Projects Archive - Avoid Obvious Architects

/ March 19, 2025

𝐇𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐎𝐱𝐲𝐠𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞

𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐎𝐱𝐲𝐠𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞

We use interior design to improve a medical process. The home like interior like users to feel calm and easy before they enjoy the hyperbaric oxygen treatment.
Our team also went through a rigorous process to understand the structural and electrical loading of these specialized machines.

Designer: Vicky Chan, AIA, Wing Sum Chan, Avoid Obvious Architects
Client: Hong Kong Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Centre
Contractor: Yan Shek Engineering Limited

Size: 300m2

Location: Hong Kong

/ March 19, 2025

Spree Park in Nansha

Wellbeing at 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐛𝐲 Vivere Sky Group 德天集團

We renovated this abandoned 36,000m2 building in Nansha for both sports and art programs. The prior building was made for a museum. The long span and high ceiling made it perfect for art and sports. The renovation focus on sustainable renovation to create energy efficient operation and color rendition to bring out the best potential of a 30-year-old building. The use of color allow the building next to the harbour to create a sense of movement. The renovation of both interior and exterior took about 12 months to design and finish construction. We are excited to see the impacts it will bring to the community of Guangzhou, China.

Client: Vivere Sky Group, Rax Tsang (CEO)
Exterior and Interior Design: Vicky Chan, AIA, Wing Sum Chan of Avoid Obvious Architects
Visual Identity: Andrew Kwong
Local Design Institute: Wanyu Engineering Design
Contractor: Guangzhou Fangcun Property Management Co.,Ltd.
Size: 36,000m2
Program: Community’s Wellbeing Hub

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/ March 9, 2025

Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps Headquarters

air cadets, HKACC, AOA, Vicky Chan, architect, revitalization, sustainable, school, campus, education, renovation, retrofit, interior, design, designer, green, workshop, bottom up, unique, government.

Design Concept

The Hong Kong Air Cadets Youth Training Center and Headquarters represents a transformative revitalization of an abandoned 1960s school, repurposing it into a dynamic training facility for air cadets. This project employs a bottom-up design approach, incorporating insights gathered from student-led design workshops.

The workshops generated a wealth of ideas centered around color, geometry, and functionality. Retaining the majority of the original concrete structure serves as a key strategy for carbon reduction. The design integrates numerous energy-efficient and regenerative features, including solar panels, UV-reflective paint, a strategic fan system for cross ventilation, and an optimized MVAC system, all aimed at minimizing energy consumption.

We prioritize low-carbon operations for the facility, which comprises 25 rooms, while also implementing contemporary well-being design principles for students and faculty. Common areas such as cadet corners and flight simulation rooms have been intricately co-designed with student input, achieving a balance between futuristic aesthetics and the disciplined ethos of the uniformed service. Additional shared spaces, including an assembly hall, multifunctional rooms, and offices, cater to the needs of 4,000 HKACC members, facilitating various training sessions, workshops, and collaborative activities.

Details

In terms of design and symbolism, students emphasized the chevron insignia on their uniforms as a representation of integrity and professionalism. This concept has been seamlessly integrated into the architecture, interior design, and graphic elements of the center. The color palette of blue and grey echoes the uniform, harmoniously blending with the 1960s architectural style while distinguishing the facility within the residential neighborhood. Perched on hilly terrain, the building features striking blue lines that reach skyward, embodying an affordable yet symbolic interpretation of the cadets’ aerial aspirations.

Credits

Project: Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps Headquarters and Training Center
Project Lead Architect and Project Management: KC Surveyors
Designer: Avoid Obvious Architect: Vicky Chan, Wing Sum Chan, Karlo Lim
Building Services: Top Prof M&E Consultants Ltd
Quantity Surveyor: TLS & Associates
Contractor: Goldfield N&W Construction Company Ltd.

/ February 4, 2025

HKWWA Community Hub

$D:\AO Architects Dropbox\VICKY CHAN\2023-tseun-wan-community-hub\100_Publication\00_Photos\JPG\low res$

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐇𝐮𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚

Our team is proud to announce the completion of the Community Hub project for Hong Kong Women Worker’s Association at 16 Yei Pei Square in Tsuen Wan. Engaging directly with residents through the NGO, we uncovered a pressing needs for increased access to light and space, shaping the foundation of our design approach.

Interior Design

At the heart of the Hub is a vision of inclusivity and flexibility. By incorporating movable partitions into space, we have transformed the 2,000 square feet area into a dynamic environment capable of serving a multitude of age groups and diverse needs. From study areas to consulting rooms, workshops, and a much-requested kitchen for social gatherings, every detail has been meticulously crafted to foster community engagement and personal growth.

On a daily basis, the Hub comes alive with a tapestry of activities. From older cleaning staff finding their needed nap to students immersed in study sessions, families seeking guidance in private consultation rooms, and mothers tending to their laundry needs, the space resonates with the diverse rhythms of daily life.

The innovative use of movable glass partitions not only enhances spatial flexibility but also optimizes natural light and views, creating a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics. The carefully curated interior color palette provides a calming retreat amidst the vibrancy of the surrounding wet market, offering a sanctuary for all who enter.

This project stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of life within the community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the foundations and companies whose generous support has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.

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𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬:
YMCT HAUS
Chow Tai Fook Charity Foundation

𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
Hong Kong Women Worker’s Association

𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧:
Interior Design by Vicky Chan, Wing Sum Chan, Maria Elline Joy Algabre, Avoid Obvious Architects
Building Services by Consulting by Top Prof M&E Consultants Ltd
Branding and Logo by Studio 9527 and Andrew Kwong

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫:
Wanson Construction Company Limited

/ July 4, 2024

Affordable Housing in Mass Timber

housing, mass timber, affordable, aoa, vicky chan, sunset district, apartment, design, avoid obvious, architect, interior design, home, building, builder, low income

What is affordable housing in the 21st century?

Our idea is to create an equitable building catering to the diverse population, their community, and the environment. The corner parcel D spans 32.5’-by-100′, and the use of mass timber in San Francisco is ideal for achieving a low carbon emission project. It conveys traditional residential values and a sense of comfort, fitting in well with the primarily residential Sunset District.

The frame of the 22,750 ft² building is formed by glue-laminated timber beams that hold cross-laminated panels, allowing for ample natural light and ventilation while utilizing sustainable materials. The ground floor and rooftop slabs are made from nail-laminated timber panels, while the foundation consists of concrete footings attached to diagonal timber beams at the base. The diagonal frame is chosen over a standard post and beam is to reduce materials while enhancing the seismic resistance. The timber used in the building is sourced locally from spruce-pine tree forests that can easily be replenished.

Our sustainable and affordable solutions:

The building amenities include space for bicycles and electric bikes at the ground level to reduce traffic congestion for the existing infrastructure, corner retail, rooftop garden with PV panels and a multi-purpose room connected to the backyard. A proposed street bump out turns the parking lane into a mini park, improving accessibility, walkability, and the transition from bicycle users. Green facade elements are also included to improve the overall block’s well-being.

