Travelling in style is a true marker of luxury – and the important business, finance and cultural hub of Hong Kong knows this well, if its brand new boundary crossing facilities are anything to go by. An impressive building dedicated to movement through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port has just been inaugurated, to a design by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP) and Aedas.
Part of the boundary crossing complex links to the region's striking new bridge, the latest addition is the Passenger Clearance Building (PCB) and it is set to not only improve connectivity across the Greater Bay Area, but also elevate the travellers’ experience of elegance and comfort.
The PCB is built on a man-made 150-hectare artificial island, which was reclaimed from the open waters to the north-east of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). It has been strategically placed within convenient distances and with direct links to local transport – both on land and the sea – and was designed to serve as a gateway between Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao; being essentially ‘a unique opportunity to give Hong Kong an architectural “front door” which celebrates travel, surrounded by water with views to a natural skyline of evergreen mountains and hills', say the architects.
The Hong Kong Port is north-east of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), and has close proximity to the HKIA’s transport links, including the SkyPier Ferry Terminal, and the MTR’s Airport Express and Tung Chung line.
Referencing this changing and undulating landscape, as well as the constant flow of people within the project, the architects created a striking waveform roof, which defines the whole – also creating an instant visual shorthand for the design. On top of this, the roof is modular, so lent itself to offsite pre-fabrication that enabled an efficient construction process and a very high level of quality.
‘I am delighted to have worked on such an innovative project which brings beauty and elegance to the everyday activity of travel', says RSHP partner Richard Paul. ‘The new crossing will benefit those living and working in the region greatly with enhanced connectivity as well as highlighting the contextualised sensitive roof form which responds to the undulating mountainous backdrop of such a beautiful local environment.'
Inside, the space is airy, open, bright and uncluttered, underlined by high ceilings and large openings. Careful thought has been put to wayfinding to ensure clear circulation. The building is also internally punctuated with full height ‘canyons' allowing natural daylight to penetrate all levels, explains the team. Making going through this state-of-the-art transport and infrastructure hub a both fun and efficient experience.
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge – which this project is on the route of – provides connections between Hong Kong, mainland China and Macao, and will bring wider benefits across the Pearl River Delta
The project's facilities and programme include a modern immigration hall.
A water feature between different immigration ‘islands' sits below the roof, which is illuminated by colourful LEDs
The PCB provides a modern, new entry point into Hong Kong
Movement through the building is punctuated with full height cuts through the space, allowing the penetration of natural daylight to all levels
INFORMATION
For more information visit the website of RSHP and the website of Aedas
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