spaces to support its growing community. While land reclamation comes at the cost of natural habitat, effort are underway to ensure that shoreline development serves as partial compensation by providing habitat that support marine life. This dual focus on urban growth and ecological preservation highlights the ongoing endeavor to strike a balance between development and environmental sustainability.
Illustration of rocky shoreline
BOTTOM
Built image of Bio-rocks
ECO-SHORELINE THE URBAN HABITAT
PRACTICE WORK IN AECOM
Date | Sep - Nov 2016
Location | Tung Chung, Hong Kong
Status | Built
My part | work with ecologist and engineers, design typolgies, 3D modelling and renders
HABITAT COMPENSATION
ECO- SHORE TYPOLOGIES
SHORE TYPOLOGIES PLAN
1. Mangrove Shoreline (1.2 km Total)
2. Eco- rocks Shoreline (0.8 km Total)
3. Bio- walls Shoreline (1.8km Total)
INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO SHORELINE BIODIVERSITY AND RESILIENCE
In an effort to bolster coastal resilience, a series of initiatives will be implemented along vulnerable shorelines. Mangrove eco-shores are slated for deployment in areas less susceptible to wave action, serving as buffers and fostering diverse coastal ecosystem. Bio-rocks, with their varied cavities, will be strategically placed in inter-tidal zones to retain seawater during low tides, providing essential habitat and shelters for marine species. Additionally, bio-walls will be erected in locations prone to wave impact or limited sunlight, fortifying shorelines against erosion while promoting ecological diversity. These innovative approaches combine naturebased solutions with strategic engineering to mitigate coastal risks and enhance the sustainability of coastal communities.
CREATE INTERTIDAL MUDFLAT TO PROVIDE FEEDING & RESTING AREAS FOR BIRDS
The mangrove shoreline provides rooms for Intertidal mudflats, which serves as a buffer to the sea wave and also are essential feeding and resting grounds for birds. These mudflats serve as vital habitat, supporting rich biodiversity and ecological balance. Mangrove ecosystem, characterized by the growth of mangrove plants rooted in shallow waters, extend coastline as sediments build up around their roots. Thriving in warm, salty waters of lower latitude, mangroves provide habitat for diverse marine life such as birds, insects and fishes. Their dense foliage protects against erosion and storm surges, making them vital components of coastal ecosystem.
TYPE 1: MANGROVE SHORELINE
Local Mangrove Species are tested along shore.
Oyster Basket are placed in test site.
MANGROVE SHORELINE: MULTI- LEVELS WATERFRONT PROMENADE FOR ACTIVITIES, BUFFER AND HABITAT.
The composition of these blocks captured tidal water and formed series of ecological rock pools along its extent, enabling marine creatures to thrive in this unique habitat. The vertical eco-shoreline contains special ecotiles and bird holes creating attractive places for birds and wildlife to rest.
•
BIO- ROCKS MODULE DESIGN
TYPE 2: ECOROCKY SHORELINE
A main part of the eco-shoreline was the rocky shoreline, a novel modular seawall design using cubical concrete blocks (bioblocks) to mimic a natural rocky shore. The design creates an approachable sea wall, where people may engage within this setup to appreciate and learn about marine ecology . This nature and people-focused approach was reflected in the decision to use a different seawall design that would provide resilience to coastal flooding, but also have much improved ecological value and serve as open space resource.
CONSERVATION & EDUCATION
THROUGH EXPERIENCE
PRACTICE WORK IN AECOM
Date | Aug 2015 - Feb 2016
Location | ShenZhen, China
Status | Built
My part | work with ecologist, master plan design and follow with schematic and detailed drawings
THE SILVER TREE WETLAND PARK
ENHANCING CONSERVATION EFFORT IN NATURE AND CULTURE OF SHENZHEN
Situated in Shenzhen’s suburbia, the site boasts diverse natural and artificial landscapes, including fish-ponds and reservoirs. It hosts valuable silver leaf trees and mangroves, necessitating habitat conservation and restoration. Moreover, a partially abandoned traditional village holds traces of the scarce Hakka culture. A wetland park development are underway to enhance conservation initiatives, preserving both natural habitat and cultural heritage in this unique suburban environment.