The apartment units range from studios to three bedrooms, providing quality housing for a diverse household variety and family options. The ceiling heights are designed to provide natural light, while mezzanine levels allow for natural cross-ventilation in every apartment and common area, maintaining comfortable indoor air quality and temperature throughout the year. The 15’ ceilings lower temperatures during hot summers, permit natural lighting and allow natural cross-ventilation with operable façade.

The building design prioritizes sustainability, comfort, and community. The use of mass timber with high ceiling allows for building of low embodied and operational carbon, while the incorporation of green spaces and community components enhances its feasibility to building density across Sunset District.

Credits: Alvaro Arranz, AIA and Vicky Chan, AIA

/ July 4, 2024

TWGHs Neighbourhood Elderly Centre

What is active aging?

TWGHs Wo Tin Neighbourhood Elderly Centre is a project that aims to redefine the concept of active aging in Hong Kong. Through workshops conducted with the elderly community, we have gained valuable insights into what truly keeps people active and engaged. Our findings have reinforced the age-old wisdom that friendship plays a vital role in maintaining youthfulness. While providing sports facilities is important, we believe that creating spaces for physical and virtual interaction among friends is even more crucial for the elderly.

How is the Neighbourhood Elderly Centre designed?

The design of our center revolves around the principle of fostering friendship, with each of the 13 rooms carefully planned to encourage physical and virtual interactions. By employing both passive and active design elements, we have created a playful, safe, and interactive environment that enables the elderly to form new friendships. The 4000 square feet space is divided into 13 distinct zones, offering a range of activities from active sports to passive card games. The overall ambiance of the center is designed to be youthful, engaging, and adaptable like a blank canvas.

What is the centre’s specialities?

At the heart of our project is the pantry, where elderly individuals can share their daily meals and special recipes. Additionally, we have equipped the center with high-end gym equipment that incorporates the latest VR and cloud technology, enabling the elderly to track their physical training progress. Moreover, the yoga room, game room, and lobby have been carefully designed to facilitate mutual support among the elderly. They can assist each other in checking blood pressure, engage in casual conversations, or simply enjoy a meal together.

Safety and well-being are also paramount considerations in our design. We have selected materials with recycled content and low carbon footprint to promote sustainability. Furthermore, our distinctive high ceilings create a well-lit environment, reducing the need for excessive lighting consumption. The air conditioning configuration allows for multiple zoning, ensuring that unused areas have reduced air conditioning requirements.

In conclusion, TWGHs Wo Tin Neighbourhood Elderly Centre presents a thoughtful approach to active aging by prioritizing the power of friendship and social interaction. Our design promotes a vibrant and inclusive community where the elderly can connect, engage, and support each other in a safe and sustainable environment.

Credits:

Authorized Person and Project Management: KC Surveyors

Interior Design and Workshop: Avoid Obvious Architects – Vicky Chan, Sam Chan, Karlo Lim, Evan Li

Building Services Engineer: Top Prof M&E Consultants

Contractor: Wadabuild + Guangdong Hopa Joint Venture Limited

Photography: Scott Brooks | Imagennix

/ December 26, 2023

Yuanyeli Microfarm

Farming + Education

Yuanye Li Microfarm is an educational facility that seamlessly integrates education, agriculture, and technology. We believe that farming not only serves as a valuable tool for teaching children about history and environmental challenges but also offers an opportunity for them to explore sustainable living on Earth and beyond.

The farm is designed with salvaged materials and mass timber to reduce embodied carbon. Together with other sustainable measures to reduce operation carbon. The project aims to set a template of net zero education.

Through technology and education, we aim to train the next generation of farmers with sustainability in focus.

Yuanye Microfarm

Our farming Objectives

The Yuanye Li Microfarm project aims to enhance children’s agricultural experience through an enriched hands-on education encompassing farming, technology, history, and sustainability. Our goal is to elevate the perception of farming as a profession and inspire more students to pursue studies in agriculture.

Given the current demographic trends in China, where the average age of farmers is 53 years old, it is crucial to revitalize traditional farming practices to ensure a food future. Factors such as a declining birth rate, higher opportunity costs, and limited available land necessitate a transformative approach to farming that aligns with the needs of the modern world.

By introducing elements of enjoyment, purpose, diversity, and sustainability into agricultural education, we take the initial steps towards cultivating a future workforce in farming. This, in turn, secures the food future for generations to come. Our initiative acknowledges the pressing need to address these challenges and strives to empower young individuals with the knowledge and passion for sustainable agriculture.

Programme Delivery

Our farm project encompasses three essential phases dedicated to children’s education: Design, Construction, and Training.

In the Design phase, we conducted extensive school outreach programs to gain insights into the specific needs of teachers and students regarding agricultural education. Our objective was to blend traditional Chinese farming practices with new technologies, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. The design of the farm was informed by these principles, with a focus on the 24 agricultural seasons that dictate the project site layout. The masterplan incorporates radiating circles emanating from the 4-season pavilions, resulting in a cohesive design for the 16,000m2 site. Notably, half of the site is dedicated to an indoor farm featuring six distinct farming technologies, showcasing sustainable food production in urban and rural contexts.

During the Construction phase, we prioritized sustainable materials, utilizing mass timber, bamboo, salvaged stones, and locally sourced soil for 50% of the construction materials. Engaging children in the construction process served as an educational opportunity to highlight the importance of sustainable building practices. Our construction workshop taught children how to utilize rapidly renewable bamboo to create lighting fixtures and art installations on-site. Additionally, children actively participated in cultivating a diverse range of farm species with culinary, cultural, and medicinal significance, fostering a strong connection with the local ecosystems. Sustainable water and nutrient cycles, achieved through rain collection and aquaponics, facilitated the thriving growth of these plants.

In the Training phase, children are immersed in hands-on workshops that cover both traditional and technological farming methods. Traditional farming practices are learned through fieldwork, providing insights into the meticulous care required for plant cultivation. Additionally, children engage with hydroponics and vertical farming techniques to explore the benefits and processes of automated farming. The introduction of robots on-site exemplifies how farming can be optimized through the integration of AI and technology.

Our farm project stands as a testament to our commitment to providing children with a comprehensive agricultural education that bridges traditional and technological approaches. By imparting knowledge and practical skills, we empower the next generation to embrace sustainable farming practices and contribute to the future of agriculture.

Design Insights

Net-zero construction: Through active participation in the construction process and the utilization of bamboo and salvaged materials, children have contributed to advancing our net-zero design application. By employing sustainable materials, we have achieved a remarkable 72% reduction in carbon footprint compared to other urban farms.

Circular ecosystem: The farm fosters a circular system where food and water are continuously recycled and reused. Children learn the value of waste reduction and repurposing, understanding that not everything needs to be discarded. They witness the transformation of waste into natural fertilizer and the recycling of rainwater on-site, instilling a sense of responsibility, respect, and care for food resources. The farm also supports a rich biodiversity, with the presence of 20 local species of insects, fish, and birds. Children discover the importance of inclusive environmental design, enabling harmonious coexistence with other species.

Endurance: Our program challenges children to endure physical hardships uncommon in more privileged settings. Tasks such as sawing bamboo, working under the scorching sun, and temporarily disconnecting from smartphones build resilience and persistence. Considering the impact of climate change on multiple countries, cultivating resilience in the face of challenging environments becomes crucial for their future adulthood.

