Kai Tak Submission Documents

Kai Tak Submission Documents

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  1 DEVELOPMENT STATEMENT The DesignCompetition calls for the epitomisation of the energy of Hong Kong, which is generated only from and by the collective spirit of its people and manifested in the “visible or detectible effects of change” dynamically. To express it architecturally in an urban context in a scale of the Competition Site, it calls for the establishment of an infrastructure upon and within which the People of Hong Kong will be able to be inspired and aspire through the energy within them along the line of their respective innovations. The infrastructure, thus, must and only be acting in a supportive role to facilitate the free minds of people. Too much suggestions suppress innovations. Without exception, every form of energy is given by the nature. Life, an energy form, starts, grow and flourish when connects in harmony and amplified through resonance, and perish in stagnancy, conflict or chaos. To encourage and promote life-form energy requires man’s re-connection with the nature’s energy spots. The closest nature to man is the mother earth whereupon civilisation began and evolve in the past thousands of years with down-to-earth urbanisation – the construction of the infrastructure. In summary, in order to develop an infrastructure on earth where man’s energy can be enlivened naturally to make all dreams come true, goals achieved, talents promoted, challenges conquered, plans achieved, targets met, and so on, energies of these 3 elements must be reconnected to resonate. Through the identification of man-earth’s energy connection spots within the Competition Site by the use of BG-16 Pendulum under the Bovis Scale and the application of the design principle of Bio-Geometry on every element of the KTF infrastructure, the energy threshold of the KTF Development useable for man will be much elevated from ground zero toward success in all aspects before any other programmes execute, whether they be on the promotion of HK’s renown movie industry, international cuisine, cultural events, and so forth. THEME As analogous to the purpose of provisions by infrastructure in architecture and master planning, ‘Life, Energy, Harmony, and Growth’ are the selected theme of the Proposal as they represent the fundamental and longevous elements of the mother nature and the essential crave of man. Any other particular settings such as ‘movie’ or ‘cuisines’ are human ramifications and ends, and are subject to change. Only with a neutral setting based on the proposed theme as the ‘basis’ and ‘background’, any and all social and industrial derivatives and transient values can be expressed and adhered upon as the colours of life. BRAND The branding of the Proposal is set as ‘Hong Kong Life and Energy Spot’. The Proposal is fundamentally designed and built on the Man-Earth Spots amplified through the resonance via Bio-Geometry in planning and architectural terms. Energy spots and lines are practically everywhere and underlining. HK people’s using the KTF so developed completes the energy composition in the exploitation for the manifested purposes. Human participation, like others, turns and exemplifies the nature’s gift of energy into useable, visible and detectible forms which, in this case, flourishes social, cultural, commercial, industrial events and activities as life in a Hong Kong style. That is exactly the core subject of KTF and shall be branded as such. PLANNING PRINCIPLE Starting from the primitive life form, the most dynamically balanced ‘equilibrium triangle’ is the key, fundamental planning and design element across the whole KTF Site. With one of the three axes parallel to the earth’s constant latitudinal lines set at 20 metre centre, a triangular grid at 60o is set down for the whole Site, acting as a invisible ‘system’ that ties and unifies all design and energies there within to act as an integral and mutually reinforcing entity like a space frame. To resonate and amplify the natural energy resource for the benefit of human development, accommodations or habitat, in the forms of architectural forms and shapes, are to dispose over the identified man-earth energy spots with building heights, and thereby, usable volumes, in line with the identified magnitude of energy at the various detected spots. The designation of use shall follow and amplify the existing urban patterns in context with variations and projects. The Site is composed of three major areas of different, distinct compositions and characteristics. Kwun Tong Pier Area is contextually urban of medium / high density already serving as a major transportation hub with terminals for bus, mini-bus, taxi, pedestrian and vehicular / dangerous good ferries. It lies in the heavily populated district started to flourish in 1960s, with major residential establishment and industrial premises turning progressively into offices and commercial / retail centres. It is next to the future Kowloon Bay CBD sharing the same harbor front and the KTF vicinity. To best utilise the potential of Kwun Tong Pier area, it shall be designated as a continuation of its existing purpose with improved planning for a future local hub for all forms of human transactions major on commercial, social, fashion, cuisine, movie, cultural, leisure and commodity facilities. The Runway Tip is relatively ‘free’ and ‘open’ both in context and physical form, broadly surrounded only by the primary natural element of the sky, the sea, the mega-structure of the cruise terminal and international seafaring cruises. It shall be planned with facilities that supports the needs and demands of both the locals and upsurging overseas tourists coming in by cruise by providing mega-scaled facilities. International class of events and activities shall be incorporated with large scale shopping and cultural precincts as well as lavish hotel accommodations. The strong message of Hong Kong’s emphasis on environmental quality in counteract with the emissions from international cruises shall be enabled using latest technology on air purification embedded as part of the shells of all built forms and structure. The enclosed Water Body in between is linear and in a reasonable scale, an excellently sheltered nurture ground to rekindle the strong bond of Hong Kong people and the sea in the past, the present and the future. It is the physical tying element among its shores that integrates the whole concept of KTF development. Besides being the usual ground for fireworks, dragon boat and sailboat races, and water games, floating stage and audience stands for mega-shows served by non-fueled, non-polluting or solar battery-type gondolas shall be introduced also for the enjoyments of the on-shore on-lookers. DESIGN CONCEPT Ramified from the triangular grid, the system, is the hexagon, the module that symbolises life form, both in traditions and scientific discoveries. The module progressing in all three directions expands and extends into multiple and sophisticate life forms. They grow and connect at will in its own natural path following the energy spots into architecture and urban spaces. In conjunction with the element of completeness – the circle and the ellipse, and the nature’s harmony in golden section (1:1.618), the whole urban design is evolved.
