Skyscraper Without Limits
Hong Kong
2018
This is a hypothetical project and competition entry for the eVolo annual skyscraper architectural competition. Hong Kong has the most skyscrapers in the world, and will continue to grow due to high land value and maximized FAR. At the same time, skyscrapers ruthlessly erase the existing and consider little about its urban fabric. In this hypothetical project and architectural competition, we rethink skyscrapers for NOW and not only the future. Our proposal redefines the way they interact with existing; the title 'without limits' is chosen because our typology links the old with new; past with present and input with output. Its potential and outcome can be limitless: 1. Limitless Height - spaces are arranged horizontally and vertically; 2. Timeless - transition of the old to the adapted / new; 3. Limitless Function - dynamic and diverse, not static; We chose the site of To Kwa Wan and its famous 13th street for its 'Tong Lau' buildings (generic shop house typology found in late 19th Century to 1960s in Hong Kong and Southern China). This district is targeted for redevelopment with some areas demolished already for new residentials like a series of giant screens. For our site, instead we imagine a super high skyscraper (800m), but split into 3 towers. Each tower is split again into 4 components to form a cluster of programmatically related spaces. These separated spaces (in the form of 12 new towers) become more intimate and human scale, and require in-between spaces to connect them. There are 3 clusters / zones: Education, Mixed-use, Healthcare. In other words, we look at skyscraper as a series of vertically and horizontally connected spaces like a City, rather than one gigantic tower. The new massing are integrated into the existing fabric, inserting new energy and support for the 'old'. The existing forms and functions are not destroyed but are built upon, implying evolution rather than revolution. We pulled out some blocks of the 12 rows of terraced buildings to allow circulation across, and extra daylight + ventilation for a more vibrant but preserved local scene. The existing residents are mainly elderly or local families with lower income, and the newly inserted function as 'hubs' can expand and support them. Our design folds times of past, present and future into its own space and programs. Take the healthcare zone, for example: the elderly can stay at their present homes maintaining their sense of belonging. The new elements in close proximity are amenities like clinics, community centre, gardens and co-living apartment (3-generation living so families can live independently together). In the landscaped roof + towers + podiums + sky bridge above, other related programs under healthcare (chemist, research lab, factory, herb farm, market) are split across multiple levels horizontally as well as vertically. This is a self-sustaining city-in-a-city. The in-between, transitional and green spaces (productive landscape & biodiversity) between the existing and extended community are the core of this supportive structure that generate food, medicine, crafts and income. New programs and renewable technologies are introduced to facilitate the process of these produce; and through a cycle of activities and needs, they feed back to locals. It reflects Hong Kong’s history as a fishing village that nurtures its community’s members; a harvesting and sharing village. This typology can be replicated and applied to other regeneration projects, and act as an air purifying agent in this densely populated city. In conclusion, this design remind ourselves of Hong Kong's old values: a city and people that is resilient and can self-regenerate to survive and meet challenges, with older generations passing their experiences onto new generations to maintain our unique history, culture and identity as a city.
* The projects are personal work and experience of the directors prior to setting up Kel+Wil Design Ltd.