Farming Knowledge: Feedback from children and parents in pre-and-post surveys indicates a greater enjoyment of spending time at the farm compared to indoor play areas and classrooms. However, it’s worth noting that the results vary based on weather conditions, with high temperatures impacting satisfaction levels. The farm acknowledges the need to further emphasize the rewarding aspects of hard work in a harsh environment, highlighting the importance and necessity of resilience.

Yuanye Li remains committed to improvement and optimizing the learning experiences for children. By fostering sustainable practices, promoting resilience, and instilling a deeper appreciation for the natural world, we aim to shape future generations with the knowledge and skills needed to address the challenges of the ever-changing world.

Yuanye Microfarm

Team

Client: Yuanye Group

Design Architect: Avoid Obvious Architects – Vicky Chan, Sam Chan, Evan Li, Andy Cheung, Subhiksha Bhoovarahan

Contractor: Yuanye Group

/ December 26, 2023

Next Tower – Tower to Advance Net Zero

aoa, avoid obvious architects, vicky chan, net zero, sustainable, green, LEED, BEAM, HKGBC, Green Building, Winner, Award, placemaking, design, architecture, house, buildings

Advacing Net Zero in Hong Kong

Next Tower is a vertical green lung in the urban jungle of Taikoo Place, we aim to not only advance net zero but also redefine the future of the workplace to create the next generation office tower, an attractive and living landmark in Quarry Bay. The tower uses a future-proof design to advance net zero in the high-rise, high-density urban context of Hong Kong. Our design stimulates the five senses for an enjoyable work experience. With Covid19 “New Normal”, we provide an active and healthy lifestyle with physical exercise throughout the sky garden, central atrium stairway, balconies and an external stairway wrapping around Tower. Our multidisciplinary approach cut down our embodied carbon by 66% and our operation carbon by 78%.

Design Concept

Through our design concept “Tree” a vertical green lung in the urban jungle of Taikoo Place, we aim to not only advance net zero but also redefine the future of the workplace to create the next generation office tower, an attractive and living landmark in Quarry Bay.

The “Next Tower” uses a future-proof design to advance net zero in the high-rise, high-density urban context of Hong Kong. The Next Tower stimulates the five senses for an enjoyable work experience. As post Covid19 “New Normal” an active and healthy lifestyle is introduced by integrating opportunities for physical exercise throughout with a central atrium stairway and an external stairway wrapping around Next Tower. Indoor airconditioned office spaces and stuffy board rooms are transformed into open and shared office spaces and landscaped meeting hubs including amenities. By blending the indoors and outdoors the built and the natural environments are integrated seamlessly.

The Next Tower typical floors are open ceiling with no ceiling tiles reducing building material usage. The outdoor spaces are in the form of landscaped balconies, sky gardens and a wetland roof garden in addition to the landscaped podium garden. The large landscaped balconies on every floor for meetings and informal exchanges will lead to innovation, creativity and increased productivity. The Next Tower is also permeable at ground level offering easy access for people from the adjacent developments and connects to the harbourfront from the podium level as well. People can enjoy the harbour views while walking along the external stairway to access the sky gardens and wetland roof garden. This encourages walking and further reduces the reliance on elevators and escalators.

Next Tower also increases the green ratio and incorporates several SDGs, namely sustainability, health and well-being, innovation, infrastructure and eco-friendliness. Next Tower is eco-friendly using nature-based solution for climate change adaptation incorporating a number of green features that make the development more smart, sustainable while advancing towards net zero. The landscaped multi-level open spaces provide natural ventilation ensuring air exchange and purification. The rooftop wetland with the eco-pond for rainwater harvesting and by using the sea water for flushing and recycled greywater for landscaping the energy consumption is reduced.

Strategies to Reduce Embodied Carbon

BubbleDeck slab is used as a floor slab which reduces the concrete used by up to 27%. Compared to traditional concrete floor slab, bubbledeck reduces 15% of CO2 emission under concrete construction. In addition, this technology eliminates up to 35% weight of the floor slab, hence reducing the structural dead weight, and allowing for smaller columns and beams. Application of chilled ceiling system also enable reduction of building materials for the same floor height.

A non-combustible quality wood façade is applied as façade materials which is a renewable resource with low carbon footprint that requires less energy to produce than any other construction material. Compared to the aluminum façade, wood façade application reduces about 20% of CO2 emission.

Reinforcement bar with high recycled content (≥ 60%) is adopted. Compared to steel reinforcement bar with average recycled content, high recycled content reinforcement steel bar reduces about 20% of CO2 emission.

Route to Zero Operational Carbon

An integrated resource approach is used for the management of energy, water and waste. Key principals include:

Hierarchical approach to resource management:
- Minimise energy demand through passive measures and reducing conditioned spaces wherever possible
- Sharing and re-using energy and resources
- Efficient supply and distribution of energy
- Supplying remaining demand through renewable sources
Providing system redundancy and reliability for critical areas
Futureproofed building design

Key features include minimized conditioned space throughout the building by integrating outdoor spaces at the perimeter on every floor and large communal spaces every 8 floors so everyone can benefit from connection with outdoor landscaped environments. This greatly reduces energy consumption and associated GHG emissions.

A protective outer layer on the external perimeter spaces acts as a buffer space while providing shading and protection to the conditioned interior spaces and stop unwanted solar gains entering the internal spaces. This helps keep the internal spaces cooler, enabling the use of natural ventilation for longer periods thereby reducing cooling energy needed. If required tighter environmental control can be located towards the center of the floor plates.

The building has been designed with innovative low energy indoor environmental control designs including radiant cooling, a mixed mode ventilation with large volume ceiling fans at semi-enclosed areas and fresh air intake at vegetated facades together with abundant supply of filtered fresh air for most time of the year.

By using high efficiency HVAC, equipment and control strategies, lighting and optimised control systems direct energy consumption is reduced with lower heat gains from the equipment thus reducing the need for additional cooling. Suitable IoT technologies are applied by sensors installed throughout the building and energy consumption is managed more effectively. Further demand-controlled ventilation is linked to air quality, lighting controls are linked to daylight and occupancy and equipment controls are set to turn off or reduce power when not in use. Strategies to recover and reuse heat are included such as high efficiency Wrap-around Heat Pipe Heat Exchanger for Enhanced Dehumidification.

Renewable energy is used extensively. The roof has been designed to maximise rooftop PV, and additional PV is integrated throughout the façade where appropriate. In addition, a small- scale anaerobic digester, using organic waste produced on-site provides both heat and electricity through a micro-turbine and demonstrates a closed loop circular strategy. Our design also provides extensive planting and microalgae system to absorb carbon and uses electrification of construction site to reduce carbon emission,

Our approach in advancing net zero also ensures a smart and sustainable work place for the next generation. Overall there is a 38% reduction in embodied carbon and 70% reduction in operations carbon. Next Tower advances net zero and redefines a new way of working while promoting an active and healthier lifestyle to become the model for the future in Hong Kong and beyond.