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  2 These fundamental naturaldesign elements through natural symbiosis develop into various forms, shapes of different but appropriate and suitable scale, features and details according to the planning principles as manifestations of the existence of life form energetics in action. The design concept adopts Bio-Geometry, a well experimented design principles established by Dr. Ibrahim Karim into every details with the orientation to promote best use and amplification of positive human energy and the avoidance of the otherwise. PROPOSALS The design proposal can be found on the design boards. The following summarises the provisions of areas for different uses, with sections showing their proximity and disposition. Kwun Tong Pier Area (* - excluding Basement 1 for public transport interchange, carpark and loading/unloading. ** - exclude pier areas. # - area above 5/F. ## with revolving restaurants) Legend for use designation 1, major vertical pedestrian interchange 2, open walkway 3, entrance lobbies to upper floors 4, sidewalk stalls and cuisines 5, elevated pedestrian link 6, retail 7, restaurants 8, cinemas, cinema museum, workshop, training centre 9, auditoria, theatres, conference centres 10, exhibition halls, art gallery, museum, workshop, studio Block/ Tower No*. of Floors Building Height (m) GFA (m2) Remarks A 6 40 54,618 Site Coverage = 14,618m2 or 41%** Pedestrianised Open Air Piazza Area = 9,870m2** A1 8 55 2,220# A2 10 65 8,840# A3 20 125 18,510# A4 8 55 2,600# Total GFA 86,788 Use Designation Floor A1 A3 A A2 A4 17-19/F 7## - - - 10-16/F - 7 - - - 9/F - 7 - 8 - 8/F - 7 - 8 - 7/F 9 7 - 8 10 6/F 9 7 - 8 10 5/F 9 7 7 8 10 4/F 7 7 6 6 10 3/F 6 7 6 6 10 2/F 6 7 6 6 10 1/F 6 7 6 6 7 G/F 1, 2, 3 3, 4 2, 3 1, 2, 3 3, 4 B/F Public Transport Interchange, Carpark, Loading/ Unloading, U/F Connections and Subway to vicinity and MTR Stations,, E&M Rooms Runway Tip (* - from deck level, ie, exclude G/F. ** - include relevant areas accountable for GFA at G/F. Block/ Tower No. of Floors Building Height (m) GFA (m2) Remarks The Ark 10* 91.5* 165,673* Site Coverage = 48,072m2 or 34%** Pedestrianised Open Deck Area = 76,873m2** Cycling Track = 1,780m G/F Hotel 1 12 24,226 G/F Shop 1 12 25,610 Theatres 2 38.5* 27,419 Total GFA 242,928 Heliport 2 18 3,244 Total GFA 246,172 Use Designation Legend for use designation: 1, elevated pedestrian and landscape deck, open event and performance ground, links to cruise terminal and incoming elevated pedestrian walkway 2, retail 3, restaurants 4, museum, exhibition 5, hotel 6, theatres – lyrics, concert and recital halls 7, hanging garden Floor ARK Theatre Remarks 9/F 5 - Total hotel rooms = 620+ Total Hanging Garden Size = 13,462m2 Theatres Indoor Capacity:- Lyrics Theatre = 3,800 Stage Diameter = 22m Concert Hall = 2,000 Proscenium Width = 42m Recital Hall = 1,200 Stage Diameter = 15m 8/F 5 - 7/F 5, 7 - 6/F 3 - 5/F 2, 3 - 4/F 2, 3 - 3/F 2 - 2/F 2 - 1/F 2 - D/F 1, 2, 3 6 G/F Public Transport Interchange, Cycling Track, Shore Walk, Vehicular Access to all Parts, Entrance Lobbies to Upper Floors, 2, 3 B/F Carpark, Loading/ Unloading, E&M Rooms
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  3 Among others, thetwo main design principles at the two major sites are (a) maximum segregation between pedestrian and vehicular traffic in both horizontal and vertical arrangement; and (b) the optimisation of use of the pedestrianised spaces as major event grounds where people meet, greet, interact, exchange, socialise, perform and sublime. Both the Piazza at the Kwun Tong Pier Area and the Deck at the Runway Tip are excellent nurture ground for all forms of events including themed carnivals, outdoor exhibitions, performance, public announcement, fun fares, etc., for both locals and as major attractions for tourists, especially those right from the cruises parked at the Cruise Terminals at shortest distance. Furthermore, incorporated with the ionisation purifying devices all over the external skin / shell of the buildings as well as the canopies / covered walkways at the Runway Tip will be capable to ensure that the air quality at the Deck will be of the best and, in particular, at the hanging garden which it is by design completely protected environment of its own. PARAMETERS The design parameters are set by the design grid and the design principle based on Bio-Geometry. All design of each and different aspect of the whole project from planning to design details will be continually tested by the use of the BG-16 Pendulum with the Bovis Scale throughout different design stages on