The Past
Years ago, the site, which was situated in the old industrial area, was one of the most polluted area in Hong Kong. Piles of recycled papers stacked along the waterfront. Smell of the rubbish spread to miles away. Deafening noise from the cranes on the barges deterred people from going near. To minimize the nuisance, a 3m high wall was built up to cover the site. Therefore, this Hoi Bun Road, in direct translation is “Promenade Road”, actually could never see the waterfront for past decades.

A Bold Attempt
This project was evolved, manifested as a bold attempt to transform this kind of adverse city condition. Within 5 months time, Architectural Services Department finished the design and in less than 10 months, the project was completed.

Scope of Works
The project has a length of 200m. It is the phase 1 of the whole Kwun Tong Promenade Project, which is 950m long in total. The design theme is “to bring Nature into our City”. The total construction area is 7,340 s.m. The construction works started in March 2009 and were substantially completed in December 2009. The scope of the project includes: (i) a 200m long boardwalk; (ii) a multi-purposes plaza with mist, music and special lighting; (iii) a performance area with a 200-person spectator stand; and (iv) a children play area. Over half of the site is green area. Coupled with the variety of facilities in it, the project has effectively revitalized and improved the waterfront along Kwun Tong.

The Change
Through the attempt to transform, this site is now turned into one of the most popular scenic place in Hong Kong, attracting young people, lovers, and amateur photographers. In the morning, it becomes a haven for the senior citizens to perform Tai-chi and exercise. At night in the weekend, Chinese opera lovers gather in the performance area to enjoy their ad-hoc Chinese opera music performance. During festive seasons, especially after mid night, the rock bands gather here to show their talent and release their energy. It truly is ´a promenade for all´.

A Tribute to Recycled Industry and the Industrial Period

Meaning of the Tower

The distorted and unstable expression of the tower implies “the perseverance of the Hong Kong people despite of the bumpy ways ahead”, especially during the industrial period. It was the common working attitude of the people at that time. The use of rustic finish for steel works, on one hand is inspired by the lifting cranes on the barges, and at the same time signifies the past of the industrial period and the advent of the post industrial period.

Bright and Colourful Night

Starting from six o´clock, every hour to 11 o’clock daily, visitors, lovers, amateur photographers gather around the tower to witness the advent of the magic moment. The tower turns into a music box with glittering LED lights. Together with music and mist, a spectacular light show is performed under the beautiful sunset background of the Victoria Harbour. In the daytime, the mist is emitted to cool off the air. This is especially refreshing in hot summer day in Hong Kong.

Other facilities

Within the promenade, there is also a performance area with a spectator stand capable of accommodating 200 persons. It facilitates different organizations to hold functions within the promenade. In addition, some interesting and exciting play equipments in the children play area provide families with children a great place to enjoy.

A Response to the Post Industrial Period

With the advent of the post industrial period, there is a rising concern on the quality of life and environment. The design, which is rooted from these values, deliberately emphasizes on transparency, greening, openness and freedom, and is in contrast with the congested environment of Kwun Tong. Contrary to the colonial past in which lawn areas were all fenced off, the lawn within the promenade can be freely walked on. Glass balustrades are used to enhance the immediacy towards the sea. The Victoria Harbour is the host of the design, and the design is to create a pleasant environment to facilitate people to enjoy the Harbour. All the space here are kerbless, so people can freely access anywhere of the site and enjoy. The theme of the design is “ to bring Nature into our City”, i.e., an environment where one can freely enjoy the sun, the green, the fresh air, and the Victoria Harbour.