Awards

2021 HKGBC Advancing Net Zero Design – New Building

Team Credit:

Modus Architecture + Avoid Obvious Architects + UDP International

Allied Environmental Consultants + Steensen Varming + Wong Ouyang Building Services

Architecture

Modus Architecture

Ken HAU

Witten HAU

Avoid Obvious Architects

Vicky CHAN

Andy CHEUNG

Crystal HU

UDP International (Urban Design & Planning Consultants Limited)

Urban Design

UDP International (Urban Design & Planning Consultants Limited)

Sujata S. GOVADA

HUANG Dandan

Subhiksha BHOOVARAHAN

Sustainable and Building Services

Allied Environmental Consultants

Grace KWOK

Frank CHEUNG

Leo LI

Helia KAN

Steensen Varming:

Jonny PERKS

Justin WONG

Mica MICILLO

Malay DAVE

Yi DING

Wong Ouyang Building Services:

Paul CHAN

Yoyo CHONG

Narrator of the Video

Jo Perks

/ December 26, 2023

Wong Tai Sin Public Housing

AOA is proud to collaborate with DAB Wong Tai Sin on an impactful housing project with a community focus in the aging neighborhood of Wong Tai Sin. We have developed a concept that directly addresses the insights gathered from the community survey.

DAB Wong Tai Sin recently conducted a survey on the Diamond Hill Service Reservoir Land Planning from May to July 2023, utilizing both physical and online questionnaires. The objective was to incorporate the community’s opinions into the overall planning process. Leveraging the survey input, our AOA team has envisioned a public housing complex that features interconnected walkways and underground communal spaces.

Here are the key findings from the survey:

Many residents expressed uncertainty about the future planning of the Diamond Hill water service reservoir land.
Once residents were provided with a preliminary understanding of the future plans through the questionnaire, over half of the respondents expressed agreement.
More than 40% of the surveyed residents expressed a strong desire to address the issue of insufficient medical facilities in the area through the land planning.
The surveyed residents emphasized the need for additional community facilities, especially in terms of transportation and connectivity.
Concerning the government’s proposal to construct residential units on the site, the interviewed residents expressed apprehension about inadequate transportation infrastructure and traffic congestion.
Over 40% of the surveyed residents expressed their hope that the government would expedite the development of the land project.

Based on the survey results, our design has evolved into the following ideas:

Ensure ample traffic capacity and road infrastructure when constructing additional housing units. Consider incorporating elevated footbridges to connect the existing network on the east and west sides of the site.
Establish the project site as a transportation hub by connecting Shatin Pass Road with Sheung Fung Street.
Optimize land utilization by implementing the “3-dimensional building” principle, allowing for diverse programming in different sections. For instance, basements without natural light can be transformed into much-needed library book stacks or smart parking solutions. The
rooftop of the podium will be transformed into a park, preserving the essence of the existing reservoir that the community holds dear.
Create street-oriented amenities that foster livability and inclusivity for the approximately 7,000 residents on-site and the larger community.

We sincerely appreciate the positive response and valuable input from all stakeholders involved. We look forward to advancing the project swiftly, with the aim of benefitting more individuals in need of public housing.

Team

Client: DAB Wong Tai Sin

Design Architect: Avoid Obvious Architects – Vicky Chan, Sam Chan, Carys Wong

/ December 26, 2023

School Library Designed By Children

Children Take the Lead in Designing Kwun Tong Government Primary School (Sau Ming Road) Library

In 2021, Kwun Tong Government Primary School (Sau Ming Road) entrusted us with the task of conducting classes and architectural design for their school library, with a unique twist: the library would be designed by the students themselves. This groundbreaking initiative marked the first of its kind in Asia, as it aimed to incorporate the actual drawings and ideas of the children into the library’s construction.

The library had a new demand in expansion. What we learned from post-COVID survey is that children preferred in majority to read physical books over digital screens. The demand for larger storage in the library is the original purpose of the renovation, but the school believed that the project can also become a teaching material. Over the course of two years, we engaged in a comprehensive process that involved four school-wide lectures, ten-week mentoring, twenty site visits with three contractors, and numerous school meetings to align the renovation with the school’s objectives.

The classes provided a realistic experience for the students, guiding them through various stages such as surveying, problem identification, idea generation, and implementing practical solutions. The children actively participated in every step of the process, gaining hands-on experience throughout the 10-week internship. They learned valuable skills, including data collection, plan drawing, model building, and material selection, all of which were utilized to transform the library’s interior.

The outcome of this collaborative effort is an educational, playful, and meaningful school library. We would like to express our deep gratitude to the dedicated teachers and enthusiastic students of KTGPSSMR for their invaluable contribution in making this project a reality.

Disclaimers:

Architecture For Children Limited is a registered NGO with section 88 status. The teaching was done by the NGO. Avoid Obvious Architects is the design company under AFC in this project to provide construction drawing for tendering purposes. Registered structural engineer in Hong Kong was hired by the contractor to endorse the structural integrity of the bookmount. To protect children and their privacy, all students’ faces have been blurred in final photos and the actual class photos are not shown.

Credits:

Teaching: Architecture for Children
Execution: Avoid Obvious Architects
Photography: Scott Brooks
Survey: KTGPSGMS
Contractor: Firwood

Teaching by Architecture For Children

Design by Vicky Chan

/ December 26, 2023

ZETTA – EV Control Center

Why is EV Control critical in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is a tightly built city with 70% of its land dedicated to country park. Within its urban spaces, we have built lots of new and old buildings that make spaces very tight and valuable. Parking traditional has been an expensive real estate in the city. Now that people have to park their electronic vehicle while charging has made the management of time, space and energy more difficult. AOA is appointed to Kumshing to design a new EV Control Center to tackle this new challenge to unlock the potential to transition the local mobility into e-mobility. Kumshing’s innovative car fleet management system for EV charging and parking addresses the three-tier constraints in Hong Kong. To optimize charging times, vehicles are strategically double-parked, with a puzzle-like approach to determine the most efficient flow of people and cars. This EV management infrastructure prioritizes the smooth flow of information, energy, and people. At our EV control center, users receive instant updates while people and computers efficiently oversee the process.

Interior Design with a Futuristic and Sustainable Goal

The interior design of the facility maximizes the potential of the underground car park. Light-colored materials are utilized to reflect sunlight, compensating for the basement conditions. The flooring and ceiling materials are consciously chosen to have low carbon emissions and high recycled content, improving acoustic quality. The layout is simple yet adaptable, allowing staff to convene in both large and small groups. Notably, the design incorporates handcrafted elements that pay homage to Kumshing’s traditional craftsmanship. Intricate wall and ceiling textures, along with curved details on cabinets, serve as reminders of the company’s time-proven skills. These traditional elements harmoniously blend with the futuristic technology showcased in the facility, representing a combination of the past and the future.

Details

How do we move mobility into e-mobility in Hong Kong?

The EV center and management system will serve as a blueprint for Hong Kong’s transition towards comprehensive EV mobility within existing buildings and parking areas. The project began its pilot scheme by tackling commercial vehicles including taxi, mini buses and commercial cars from Kumshing. It will first demonstrates old building can be retrofitted to accommodate EVs and then making charging possible for commercial vehicles which needed to be on the road all the time. Their extra fast charging ability allows the charging to be done within 30min which argubly is the time car driver need for lunch. The combination of spatial arrangement and new charging technology provide a template for the city’s sustainable transportation future.

