This project seeks to study how the local, long-standing oystering industry in Lau Fau Shan, Hong Kong, can be retained and expanded under urban development. It envisions an ocean city that celebrates and revitalises the cultural significance of oystering with a number of mixed-use towers, integrating aquaculture, housing and community facilities. The design aims to respond to the community’s needs as well as to honour the characteristics of the local environment and people.
INTEGRATION OF LIVING, EDUCATION AND FOOD PRODUCTION
Inspired by oysters and oyster reefs, each tower looks like several oyster shells attached together over the sea. They house oyster hatcheries, nurseries and processing facilities at the lower levels, while the upper levels comprise residences with direct access to the farms. This vertical integration creates engaging medium-scale spaces that highlight the aquaculture’s ecological and social values.
The oystering activities
Residents can view the oystering processes at the lobbies and buy fresh seafood at the decks, allowing them to better understand and appreciate the food production.
To provide more educational opportunities, there are seats encircling the farms for the public to learn more about the role of oystering in the city’s resilience and self-sufficiency. This approach also helps create a sense of community within the area; encourage social interaction between residents and visitors; and enhance the connection among towers.
A tower cluster
PROJECT DATA
Project Name
In-Between the Reef: Integration of Living and Oystering
Location
Deep Bay Area, Hong Kong
Gross Floor Area
56,000 square metres
Building Height
35 storeys
Student
Yeung Chun Yin, Andy
School
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Programme
Master of Architecture
Supervisors
Prof. Hsu Chung Wan, Simon; Prof. Law Sai Hung, Sebastian
Images
Yeung Chun Yin, Andy
This is an excerpt. The original article is published in
Construction+ Q3 2023 Issue: The inside of architecture/built structures.
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