drawings and in the field to ensure maximum man-earth-infrastructure energy exploitation. The planning guidelines and criteria in the competition documents, which was mentioned with slight flexibility of change, will be adhered as the authority may allow. The final design will comply with all the statutory requirements and design guidelines. The currently set 20m spacing of the triangular grid can be varied to suit other requirement and standards. The proposed usage dispositions are preliminary and is subject to change as the project evolves according to market demands. Site coverage for the Runway Tip development proposal with a 12m elevated deck has taken into account of the Building (Planning) Regulations where 100% site coverage is permitted under 15m. The % of green area in that respect shall relate to those provided at the Deck level instead of ground zero. BROAD TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT AND CONNECTIVITY All existing and future (as seen from the competition document) vehicular and pedestrian traffic at the two major sites, ie, the Kwun Tong Pier Area and the Runway Tip, are respected, maintained, and re-arranged. Principally, vertical segregation of vehicular and pedestrian traffic is proposed. At Kwun Tong Pier Area, a basement Public Transport Interchange with 2 new 12m wide access / egress run-in / out are proposed at each far corner of the site to ensure thorough traffic exploitation at basement level. Besides, pedestrian link in the use of subways are proposed to link to major areas in the vicinity as well as the Kwun Tong MTR stations as major pedestrian influx and between these points after KTF is fully developed. At peripherals at street level, stands for mini-bus, taxis as well as passenger drop offs are provided. At Runway Tip, major transport interchange is provided at G/F for buses, taxis, coaches and passenger drop offs as required, with an addition of hotel drop off right in front of the hotel entrance. All supportive accommodations including extensive carparking, loading / unloading for all accommodations, etc., are provided at basement level. Cycling / jogging track is provided along the most beautiful frontage next to the shore with a 8m wide heavily paved road surface also suitable for the access of emergency vehicles. A provision is allowed at the extreme end of the Runway Tip under the deck, with full carriageway provided for the prospective construction of the Runway Tip – Kwun Tong Bridge Link as indicated in the competition documents. MASTER LANDSCAPE PLAN Please refer to the design board for preliminary details. In brief, the Deck area offers a landscape area at 76,873m2 or 54% landscape area, plus the active landscape area of the cycling / jogging track extending to the shore line at over 16,000m2. The landscape deck is designed and will be detailed based on the principal of Bio-Geometry for the proliferation of man-earth-infrastructure energy strength through the use and disposition of pools, plants, energy paths, and so on. Ample spaces are left for future event set up of booths and stages, etc., in carnivals, performances, and so on. For the Kwun Tong Pier Area, it portrays the design of Italian Piazza where ample paved grounds are designated for the multi-directional traffic pattern of pedestrian. Will the introduction of the ‘Fountain of Life’ of the right scale and geometry, life breeds around to blossom. Along the water-front, row planting will be introduced as well as along the peripherals of the buildings in the least obstructing manner to the planned use of the piazza. Side walk cafe with tables and seats will be set outside the link bridge between Tower A2 and A4. Garden bench and shelter seatings will be provided at the perimeter of the piazza for private meet-ups. PLACE-HOLDER STRATEGIES 1. Interim – The First Hong Kong Life-Energy Project : Landmark for the Future The suggested title promotes the sense of the ‘first of its kind’ and ‘state of the art’ world class standard that is superlative to all other forms and language, and it is real! Anticipations and public expectations can then be built up and proliferated to heights at various stages of completion of the project. Energy talks and theories can be promoted through public media, workshops and even experiments or full size reduced scale of architectural design features such as the ‘energy path’, ‘energy detection demonstration using BG-16 Pendulum’ and how these things are being deployed in
