Harbour Kiosk
Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong
2018
The first kinetic public architecture in Hong Kong
Recognized as the first kinetic public architecture in Hong Kong, Harbour Kiosk is a transformable food kiosk located on the Avenue of Stars, a landmark that celebrates the success of the movie industry. Inspired by the local market stalls in Hong Kong, Harbour Kiosk automatically transforms its gate into an awning during the day and returns to its compact shape at night. The kinetic motion pays tribute to the action movies that our city is famous for.
Cinematic movement
The cinematic movement is achieved by the 49 robotic arms behind the profiled timber fins. The wave generator system moves the timber fins in waves throughout the day to resonate with harbour waves, establishing an emotional connection between the people, the architecture, and the surrounding nature.
Expanded public services
LAAB was initially commissioned to redesign a 10 sqm food kiosk for the Avenue of Stars. However, as a food kiosk in a public promenade, we believe that it has the mission to serve the public. We proposed to merge the food kiosk with a large M&E machine room nearby, which gained us a 17-meter-long wall space to accommodate public functions, such as a counter table, a vending machine, drinking fountains, info panels, and planters. Harbour Kiosk also provides water and electricity for the Avenue of Stars and contains all the server panels and a stereo system for the light show at 8 pm.
Innovative facade
The façade features three strata of profiled timber slats, which helps to conceal the machine room doors and accommodate different types of public functions. The tapered surface creates a dynamic flow around the kiosk façade, resulting in a subtle change of profiles. Tapering makes the member appear slender and less massive.
The architects, engineers, and makers at LAAB developed four prototypes in two years to optimize the parametric design and the kinetic system to ensure the structure and design can withstand the typhoon season in Hong Kong.
Sustainable timber
PEFC-certified red balau wood was used as a sustainable façade material because of its strength, hardness, lightness, and cost-effectiveness. They were treated with exterior grade oil finish for better durability against UV and termites. The length and profile of each timber fin were precisely made with digital fabrication and local craftsmanship.
American Institute of Architects International Region Award
Merit
Architizer+ Awards (Architecture + Engineering)
Finalist
Archdaily Building of the Year
Nominee
Japan KUKAN Design Award
Best 100
Japan Good Design Award
Winner
Taiwan Golden Pin Award
Winner
Taiwan Interior Design Award
Winner
World Architecture Festival Award (Best Shopping Building)
Finalist
World Architecture Festival Award (Best Use of Certified Timber)
Finalist
World Architecture Festival Award (Small Building)
Finalist
Architecture and Transformation Design
2019
40sqm (10sqm Kiosk + 30sqm Machine Room)
AOS Management Limited
(Leisure Cultural Services Department and New World Development)
James Corner Field Operation, Urbis, BeFrank, CMWAL, WSP, RLP, Lightswitch
Otto Ng, Chun Hang Yip, CK Wong, Jesse Hao, Alfred Pun, Winson Man, Kelvin Lam, Anderson Chan, Reagan Lee, Humphrey Keung, Catherine Cheng