Team

Client: Kum Shing Group

Design Architect: Avoid Obvious Architects – Vicky Chan, Sam Chan, Evan Li, Cynthia Lam

Contractor: Wanson Construction Limited

/ September 11, 2022

Yan Garden – Heritage Park with Art Studios

Yan Garden

Yan Garden is a creative park with art studios in a revitalized hotel from 1979, a community hub with family exhibition in a preserved mansion from 1996 and a new museum dedicated to promoting edutainment. The project spans across 30,873 square meters of open space and greenery. It is a project led by a private owner.

Significance

This site is one rare surviving architectural complex in southern China from the radical 40 years’ development since the Chinese Reform and Opening-Up, during the period of which a great many relics were removed so as to satisfy the special demanding market. It is also a unique microcosm of the remarkable social and economic transformation of China in the preceding decades that no other heritage property could ever replace.

Location

At the west, there are several cultural relics currently under conservation led by the government, including Tangwei Ming and Qing Ancient Villages, Yungang Ancient Temple and Shipai Yanling Quarry Site, and the Dutou Ancient Temple is to the north. Regional transportation like the Dongguan Railway and East Express has made the site more accessible to visitors from nearby cities. The city of Dongguan was known as the World’s Factory. Since 2016, the city is creating more cultural landmark while making its factories to be more eco-friendly. Yan Garden contributes to this city-wide change and it also serves as an archive of the city between 1979-2020.

Site plan showing Yan Garden with adjacent historical influence.

History

The original property (1) was firstly developed in the early 1980s as a university. It was a campus with only one building (A). In the middle 80s, the campus was converted into a commercial entertainment site with a hotel. Building A was used as a spa and karaoke, building BCD were for staff use. Building E was built in 1988 and used as a hotel. Since 1990, the property (2) has gradually developed as a residential area with landscape. Site 1 and 2 were combined into Yan Garden in 2013. In 2017, Yan Garden was opened to the community as a creative park.

1988 Masterplan

A – Yanling Guesthouse, used for dining and enterteinment (Former university Main Building)

B – Hotel era staff dining hall

C – Hotel era boiler room

D – Hotel era staff dormitory

E – built in 1987-1988 as expansion of Yanling Guesthouse, used as hotel

F, G, H – Pond

K – security office

L – power station

I – future building of WKF residence

1990 Masterplan with Property Split

1 – Hotel

2 – WKF Residence

Timeline

The Idea Behind the Revitalization

This project was first introduced and launched by Rex, Mr. Wang Siu Han, grandson of Wong Kam Fai, in 2013. As the project leader and an architect himself, Mr. Wong Siu Han appreciates the rich history of this old modern building on site, he wanted to revitalize this place to a creative park that links the past, present and future to promote the history and art of Dongguan. On the other hand, the project is used to celebrate the philanthropic work his grandfather Mr. Wong Kam Fai, also known as Uncle Fai, has established. The Wong Family continues the legacy of the site by giving back to the society and further strengthening the position of Dongguan as a cultural hub.

The site was first created to promote education and then converted into a hotel for entertainment. It was used as a residence by Uncle Fai to promote philanthropy work in Dongguan between 1990-2013. Yan Garden learned from its past and continues itself as a creative park to promote both edutainment and community development. Moreover, Yan Garden since 2018 has been supporting international young artists through artist residence programs and exhibition. The idea activates the local creative industry, promoting interdisciplinary practices and recognizing the town of Shipai as a cultural center.

2020 Masterplan of Yan Garden with 4 major buildings:

Yanling Guesthouse is a revitalized 1988 structure and now serves as art studio and 3D Museum that are dedicated to edutainment.
WKF Residence with WKF Garden was a preserved 1996 structure and now serves as the family museum and gathering spaces for community and philanthropic events.
Art Museum is a new 2014 building with art gallery and conference rooms for professional uses of multi-purpose.
Reception Hall is a new 2014 building to recreate the original plaza shown in 1984.

Major Challenges

Regulations

As the first heritage preservation project led by private owner in Dongguan, there was no governmental regulation or similar project in the Southern part of China as a reference. The project team hired a heritage consultant to work with local community to come up with conservation policy before coming up with the masterplan.

Lack of Documentation

During the documentation and construction process, it was difficult to identify record drawings. The lack of documentation came from the fact that many buildings were quickly built during the period of 1978 Reform and Opening-Up policy in Dongguan. Drawings were not properly created at the time. The Guesthouse was expanded vertically from 2 floor to 3 floors during the 1990s without proper record. It took some time for the team to do the field survey and complete the drawings based on the field status and the analysis. Structural engineers had to do stability evaluation and eventually minimize reinforcement to provide a safe building.

Limited Space as a Cultural Park

Yanling Guesthouse has historical significance on its façade and use of exterior materials, but the interior of a hotel layout was proved to be too small as an exhibition. With the need to connect floors via stair and elevator to make the building barrier-free. The team decided that it can only be served as art studio. WKF Residence on the other side is already filled in with original furniture and art deco, it is also not suitable to be expanded for more exhibition space. To provide more in-depth art programs, the team eventually decided to provide a new museum and guest center to allow more exhibition and leisure area.

Educating the Community about Dongguan

To the majority of local, Dongguan is recognized as an industrial city, its history and culture has always been undervalued. This is why the public education sector came into being, through which Yan Garden strives to introduce advanced concepts and bring changes to people’s perception. On one hand, Yan Garden has been leveraging specially designed events and its geographical location to attract and influence the audience of Donggguan and of nearby cities of the Greater Bay Area as well. On the other hand, what the education sector has been intending to do is to discuss how to improve people’s self-cognition by encouraging interdisciplinary communications across different groups and medias by the means of art.

In the end, art related courses are imported; artists that share similar values are invited to introduce ideological changes to the people in this community.

Team

Avoid Obvious Architects: Vicky Chan, Gianfranco Galagar, Krystal Lung, Karlo Lim, Crystal Hu, Wijdene Kaabi

Awards

A’ Design Landscape Award – Bronze

/ September 10, 2022

Grow – Adaptive Facade For NYC

Grow – Adaptive Facade For NYC

GROW is environmentally friendly and respectful to the neighborhood of downtown Manhattan. The adaptive façade takes a holistic approach to allow customization by the occupants. The wellbeing of the occupants is optimized from the beginning, but the design allows flexibility for change for the unforeseen climate in the future. From the tower’s geometry to the window panels, there are ways to increase their comfort, air quality, light, noise, temperature, and privacy.

Our proposal defines a honeycomb-like building in which the envelope grows in an organic manner. The size of the module is catered to the trend of work-from-home and the patterns are often seen in nature. The building programs combines retail, commercial, lodging, co-working and residential uses. The flexible live-work-play model makes it a natural building within an urban setting.

We aim for a net-zero design by reducing embodied carbon and operational carbon. Through the combination of winter and summer passive design with active technologies, this high rise will be able to cut down the operation carbon by 70%.

Responsive Design

Our design responds to the environment and the wellbeing of the occupants. The site strategy ties the building massing to form a U shape to maximize sunlight, wind capture and green ratio in the landscape and on the façade. We also take the air pollution, noise, and wind direction into account and have allocated toxic absorbing plants to the lower half of the facade to create a better microclimate within the block. The central courtyard at the ground level also features a bioswales that filters the greywater from the building.

