2007
In collaboration with Studio Zhai
EMBRACE
This 2007 project was to renovate a pedestrian path in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, and make it more user-friendly. It was commissioned by the Tsim Sha Tsui Kaifong Welfare Association, a mutual aid organisation that dedicates itself to serve the residents of the Tsim Sha Tsui neighbourhood. The organisation is particularly committed to serving minors and seniors; their principle is “embracing the society”. Our project focused on adding symbolism to functional objects.
The pedestrian path leads up to the association’s centre. With paying special attention to the elderly and the disadvantaged, our project was to add ramps to the track and create a series of custom-designed street furniture like lamp posts, handrails and seats.
The five sets of feature lamp posts represent a warmth welcome to visitors. It represents protection and stern support for the district citizens. Three of them each surrounds an old tree, and the other two are bent like they are bowing to people. They are a metaphor for the association’s opening, caring and inviting gestures.
The lamp posts generate soft and abundant illumination. Not only do they fulfil their functional requirements, but also symbolises the Tsim Sha Tsui Kaifong Welfare Association’s vision of embracing the community.