DESIGN FOR CONSERVATION, EDUCATION AND WILDLIFE
The park’s design celebrates its natural assets and fosters a symbiotic relationship between humans, the environment, and wildlife. Divided into four character zones, it offers diverse experiences for visitors, serving as both a research and education hub. Visitors explore nature’s beauty, traditional fish pond techniques, and mangrove shores, gaining a deeper appreciation for conservation effort and becoming part of the preservation endeavor.
CELEBRATING HAKKA CULTURE AND ECOLOGICAL HERITAGE- THE SLIVER TREE
The park’s design thoughtfully respects its existing site conditions while celebrating its natural and cultural assets. Within the site, a traditional Hakka village is incorporated into the layout, allowing the preservation of its unique heritage while also providing facilities for visitors and a museum. The traditional village zones create an enclosed atmosphere that embodies the strong values and cultural significance of Hakka community life. Additionally, the park recognizes the importance of natural heritage by conserving the silver tree (Heritiera littoralis), notable for its distinctive root structures. Efforts will be made to cultivate and promote the growth of these trees, ensuring the preservation of both cultural and natural history within the park.
CONSERVING CULTURAL AND NATURAL HISTORY
TOP Site photo of the Hakka Village
BOTTOM
Existing Sliver Trees
(Heritiera littoralis)
EXPLORATION IN THE WETLAND ECOSYSTEMS
The park’s design encourages visitors to explore wetlands and experience diverse encounters with nature. Conservation areas, buffered by ponds and vegetation, allow for observation without disturbance. Facilities like bird hides and pavilions offer learning experiences at a distance, while outdoor classrooms and lawn areas cater to educational activities. Certain wetland areas with varied vegetation provide opportunities for guided walks to learn about local ecosystem.
RIPARIAN BIRD HIDE WETLAND BOARDWALK
INDOOR AND OUTDOOR CLASSROOMS
The educational exhibition center, housed in renovated old village houses, serves as a hub for wetland education. It showcases diverse ecosystems, including birdlife and mangrove habitats, allowing visitors to explore through discovery walks. After immersing in nature, guests can deepen their understanding of wetland science and ecosystems at the exhibition. This integrated experience fosters appreciation and awareness of the natural world.
CONSERVING CULTURAL AND NATURAL HISTORY
The design package incorporates a variety of park facilities, featuring inviting plazas for relaxation and dedicated areas for observing birds. The furniture and structures are predominantly constructed from steel, iron, and wood, creating a sturdy yet elegant finish. The warm hues of brown and yellow were deliberately chosen to reflect the colors found in the wetland landscape, ensuring that everything blends seamlessly with the environment. This thoughtful integration fosters a sense of tranquility and connection with nature, making the area an ideal spot for both leisure and education.
TOP Build photo of the wetland park BOTTOM Model and design drawing of birdhides, pavilions and boardwalk.
TOP Education exibition centre interior
BOTTOM Aerial View of the park, various ponds and visitor routes
Envisioning Urbanism via Master
Planning
RESHAPING MARIENLYST :
CONFIRMING HISTORY - AND FUTURE AS A CULTURAL MEDIATOR
The vision for future Marienlyst is to create a diverse, green and vibrant urban area that safeguards and develops Marienlyst’s unique cultural experiences and natural qualities.We envision an area characterized by green parks, pleasant neighborhoods with squares and meeting places, as well as shops, cafes and restaurants that contribute to a pleasant and active city life.
PRACTICE WORK IN SO-LA
Date | Jan 2023 - May 2024
Location | Oslo, Norway
Status | Urban Planning and Regulating My part GIS analysis, 3D modelling, in house rendering with enscape climate analysis with grasshopper, urban space design
FROM NRK’S LEGACY TO A NEW URBAN DISTRICT
LEFT Marienlyst square with the iconic Store studio RIGHT Eastern blue-green park street
URABN ANALYSIS WITH GIS DATA
Utilizing GIS skills and open-source data, a comprehensive site analysis report has been compiled for urban planning submissions in Oslo. Data sourced from satellite images, municipal websites, and open street maps covering the entire city have been meticulously curated to generate maps and diagrams across three scales: territorial, urban site, and site-specific. Information categories, including land use, infrastructure, and elevation data, have been extracted and analyzed using GIS techniques to provide valuable insights for informed decision-making by the planning department.