GROW from its landscape to façade is a space people and wildlife can share. With our intervention, we hope to reduce heat island, increase biodiversity, and promote a sustainable lifestyle within downtown New York.

The site is located at a busy intersection, where the air quality is at moderate to low level. From the wind rose diagram, the site mainly has southern and northern wind. The solar analysis presents that the annual solar glare level decreases towards ground level. However, the upper half of the modules receive more sunlight, while the bottom half are more shaded.

Site Strategies

The building transitions from the hexagonal public plaza into the triangular façade. The plants gradually fade out to reveal the transparent pendant of the tower. The vertical circulation consists of three main cores with elevators and emergency stairwells and ventilation shafts contributing to the reduction of the building’s heat gains by allowing the hot air to dissipate vertically.

The structure of the building consists of framed cells that are assembled in an organic manner. The main structure consists of a combination of carbon steels and high strength low alloy steels with high recycled content. The slab is made of mass timber. The triangular panels are made of recycled aluminum. The modules are fabricated off-site to reduce on-site carbon and pollution.

Although the building appears to be organic, the hexagonal modules still allow for time-efficient assembly. It is not a coincidence that this shape can be found in nature such as beehives and several types of rock formation.

SEASONAL ADAPTIVENESS

Customization is important. The e-ink of the façade allows it to change color in the summer to block out unnecessary light while the operable windows open to allow natural ventilation. The façade is tinted black in the winter to allow more solar gain to warm the interior.

ADAPTIVE MODULES

This typical detail of a triangular operable panel explains the intelligence of the entire building envelope. It basically collects, reacts, and maintains. All these panels collect environmental data to the cloud for central management and pre-determined responses based on set criteria. While the systems learn more about the habitual behaviors of the occupants, it will create more presets to react to their wellbeing needs. The panels include multiple access panels to allow the wiring and sensors to be updated and replaced over time. By incorporating human control of the facade with a set of pre-determined configuration, we eliminate unnecessary heat gain or heat loss over the year.

Some of the materials including plant materials and titanium oxide are applied to the modules to further tackle the issue of air pollution.

SOUND AND PRIVACY

The design allows for privacy while permitting different uses such as retail, co-working, residential, recreational and hospitality. The façade geometry, materials and the adaptive nature allow users to customize their experience of view, lights, privacy, and sound comfort.

Wellbeing in Winter

Resiliency in extreme climate is important. The tilted facade allows the upper floor and lower floor to have different environmental responses. This allows people to have more flexibility in the way they use the interior to further customize their view, comfort, light, and air throughout the year.

Water Cycle

There is a network of water collection devices along the module’s main structure. This system collects water from rain, snow, condensation, and planting. The water is filtered through a bioswale and pumped back into the building for irrigation and toilet’s flushing.

Water flows with the slanted facade to facilitate the seasonal operation including watering, cleaning in summer and winter.

Prize

1st Place Winner of Metal In Construction Competition in 2021

Bronze Award in A’ Design Competition Architecture

TEAM

Alvaro Arranz, AIA, RIBA, NCARB, LEED AP

Vicky Chan, AIA, LEED AP, BEAM PRO

Subhiksha Bhoovarahan

Andy Cheng

Crystal Hu, BEAM PRO

/ December 24, 2021

Cheng Gardner Residence

Work From Home

This apartment design adapts the new work-from-home culture. The owners Nick Cheng and Paul Gardner bought their Tuen Mun apartment with a 1-hour travel time from downtown Hong Kong. Being able to continue to work virtually with their team at Fresh Accounting is important to their ongoing success. During the brainstorming session, Nick and Paul wanted their new home to be contemporary, comfortable, and sustainable. They also insist on keeping the good views toward the ocean while showcasing their love of Hong Kong. Our design transformed the rigid apartment into a flexible layout with an open kitchen. Details like sliding wall, concealed work desk, concealed doors, and expandable furniture allow them to switch between work, live, and play with ease. The curated artwork further brings together the owner’s belief in sustainability. We ultimately want to prove that small firms together can make a bigger impact.

Flexibility

Being easy with flexibility is key to allow the apartment to provide work, live, and play. We have some transformative furniture, but we don’t believe constantly moving the furniture is the design solution. We think simple solution like sliding walls and concealed doors are the best way daily to remain flexible. The more the owner is willing to stay and work at home, the more we cut down on their carbon footprint to commute to work.

Sustainability

Transparency is used to connect the kitchen, study room, bedroom to sunlight. During most of the day, all the rooms achieved an average of 500lux and there is no need to turn on artificial lights. In the process of design, we opt for plywood with FSC certificate and natural finish to eliminate the use of plastic laminate. Screw was specified over glue to allow disassembly and relocation in the future. Materials distances are carefully calibrated to allow the smallest carbon footprint of the quality we specified. We also made a huge effort to promote recycled content and upcycling on the artwork we curated and created.

Team

The Clients

Nick Cheng and Paul Gardner, Fresh Accounting https://www.freshaccounting.biz

Architect

Avoid Obvious Architects

Vicky Chan

Crystal Hu

Gianfranco Galagar

Andy Cheung

Michelle Wong

Upcycling Artwork

Rickubic

Michell Lie Studio

Kevin Cheung

Michelle Wong

Anteric Group (Upcycled Hong Kong’s Map)

Loose Furniture

EMOH®️ Design

Photography

Scott Brooks, Imagennix

Contractor

Style House Interior Design

/ June 7, 2021

K-farm : Smart Urban Farming

What is a Smart Urban Farm?

Initial diagram to combine three farming technologies

K-farm challenges urban farming under extreme conditions and makes farming into a STEM education for all people.

Because of the coastal condition along Victoria Harbour, we have combined three types of farming to suit our specific site and climate –

Hydroponics to provide 365 farming in all conditions,
Aquaponics to study how fish and plants coexist,
Organic with various height and species to serve as inclusive farming and maintain the community’s ecosystem.

Data we collected to farm under extreme weather will be shared to the community. Not everything we will do will be successful, but the experiment will serve as a template for more urban farms to roll out across Hong Kong and Asia.

Why do we use circles?

Our masterplan was inspired by the community when we first reached out to the local leaders in 2018. The circular geometries stand for unity, plants, and pier elements. This iconic design will give people more understanding of what Central and Western district is about. The farming facilities are connected to Belcher Bay Area and reflective pool, lawns, three rain shelters, and event space are open 24/7. Even if people are not a fan of farming, they will still find something they love in K-farm.

What are our sustainability and inclusivity strategies?

The farm is designed to be inclusive without barrier. The vertical green wall, vertical farming racks, farming tables, and hydroponics allow people with special needs to access farming without bending down.
Rainwater collection with water tanks are designed for all three shelters.
Solar panels are installed on the roof of the office to cover the office’s electrical consumption.
Smart sensor is used to provide water and light control.
Various shading, UV and modular system is used at the greenhouse to reduce solar heat gain.
The use of organic farm also helps the ecosystem of the whole area. All the adjacent parks use pesticide for their plants. Our farm has suddenly become an attraction of birds and inserts. K-farm is increasing the biodiversity along the waterfront.
Reclaimed an industrial site with 0% greenery into a park.
Materials used for this project is all made within 800km of Hong Kong.
Modular assembly to allow the buildings to be relocated.
The use of lighting allows us to eliminate physical barrier while giving people a safety signal along the edges at night.

