The Kwun Tong City Centre Temporary Free Space and Playground

In the heart of Hong Kong’s Kwun Tong District, The Kwun Tong City Centre Temporary Free Space and Playground is located close to the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) station, a key hub in the city. The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) had the aim of creating a gathering point in the new centre to strengthen urban vitality and community cohesion.

Throughout the design process, URA along with the project team carried out extensive engagement with the public. This includes exhibitions in the early stages to gather valuable feedback and suggestions from the neighbourhood, such as the wish to have kids’ facilities, sports amenities and seating provisions.

Capturing the neighbourhood’s character

As the project team explored Kwun Tong’s history, they discovered that the area used to be a salt pan. Hence, the design approach drew inspiration from the unique characteristics of salt, incorporating elements like multiple ‘faces’ and textures. The site contour also led the designers to integrate play facilities across different elevations. Large steps and slides smoothly connect the children’s playground on the lower level with the open space and sports courts on the upper level.

The team identified distinct colours from around the district and applied them throughout the flooring and walls, creating a unifying yet engaging aesthetic. This aims to foster a stronger connection to the space while bringing joy to passersby.

To represent Kwun Tong’s iconic red minibus that operates in the district, an inflatable minibus was incorporated as a centrepiece. Aside from being a play space for children, it serves as an attractive landmark during events and activities that are held at the space.

Safety first

Prioritising safety is a must within the playground, and the team wanted to do so without adding too many barriers or separations. To achieve this, they placed safe zones strategically (such as a custom play tower that met safety standards), used impact-absorbing surfaces that were made from recycled vehicle tires, and applied environmentally friendly paints (water-based acrylic coating) for the general areas and basketball courts.

Navigating challenges

The project had been completed within a tight timeframe from April to December 2023. To manage this, the construction sequence had to be carefully orchestrated to both prepare the site and obtain necessary MTR and government approvals.

There was a previously constructed Modular Integrated Construction (MIC) toilet block on the site that had to be relocated and reused within the new programme, and this presented an unprecedented challenge as the project team was the first to attempt such a relocation in Hong Kong. Numerous government procedures had to be navigated, which required thorough understanding of the regulations and protocols.

Thus, the construction was carried out by areas and in phases, allowing for an efficient utilisation of resources. Despite the tight schedule, it was successfully completed in time for Christmas festivities to be held. The space continues to serve as a vibrant spot of activity that not only invites children and people of all ages to play, but also gathers the community in celebration with festivals, carnivals, exhibitions and mini-concerts.

PROJECT DATA

Project Name   
The Kwun Tong City Centre Temporary Free Space and Playground

Location            
Kwun Tong City Centre, Hong Kong

Completion Date
December 2023 (Phase 1); January 2024 (Phase 2)

Site Area           
Approx. 6,000 square metres

Client
Urban Renewal Authority

Architecture Firm
Groundwork Architects and Associates Ltd.

Principal Architect
C. Y. Lau

Design Teams   
Groundwork: Manfred Yuen; C. Y. Lau; Charles Li; Brian Lee; Masan Leung; Ariana Yao; Harold Polendey; C. K. Leung
Parks (co-designer for play tower): Sabrina Lee; Honson Choi; Christopher Choi

Main Contractor
Cheung Kee Fung Cheung Construction Company Limited

Civil & Structural Engineer         
Wilson & Associate Ltd.

Images/Photos
Sophia Li; Brian Lee

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