DESIGN WITH REALTIME ENSCAPE 3D MODEL
In the intricate realm of urban landscape design, collaboration with architects and a comprehensive grasp of existing terrain are paramount. That’s why our project is entirely immersed in 3D from its inception. Leveraging real-time Enscape technology, we meticulously craft site models, explore design alternatives, and enact terrain modifications—all within the immersive realm of 3D. This approach positions the 3D model as our central tool for communication and discussion, given the project’s complexities. Consequently, I’m tasked with generating real-time model screenshot to compare design options and producing highquality in-house renders.
TOP GIS Model of terrain analysis
BOTTOM diagrammes made with GIS data, ie. catagory of green space in oslo, existing and future bike network, traffic analysis
TOP Landscape mining master plan
BOTTOM Soil extraction area plan, 1998
TOP realtime model screenshot from Enscape of our 3D model BOTTOM 3D landscape project model from rhino
INTEGRATING PARK & PLAYGROUNDS WITH TERRAIN DESIGN
Integrating parks and playgrounds with terrain design is a complex process that requires an understanding of the 3D contouring and cut fill balance. The strategic use of 3d modeling tool helps visualize the 2D sketches and contours in 3D quickly, allowing designer to compare option and modifly the terrain directly in the 3D model. It helps to create engaging accessible and exciting recreational spaces which integrate with the existing landscape seamlessly.
CLIMATE ANALYSIS, CUT& FILL CALCULATION WITH GRASSHOPPER
Harnessing the full potential of a comprehensive 3D project model, we delve into multifaceted analyses using custom Grasshopper scripts. These scripts enable us to conduct accumulated sunlight analysis, water flow analysis, and cut-and-fill calculations with precision, seamlessly integrating them with our design model and existing site data. Additionally, we explore various massing and design options, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in our decision-making processes. This holistic approach empowers us to optimize every aspect of the urban landscape design, utilizing real-time Enscape technology to its fullest extent.
URBAN SPACES
Marienlyst aims to build cohesive neighborhoods with vibrant meeting spaces and green areas. The cultural drivened design enriches the district while cafes, shops, and restaurants offer convenience.
We ensure seamless connectivity between Blindern and Majorstuen, promoting easy access to both activity and tranquility. Car-free streets and nearby public transport ensure practical daily living.
TOP character and programmes of various urban spaces
BOTTOM
Illustration of the Fjernsynslunden plaza of urban life and restaurants
ALIGNING URBAN SPACES WITH ARCHICTURE IN PROGRAMS & TYPOLOGIES
Sections are instrumental in defining the width and relationships between streets, plazas, building heights, and first-floor programs. Renderings exported from 3D models then depict the atmosphere and functions of these spaces, showcasing the unique characteristics of each urban area within the project. This meticulous approach ensures that architectural design harmonizes seamlessly with urban design, guaranteeing the creation of high-quality urban spaces.
TOP
Illustration of Nabolagsplass, neibourhood meeting spaces and forest park behind at Blindern
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BOTTOM
Sections of Fjernsynslunden plaza and Nabolagsplass
The transformation of Fredrikstad Mekaniske Verksted West seeks to expand the city center toward the waterfront, fostering a vibrant urban environment. The team has crafted a comprehensive landscape concept for the public spaces, transforming the former industrial area of FMV Vest on Kråkerøy into a dynamic hub for commercial, cultural, and recreational activities. This thoughtfully designed neighborhood will feature highquality public spaces, inviting promenades, and lush parks, all of which will support urban living and enhance the residential experience for 1,250 new homes. Central to this project is a commitment to prioritizing community wellbeing while preserving and celebrating the area’s industrial heritage.
PRACTICE WORK IN SO-LA
Date | 2023
Location | Fredrikstad, Norway
Status | planning initiative to municipality
My part | Modeling of the Dock area for feasibility studies of the infrastructure headroom, terrain build up and thus informing landscape and programme design
RIGHT Photo of existing industrial site
LEFT Render of the proposed future development
FROM INDUSTRIAL LEGACY TO LANDMARK: SHAPING A VIBRANT HARBOUR CITY
URBAN, GREEN AND BLUE CONNECTIVITY OF THE SITE
FMV Vest is set to become a sustainable and future-oriented urban area, building on its exceptional connection to the sea and the historical industrial activities associated with it. The plan supports the goals of Fredrikstad municipality to strengthen the area as an integral part of the city center and contribute to the further development of the riverfront as an important urban space.