What is our mission?

On top of the public facilities, the farm will also have activities to benefit the community. This includes classes during the day and after work on weeknights, organic food and drinks from our green kitchen, farmers market, and all sorts of community events. We believe K-farm will create memories for all families. Most importantly, the design wants to guide children to look forward into the future.

Career in Farming can be serious, smart, and professional. Kids can look up to farmers again!

WP Photo Sphere (2021-k-farm-imagennix-avoidobvious-14b-pano-2)

What did we really do?

AOA provides design, funding raising, construction administration, and operation management of K-farm. We are thankful to all of our sponsors and partners. Please find them in the credits.

Credits

Client – Rough C Limited

Design Team – Avoid Obvious Architects

Vicky Chan, AIA

Melissa Chan

Gianfranco Galagar

Wijdene Kaabi

Krystal Lung

Crystal Hu

Karlo Lim

Ken Hau, FAIA

Associate Architects, Structural Engineer, Building Services Engineer, Quantity Surveyor –

David S. K. Au and Associates Limited

Branding – Studio 9527

Lighting – ComosC Design

Photography – Imagennix

Contractor – Wan Chung Engineering Co. Ltd.

Farmers

Fat Kee Organic Farm

Farmacy

ValleyFarm

KeyLearning Center

Major Sponsors

Hong Kong SAR Development Bureau

Funding Scheme To Support The Use of Vacant Government Sites By NGO of The Development Bureau

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust

Harbourfront Commission

Sponsors

Autodesk

Betrue

Bluet Garden

Steelcase

Ergotron

Urban Spring

/ March 13, 2021

OneSky Nonprofit School in Hong Kong

avoid obvious, architects, vicky chan, AOA, onesky, education center, school, pre-k, kindergarten, k-12, design, non-profit, hong kong, interactive, design, learning, early childhood, ngo, children design, play design, creative, play, reggio emilia,

Who is OneSky?

P. C. Lee OneSky Global Centre is a 16,000 sf children center that provides free child services for at-risk families in Sham Shui Po. The three-story space is at an historic corner that defines the spirit of Sham Shui Po. It is within walking distance of several public housing estates and subdivided flats. Its location allows the NGO to reach at-risk families with less social connections and changes the neighborhood which has the least public facilities per child in Hong Kong. The architecture and interiors are designed as relational spaces to playfully connect children, parents, and teachers.

Design Philosophy:

The design adapts the philosophy of OneSky’s teaching which is to train positive parenting techniques and show more affection towards children. Warm materials with striking colours created a welcoming exterior with communal functions. The semi-outdoor lobby and its bench turned the street corner into a lively ‘oasis’ for the busy intersection in Sham Shui Po. Shortly after opening, a father in the neighbourhood sat his child down to rest after a tiring hike at the nearby trail. In traditional kindergartens, walls are usually solid to divide spaces. Windows and mirrors through the grand stairs, classrooms, and play area wall divisions are playfully introduced in OneSky to break down these barriers to allow physical and visual connections. These spontaneous interactions among children, parents and teachers foster their affection for each other.

Generous indoor and outdoor open spaces allow flexibility and wellbeing while giving children from the neighbourhood the play space they deserve. Training centre provide tips on parenting and teaching skills. Circulation, learning and playing are integrated three-dimensionally. All three floors and its amenities will serve 3,200 children and parents annually.

Process:

The project began with an understanding of OneSky teaching methodology – which include establishing a relationship and teaching with affection. Their methodology and the understanding of Sham Shui Po was merged to form a set of design guideline to inform color, material, room layout and lighting.

Context:

The guideline was also adapted into the old buildings with an array of physical constraints, like water leakage, smell, undocumented structure from the previous owner. Many design solutions evolve around these constraints while staying true to the teaching methodology.

Connections:

The three story is connected through a grand stair and two elevators. The ground floor with 3,000sf is a 5m tall communal space with play structure and wall arts that connects to the grand stair through a secret door. The 1st floor with 7,000sf is a licensed childcare centre for children 0-3 with classrooms, playful toilet, kitchen and play area. The 2nd floor with 7,000sf is a flexible playroom for children 3-6. It also has the office and training centre for parenting and teaching skills. One-way mirror is included in a couple location to allow non-disruptive observation for adult training.

Interior Design:

Beside the colorful art wall near the entrance, the Classroom and play area are finished with white wall, wooden flooring, and wooden furniture to create a subdued and natural environment for children to focus and learn. Toilet is the only other location with bright and contrasting colours. The intent is to make toilet training different which is not an easy task for young children.

Client – One Sky Foundation

Design Architect: Avoid Obvious Architects

Vicky Chan, Crystal Hu, Gianfranco Galagar, Krystal Lung, Karlo Lim

Quantity Surveyor: L C Surveyors Ltd.

Authorized Person: David S.K. Au & Associates Ltd.

Contractor: Union Construction (Group) Ltd.

Play Equipment: Rakoon Design Ltd.

Mosaic Mural: Wing, Hu Yong Yi

Children in Photo: Esther and Jeffrey

/ April 11, 2020

SOREC Horse Park in Morocco

Sorec Horse Park in Morocco

Natural elements crafted the architecture to create a compact building that connects horse, people and nature. The site is organized to allow people to enjoy horse track as a park while seeing the race in the backdrop. The placement of the building and the car park allow the central green space to be maximized. The circulation separates better, VIP, park visitors and jockey, but places of interests like the presentation round and horse walking path will connect everything together.

Architecture

The twisted form was inspired by horse movement but also reacts to the solar condition and view optimization. It is both emotional and scientific. The use of repetitive trust system allows the overall skin to twist without producing custom made items to keep construction cost reasonable. The materials are locally sources in morocco to keep a low carbon footprint while allowing to building to fit nicely into Rabat’s context.

Landscape

The landscape is worked out in passive and active design. Solar panel are added to all car parks to allow the parking to become a solar farm. The carbon saved in one year over traditional electricity is closed to 2.5 million ton of carbon. Passive design like natural berm and xeriscaping allow minimal operation and separation of polluted water from rain water.

Interior

The interior of the space is organized to allow exclusive and inclusive experiences. VIP, Public and Jockey have a clear zoning in section. The canopy is designed to be self-shaded so that the grand stand won’t receive glaring condition. The skin is perforated at 5 % to allow sun light into the space in a dramatic way, while reducing heat gain to its minimum. Natural circulation occurs throughout the ground floor and the circulation cavity to take advantage of the natural breeze coming from the

Team:

Avoid Obvious Architects

Vicky Chan

Wijdene Kaabi

Gianfranco Galagar

Krystal Lung

Still Architecture

Ali Azami

Iliass Abou El Fath El Fatih

Cédric Lust

Landscape

Richard Alomar

Awards

2020 A’ Design Award – Gold Award in Landscape and Urban Planning Cateogory

Related Project:

SOREC Horse Park in Morocco

E-sport Stadium

Horsetopia

/ December 23, 2019

The Interface

The Interface – An Inclusive Pedestrian Network Along Hangang River Waterfront

The proposal aims to have a holistic development of the Hangang River Pedestrian Network through 3 main principles: inclusivity, layering programs through vertical elements, and considering day and night cycles to strengthen existing programs. After a detailed site analysis, the design team identified the lack of lighting, the lack of signage, and physical barriers for people with special needs as the three most critical conditions to address. The INTERFACE on pedestrian network and connection bases serve to provide easier access of people with different needs. It will bring the equal enjoyment of Hangang River to everyone.