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  4 the design throughout.These activities educate and imprint into the mindsets of the prospective users locally and abroad on the coming into place of this magnificent KTF project, preparing them as well as their own energy forms to get involved and be part of the established KTF operations and events in the future. Nothing comes nothing, but good propaganda along the positivity, constructiveness, and the best use of man-earth-infrastructure in the wheel of civilization is all-time best topic and essential drive to move the world, our world, ahead into a better place. 2. Long-Term – The Energising Metropole At the realization of the KTF project, it is time to mark the beginning of a new era to turn the KTF and the Kowloon Bay – Kwun Tong CBD onto a new page. Energy radiating from the KTF is propagating organically as human and all life-forms do, from the heart of the KTF Site composed of the all the Kwun Tong Pier Area, the Runway Tip and the water body there within. A new ‘sun’ starts to grow from this heart exponentially to every corner of Hong Kong and the world. Accessible by sea, it is boundlessly unrestricted by land traffic but traverses as free as the wind blow. FULL USE OF PUBLIC SPACES The Proposal has been based on the ‘larger’ site definition to start with instead of the demarcations shown on the competition documents. Hence, there are re-arrangement proposals over the existing public spaces and facilities whereby more spaces can be availed at pedestrian levels for more important usages pertinent to the purpose of the KTF development. It calls for a comprehensive review over the original town plan and the competition demarcations for the benefit of fuller utilisation of land resources. IMPLEMENTATION AND PHASING PLAN It depends very much on the technical and practical arrangement of various existing public facilities so that they are not being jeopardised from usage during the implementation stage. In broad, for Kwun Tong Pier Area, the approach is to utilise the ‘planned’ piazza area to construction a covered temporary public transportation facilities to take over the existing provision. Elevated construction techniques shall be adopted to construct the major superstructures with the designed public passages at street level to be remained as principle linkages for vehicles and pedestrian during construction. With top-down construction technique, the basement can be constructed in phases at the last stage that finally completes the whole development. For Runway Tip, the development can be done in one go, starting from the outskirt, with the realization and coming into service of the cycling / jogging track to attract goers, establish presence, and promote the coming of the new era. HOW PLANNING OBJECTIVES CAN BE ACHIEVED THROUGH DEVELOPMENT IDEAS As already exemplified in the design boards and the above Development Notes, it is viewed that the planning objectives can be realised through the proposed development ideas. More innovative suggestions will be given in the later stage on the magnificent provisions possible for the water body and the long and linear site linking from the access across from Kowloon Bay and the Runway Tip. EPILOGUE The Planning and Design Proposal embodies and originates from the very fundamental human urge and need for survival, flourish and longevity at all times, which has been lost in history. Ancient fathers, without the interference and confusions from exploding information and multiplicity, managed to search and arrived at the balance and proliferation of man-earth energy connections as exemplified in many important historical relics still existing and amazing many. Modern science, while bringing in more technological facilitations and gizmos for comfort, enjoyment and convenience, places major emphasis on what is visible and commercially viable that sets aside the natural energy link between the mother earth and man. With the rediscovery of this almost lost connections in human minds through scientific establishment of Bio-Geometry on architectural and planning design and the important tool of BG-16 Pendulum with the Bovis Scale, the missing link can now be re-connected and amplified through resonance in the new, modern form of human habitat. The Proposal provides this excellent, magnificent and invaluable opportunity to re-establish the long-craved promotion for the life and energy of the People of Hong Kong in urban context that matches the very objective and goals of the KTF Development. It is so much wished that the Proposal, when realised in full, will bring to Hong Kong a real and substantive asset for the best benefits of Hong Kong and its People both in locally context and internationally.