Hong Kong is a condensed and highly urbanized place. But as opposed
to what most people think of, this city, which impressed people with tones of
tall building and high population, has green space that carries 70% of total
area. This 70% land is mostly hills and green land. In addition to this, Hong
Kong locates at the path migratory
birds have to pass through from summer to winter. Therefore, in order to
differentiate these two types of land use, the Hong Kong Wetland Park is
constructed in New Territories for such purpose.
As I am a NT
residence, I have visited the Wetland Park for numbers of times when I was a
child. Going into an air-conditioned space after exercising in a hot weather
feels great for me. The Park, where I enjoyed watching lots of special birds
other than the air-con., in fact carries more qualities than I can expect as a
10 years old kid.
During the semester
break this summer I revisited the Park with my girlfriend. This Park
differentiates the urban context with the natural wetland into three parts, the
building body for exhibition, the intermediate space with access and introduction
to wetland, and finally the inaccessible wetland space where we can only look
at it. In addition, path in the space doesn’t have handrail in order to
encourage the interaction with natural space.
The building itself
is designed for sustainability as well. Reinforced concrete with grey colour,
although seems to be boring by itself, enhances the natural colour of plants
and water. The building façades are a clear double level glazing, allowing
visitors to look through into the wetland. The roof is a gentle slope filled
with lawn and tree. At the top of this slope roof is a panoramic view to the
wetland, reminding the beauty of the environment.
It feels good for
me that Hong Kong has a building that concerns the need of sustainable design.
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