TOP Urban Connectivity Diagramme BOTTOM Masterplan of Proposed development
HARBORING CULTURE: THE BLUE-GREEN DOCK EXPERIENCE
This project envisions a vibrant, car-free extension of the city center in Fredrikstad, featuring a lively promenade and a hub for dock-related activities to stimulate business growth. We are committed to preserving the area’s industrial heritage while integrating cultural elements into the urban landscape. The historic dock will be transformed into a central green park, surrounded by retail spaces and featuring an innovative underground museum.
TOP Aerial view of the new development and blue green surrouding
BOTTOM Central Dock Park and the srounding waterfront retails
INFRASTRUCTURE CHALLENGE : DOCK AS THE PARK SPACE
The dock’s infrastructure challenge is primarily due to its unique characteristics as a park space, including significant terrain differences and a prominent heritage seawall, which limit accessibility and design flexibility. The requirement for a parking structure within the dock area means the park must be built on top of it. To ensure project success, detailed modeling is essential for feasibility studies, focusing on infrastructure headroom and terrain buildup to guide the park’s design.
A NEW CITY SHORE AND GATEWAY TO THE SEA
The most central urban and street spaces, along with the entire Dock area, are part of the planned site. This allows for the early development of good parks and urban spaces in conjunction with residential development and the establishment of businesses. FMV Vest is planned to include housing, cultural experiences, commerce, office space, and new jobs in combination with quality urban spaces.
PRACTICE WORK IN SNØHETTA
Date | Oct 2022 - Feb 2022
Location | Hamburg, Germany
Status | Concept & Schematic
My part Landscape design, enscape renders water concept
EXPAND AND INTEGRATE
STUBBENHUK TO ENHANCING URBAN CONNECTIVITY
Stubbenhuk’s development emphasizes connection and integration, highlighting diagonals while adding the Neuekontorhaus to mark the street corner. These structures create a spacious inner-city square, complementing the Gruner + Jahr publishing house. This urban town square serves as a vibrant counterpart to the extension’s private courtyard, enriching the cityscape. reclamation.
HAMBURG: QUARTIER AM BAUMWALL
Photo of operating sand mind in Mittelweser
BOTTOM
Illustration of the sandy beach in a post mining landscape
MASTER PLANNING: THE DIAGONALS
The master plan emphasizes four distinct landscape areas: The Stadtplatz, a hard paved plaza. The Deckanlag connects the Baumwallpark and Stadtplatz. The new Baumwallpark extends Michelwiese’s charm, offering lush greenery and stormwater collection point to the area. Lastly, the private courtyard fits Hamburg’s urban structure, fostering private communication and providing diverse perspectives of the historic Getreideheberhaus.
TOP Urabn Concept Diagrame
BOTTOM Master Plan
WATER MANAGEMENT
STRATEGY
Filtered-water pipes facilitate buildingto-building water reuse, while a retention pond enhances biodiversity. A pump circulates water from the regeneration zone to the retention pond, promoting purification. Semi-open drainage channels direct runoff to a central rain garden, with all planting areas serving infiltration purposes. Excess water is stored in an inground tank. Rainwater from storage is utilized for water features, while the play area can function as a flood basin during extreme events.
TOP Overall stormwater catchment strategy BOTTOM Water storage and purification in Baumwall Park
Stadtplatz
Baumwall Park
Innenhof
BAUMWALL PARK: ENHANCE RESILIENCE
Baumwallpark, an extension of Michelpark, enriches the area with its lush greenery, providing a striking contrast to the nearby town square. This landscape park, boasting an integrated 800m2 playground, serves as the vibrant heart of the district, unfolding elegantly in front of the historic Getreideheberhaus. Moreover, the park’s expansive raingarden and permiable surafces efficiently collects and detend stormwater, embodying sustainable design principles.