Masterplan

P-01 to P-06 each carries a unique identity along the 5.6km network. The main network can be divided into 3 zones with 6 themes starting from the northwest. It begins from 1) the Yeouinaru Station with large vibrant open zones to 2) having an natural base at the Saetgang river and a coastal network below the Olympic-daero, and 3) finally breaking out to a calm forest walk whose trail ends at the Dongjak Station next.

The Solutions

Aiming to enhance existing resources and qualities of the site, the proposal analyzes the standout properties per zone. P-01 has large open zones that host a variety of vibrant activities by the locals and tourists which provides direct interaction with the river. P-02 is being developed as the ecological base. P-03 has areas for leisurely activities with its coast. P-04 is mostly situated under the Olympic-daero. P-05 has the beautiful colorful tree line that changes colors throughout the season and P-06 invites calm with its forest trail.

The existing pedestrian path has no clear designations for the cycling path or the on-foot path. The proposal introduces a colored, separated bike/on-foot path to be easily identifiable for users, with a bioswale strip in between. They go along with the 6 identified themes while providing a new identity with large legible graphics and signages featuring high contrasts, and lighting levels to enhance the walking and biking experiences.

The Connections

The 9 connection bases use ramps and elevators to connect multiple levels while creating elevated platforms and shaded spaces for activities. The sensitive intervention will minimize impact to existing trees, foot paths and surrounding residents. Landscape, lighting and signage ideas are designed to take inclusivity to the current standard. They will allow for a sustainable, safe, vibrant and memorable experiences.

Layered programs on the 9 connection bases allow people to experience Hangang River in 3-dimensional ways. Elevated platforms provide additional floor space in the same area on multiple levels to be available for use in contrast to a single grade plane. Programs like exhibitions, seating spaces, and events can now use the river as a backdrop. Areas below the Olympic-daero are utilized and designed to improve its walkability.

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Team:

AOA – Vicky Chan, Gianfranco Galagar, Krystal Lung, Crystal Hu, Karlo Lim

Landscape – Richard Alomar

Structure – Madsen Consulting Engineering PLLC

Awards:

Prized – Design Competition of Pedestrian Network along Hangang River Waterfront

Related Projects:

Children and Waterfront

NetZero Vermont 2030

East Williamsburg

/ October 4, 2019

WeTown – A Sustainable City for 30,000 Residents

Sustainable, walkable, city, inclusive, local, healthy, happy, planning, future, green, urban, architects, architecture, nature, landscape, avoid obvious, city planners, town planners, award winning

WeTown – A Sustainable City for 30,000 Residents

WeTown provides a sustainable, walkable and healthy city for 30,000 residents in Canada. Reducing our reliance on automobiles, the project provides a walkable loop to connect 36 buildings of apartments, offices and retails. The 8-minute journey from home to work will be filled with greenery, healthy activities, and excitement. Different outdoor and indoor strategies are designed to promote an active lifestyle. Smart system is also deployed to reduce water consumption, increase energy efficiency and promote local food.

We conducted a global survey to see how people can improve their work-life balance. Using the data and suggestions, we come up with a list of priorities and several must-have items. We compared the results with a similar survey done in Canada. We cross-examined the similarity and differences. We implemented these planning qualities including efficient transportation, proximity to destination, better walkability, better food option, more public art, and better jobs.

Awards:

A’ Design Award 2018 – Gold Award in Urban Planning
Architecture Masterprize 2018 – Winner in Urban Planning

Design Process:

Design Team:

Vicky Chan, Emily Manasc, Richard Alomar, Erik Madsen, Leo Lei, Angela Au, Allen Au, Gianfranco Galagar, Krystal Lung

Global Research Contributors:

Eleanore Montefusco, Tiffany Yee Abreu, Chi Tam, Jared Smith, Sherry Aliberti, Elizabeth DeMello, Theresa Goosen, Karen Hawley, Ian Harris, Joshua Plourde, Andrew King, Luna Balthazar, Maya Carter, Regine Benoit, Ryan Fix, Alberto G Perera, Andre Ammann, Wijdene Kaabi, Abdul Tawab Yousufzai, Massimo Ingegno, Philip Tse, Liz Huang, Chimeddolgor Chultemsuren, Raymond Chetti, Daewook Lee, Takuma Hakehi, Richard Briggs, Jim Walker, Benjamin Cox, Gordon Laplante, Fran Parente, Nelson Ng, Matthieu Maury, Tesfa Gebreal, Sally Ryder

/ October 1, 2019

Street Basket for Walk DVRC

What is Walk DVRC?

Walk DVRC is a pedestrianization plan to turn 1 km of Des Voeux Road Central in downtown Hong Kong into a park. The area is filled with banks, offices and shops but the sidewalk are over congested to allow a sustainable and walkable downtown. The project called for a partial pedestrianization so that retail businesses can still deliver their goods during off-peak hours. During peak hours, office workers and residents can enjoy the wider road as part of their park and walkway. Tramways will still provide sustainable transportation throughout the road. Hong Kong is known for elevated walkway and escalators, Walk DVRC will serve as the main spine to connect multiple pedestrian walkways, public spaces and shopping malls. Our phase 1 job is to pedestrianize the western 250m of the entire 1 km Road.

Design Ideas:

To reflect the history of The Central and Western District, Walk DVRC will curate exhibition, classes and live performance on the road. Design and landscape will serve as the backdrop to allow these art programs to be inclusive and simultaneous. The goal is to make the road vibrant and livable without behaving as a museum.

The area is also filled with old and new context, but food is the most connective culture that everyone enjoys. The design team use Hong Kong food culture as inspiration to design the Street Basket and mobile seating. It reflects Hong Kong’s position as a city of food while the use of materials reflects our current sustainable values. The pavilion is a seating, planting, cellphone charging and shading area during the day. At night it is an iconic communal space to light up the quiet commercial district while reflecting the Hong Kong Neon culture. To make the pavilion mobile and flexible, we have provided a car battery to power the LED and wheels at the bottom of the seating.

Multiple modules can be moved together to form an off-the-grid performance space. Each pavilion module is 3m x 3m in plan. 9 modules together will form three 10m-long pavilions on Des Voeux Road Central. The structural support is in metal and the exterior wood is made with locally sourced beechwood.

Team:

Avoid Obvious Architects: Vicky Chan, Krystal Lung, Gianfranco Galagar, Angie Kan, Widjene Kaabi

Engineer: Madsen Engineering PLLC

Lighting: CosmoC

Contractor: Hangteng

Client: Walk DVRC