Lord Norman Foster of Thames Bank, one of the world's most decorated architects, has a vision of Hong Kong’s West Kowloon waterfront becoming an international venue for the vibrant celebration of arts, culture and entertainment.
“The extraordinary promenade which will relate to Victoria Harbour, the magnificent views of Hong Kong and the eclectic mix of cultural life, green space and retail shopping will provide people with a truly rounded experience of international significance,” Lord Foster said.
His UK-based company, Foster and Partners, recently won an international competition to develop a master plan for redevelopment of an arts, cultural and entertainment district on the reclaimed land of Hong Kong’s West Kowloon waterfront.
Lord Foster’s vision is to provide Hong Kong with an unmistakable architectural symbol and a world-class cultural precinct that will enhance the SAR’s position as Asia’s events capital.
“The challenge is to create something special for Hong Kong – a high-quality cultural and entertainment venue in a city which has increasing density. Hong Kong can promote its unique identity on the world stage through reinventing the way arts and cultural zones are presented,” he said.
Lord Foster is responsible for two of Hong Kong’s existing inspirational architectural landmarks – the HSBC Tower (formerly known as the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank) and the Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok.
Lord Foster says his love and affinity for Hong Kong began in the 1970s. When architects from all over the world were looking towards Asia for new opportunities, Hong Kong was considered the stepping-stone to other places. Lord Foster and his colleagues tore up their onward airline tickets and stayed on.
“Hong Kong is a barometer of the dynamic,” he said. “The story of any city is one of renewal but the pace of change in Hong Kong is faster than most. There is no one thing I can pinpoint but it is skilfully planned to the extent it becomes a stage and encourages the things that you can’t plan.”
The winning design redefines the traditional notion of presenting entertainment and culture by mixing indoor and outdoor concepts under one “unifying” canopy. The HK$24 billion (US$3 billion) plan includes the world’s largest roof, a 25-hectare (62 acres) canopy, inspired by the local landscape and traditional Chinese art forms and calligraphy, and nine million square feet (836,100 square metres) of space for office, retail, restaurant, theatre, opera and cinema development as well as a semi-covered lagoon.
All these facilities will be sheltered and unified under the flowing canopy, which will create its own microclimate. Seventy per cent of the site is given over to parkland and public spaces.
Lord Foster, a 57-year-old fitness fanatic with a passion for cross-country skiing who also pilots gliders, helicopters, light aircraft and larger jets including the Boeing 747, said he is looking forward to jogging around the complex on his frequent visits to Hong Kong.