TOP Landscape plan of Baumwall Park
BOTTOM Enscape render of Baumwall Park
DECKANLAGE: BRIDGING CONNECTION ACROSS TECTONIC LEVELS
The deck serves as a cozy urban retreat, blending seamlessly with the architectural style of the surrounding buildings and the district’s diverse terrain. Acting as a wooden bridge, it links Michelpark, Stadtplatz, and the newly developed Baumwallpark, enhancing connectivity and community interaction. Its stepped design not only addresses accessibility but also offers outdoor seating and dining opportunities. Inspired by terraced architecture, its tectonic
TOP Illustration of the Deckanlage
BOTTOM Landscape plan of the Deckanlage
3 Inheritating Culture via
Urban revitalization
PEDESTRIANIZING BURCHARDPLATZ: REDEFINING URBAN MOBILITY
Burchardplatz and its surrounding buildings hold UNESCO heritage status, signifying their profound cultural significance while also imposing restrictions on interventions. Currently, the area is heavily trafficked by cars, prompting a gradual transition towards pedestrianization. The new assignment for the area is to preserve its history while transforming it into a pedestrianfriendly urban space, fostering resilience to climate challenges.
PRACTICE WORK IN SNØHETTA
Date | Jul - Sep 2021
Location | Hamburg, Germany
Status | Competition
My part blue- green structure planning, streetscape, Burchardplatz and east plaza design.
BURCHARDPLATZ: BRIDGING HERITAGE AND MODERNITY
Historically, the layout of Burchardplatz was influenced by the development of its surrounding edges. To highlight this historical context, the outlines of the buildings are projected onto the square’s surface. These lines echo the original oval shape of the parking lot from the 1940s, linking the current building edges with the original traffic layout. Additionally, the square is subdivided by facades on the ground floor, rhythmically projecting outward to create an interconnected pattern that enhances the human scale. As an initial step, the new axis of Burchardstrasse intersects with the square, delineating smaller sections and potential sub-squares adjacent to each facade.
TOP Landscape Plan of Burchardplatz BOTTOM Flexibility of Burchardplatz in seasons and events
BIENNIAL GARDEN
OPEN PLAZA
Historical picture of Burchardplatz
BOTTOM Master plan of the proposal
Chilehaus
Burchardplatz
plaza
CHILEHAUS’ ELEGANCE IN THE WATER MIRROR
A water mirror, designed to reflect the iconic Chilehaus with its signature shipyard aesthetic, adorns the east plaza. Floating on the water’s surface, it captures the essence of the architecture and activates the plaza for outdoor dining and commercial activities. Additionally, the plaza features rain gardens and a natural playground, adding a new blue-green layer to the area. The streetscape is also redesigned with stormwater management rain gardens and enhanced drainage, promoting climate resilience in formerly asphalt-dominated streets and plazas.
With the mission to revitalize the area of Eliel and Asema squares downtown Helsinki, the concept “Klyyga” was developed. Translated into “the crossing” in local slang, Klyyga aims to both fit in and add to contemporary Helsinki. The project emphasizes on the two city grids that meets at these squares, Elielinaukio and Asema-aukio, and the aim is to create a vibrant new plaza and city block, supporting the Helsinki urban strategy: To make the city center more vibrant and accelerate green mobility.
REVITALIZING ELIEL SQUARE: A CROSSING (KLYYGA) DESTINATION
PRACTICE WORK IN SNØHETTA
Date | Sep - Oct 2021
Location | Helsinki, Finland
Status | Winning Competition
My part | Masterplans and landscape design on ground floor and roof, blue green strategy
KLYYGA: CROSSING OF CITY GRIDS
The concept Klyyga inspired by the crossing of the city grid. It stands for a system of crossings to reconnect city, urban landscape, and people to create a dynamic and livable area west of the historical railway station. Such concept also reflected on the diamond crossing paving of the square, responding the urbann history and site characteristic.
LEFT Aerial View of new Eilel Square
RIGHT Masterplan of Eilel Sqaure, new building and metro entrance
LANDSCAPE OF PLAZA AND BUILDING
We’re greening the urban landscape with additional lime trees and diverse plantings in rain beds to enhance water management and aesthetics. Replanted tree rows and builtup planters promote biodiversity and provide seating, while illuminated in the evenings for enjoyment. Introducing Japanese cherry trees adds visual appeal and extends the green corridor towards the railway station and city grids.
REUSED PAVERS & ENHANCED DRAINAGE WITH RAINBED
The plaza features a combination of reused pavers and new Finnish granite, arranged in a diamond grid pattern to facilitate surface water runoff. Specifically designed for paving and drainage channels, the Finnish granite comes in three widths, with selected lines spanning 2m and 1m, following the grid and drain lines measuring 50cm in width. This design ensures efficient water management while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the plaza. Plants for rain bed in in selection of green, pink and purple colours.ie. Carex rhynchophysa, Molinia caerulea, Lythrum salicaria and Physocarpus opulifolius.
The impermeable surfaces are strategically designed to manage rain and stormwater, utilizing an extensive basement system below grade. Surface runoff from the square is directed through paving strips to rain gardens and planting beds, promoting natural filtration and absorption. Nonaccessible green roofs are leveraged for solar power generation and rainwater harvesting and storage, enhancing sustainability measures.
SUSTAINBILITY STRATEGY:
HARVESTING WATER& ENERGY
FRENCH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
The school seeks innovative spatial designs to cultivate a creative atmosphere and dynamic learning experience, fostering collaboration among teachers and classes in open, collaborative spaces. Students seek engaging outdoor areas for leisure activities and socializing with peers. Parents prioritize a safe and comfortable learning environment for their children, also valuing opportunities for learning outside the classroom through extracurricular activities.
PRACTICE WORK IN AECOM
Date | Nov 2015- May 2016
Location | Hong Kong
Status | Built
My part | Collaborated with Henning Larsen Architect . Responsible for podium and outdoor landscape design from concept to detail stage.
TOP
Photo of operating sand mind in Mittelweser
BOTTOM
Illustration of the sandy beach in a post mining landscape
An outdoor learning classroom and educational farm on the podium offer students hands-on experiences to learn about food sources, from underground to tree growth. The native garden on the ground floor connects to the podium via ramps, providing an ecology walk from groundcover to tree canopy, enhancing learning about ecosystem and biodiversity.
OUTDOOR LEARNING IN THE LIVING CLASSROOMS
MASTERPLAN DRIVEN FROM PROGRAMME
The Programme-Driven Character Plan reimagines the campus as a dynamic hub, offering diverse educational and recreational opportunities. Through concept design and a programmed master plan, it will become a vibrant space for learning, collaboration, and community engagement.
DETAIL DEVELOPMENT: VIBRANT AND SAFE
With meticulous material choices, we create a colorful, vibrant, and safe environment that harmonizes with the architectural design. Carefully selecting suppliers and pushing boundaries, we implement semi in-situ safety surfaces for the playground and running track, adding graphical interest while ensuring proper drainage and plant growth.
MAXIMIZING SPACE FUNCTIONALITY FOR SCHOOL USAGE
One challenge for the school is maximizing usable activity space while accommodating the logistics of school buses. As a solution, the multifunctional court doubles as a temporary car park for buses during school opening and closing hours. This overlayed function necessitates a heavy-duty and abrasionresistant floor color paver for the court to withstand the loading of buses. Additionally, tree pit details are developed to protect the trees from driving loads while working within limited build-up constraints.
Surface Chennel Point Drain with Paver Topping
ColorPave&Drain ColorPave&TreePit
4
Connecting People via Engagement & Exhibitions
ENGAGEMENT TOOL KIT DEVELOPMENT
The Engagement Toolkit Project aimed to develop tools for community workshop and participatory design through interactive games and playful medium. The Toolkit are develop in sets to serve various age groups and targeted workshop outcome. The ‘‘Treasure Huts Cards’’ are design to give a fun field work experience of bottom-up design approach. The ‘‘Role Play Dice’’ aimed to encourage player to think of others needs. The lego set provide reusable model materials for user to illustrate their idea with design components and aid.
PARTICIPATORY WORKSHOP DESIGN AND FACILITATION
A set of Laser cut Component Sheet are designed in 1:50 scale for the use of community design workshop with public. The component sheets are designed to allow public to communicate their ideas with a assistance, with the help of tools and model, ideas are easy illustrated and captured. They has been used in the following projects including the sports venue co- design workshop and public proposal idea workshop in pedestrianize DVRC exhibition.
TOP Landscape mining master plan
BOTTOM Soil extraction area plan, 1998
TOP Landscape mining master plan
BOTTOM Soil extraction area plan, 1998
ENGAGEMENT & CO-DESIGN WORKSHOPS FOR SPORTS VENUE ENHANCEMENT
Engagement Consultant for Good Lab, HK Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Stakeholder Interviews & Survey
Stakeholder interviews kick off the process, mapping their journey and pinpointing key issues. Through collaborative brainstorming with design tools, innovative ideas emerge. Prototypes are then tested with stakeholder involvement, leading to public advocacy effort aimed at influencing policies in line with collective vision.
FREELANCE WORK IN 2SQM DESIGN
Date | Feb - Oct 2019
Location | Hong Kong
Status Public Engagement
My part | engagement design, prototype production, facilitators, design guideline
ENGAGEMENT MODEL
FROM PROTOTYPING TO IMPLEMENTATION
Co- design Workshop for brainstorming solutions
Comprehensive Design Guideline for Policy Maker
FROM COLLABORATION TO CO-CREATION & TRANSLATION OF ENGAGEMENT FINDING
Highlighted collaborative ideas are made into 1:1 stimulation design prototype for test. Functionality consideration such as size, fonts and configuration are tested with users experience. Feedbacks and revised design ideas from all workshops and prototype tests are absorbed and consolidated in a illustrated design guideline for the future sports venue design and implementation.
TOP 1:1 stimulation prototype feedback and translation to design guideline
BOTTOM One of the final product implemented from the codesign workshop - the smart booking device
EXHIBITION: PEDESTRIANIZE DVRC!
THE ROAD AND BEYOND
ADVOCACY
Date
Location
Status
A SHARED PUBLIC VISION
D Des Voeux Road Central (DVRC), a major avenue in Hong Kong’s commercial district, is currently dominated by vehicles, leaving little space for pedestrian life. Community advocates propose a more walkable and lively DVRC—a green boulevard shared by all. This exhibition presents visionary models for DVRC, crafted through collaboration between the community and professionals. The aim is to garner support from both the public and policymakers for this transformative vision.
IMAGINING DVRC: A INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE
The exhibition’s “Model Component Sheets” graphics style embodies a sense of “building in progress” and “collaboration.” Each public proposal is presented with a set of Lightbox and Earphones, allowing visitors to explore the imaginary future of DVRC through Pin Hole Renders and associated Virtual Soundscapes. This fun and playful representation encourages discovery and engagement with the envisioned transformation of Des Voeux Road Central.
EXHIBITION: HK’S PAST & FUTURES: INFRASTRUCTURE IMAGINATION
MEMBER OF CURATORIAL TEAM
Date | Mar - May 2018
Location | Hong Kong
Status | Advocancy Exhibition
My part | Exhibition curation and reasearch drawing and production
PAST LESSONS, FUTURE FOUNDATIONS
Infrastructure Imagination showcases major infrastructure projects completed in Hong Kong between 1972 to 1988. Photographs featured are the work of Heather Coulson, a construction photographer who was commissioned to undertake many prestigious infrastructure projects in the period. The exhibition offers an excellent opportunity to reflect on what has been known as the golden age of construction in Hong Kong and to envision ways for building a sustainable future in the 21st century.
REFLECT AND ADVOCATE: PAVING THE WAY FORWARD
The exhibition showcases major infrastructure projects completed in Hong Kong between 1972 to 1988, divided into four sections: Mass Transit Railway, Highways & Tunnels, Electricity Networks, and Water Works. Each section features scaled drawings illustrating project configurations drawn by me and construction photographs by Heather Coulson. Supported by archival records, the exhibition invites reflection on the city’s urban evolution and encourages envisioning a sustainable future.
Methodology
From Hand Sketches and Model Making to Digitalization:
Although most projects are eventually visualized digitally, hand sketches remain a crucial starting point for my design process. These sketches foster creative exploration and conceptual development, forming my connection to the project for further design. The transition from hand sketches and physical models allows a tangible understanding of the space and structure before transferring this knowledge and inspiration to computer modeling and digital visualization. This approach ensures the strong concept , position and identity of the project remains throughout the development.
DESIGN SKETCHES from Reimagining Kjeller airport, Norway (P.25)
DESIGN SKETCHES AND PRESENTATION MODEL from Mining Sand | Claiming Land (P.6)
My art is an attempt to reach beyond the surface appearance. I want to see growth in wood, time in stone, nature in a city, and I do not mean its parks but a deeper understanding that a city is nature too- the ground upon which it is built, the stone with which it is made.
Lok Yan (Olive) Wong
olivewly@gmail.com
