impromptu projects erects bamboo ‘chasing sounds’, a spatial stage design in hong kong

impromptu projects erects bamboo ‘chasing sounds’, a spatial design for a non-conventional stage to host an outdoor music performance in hong kong zoological and botanical gardens. the resulting form creates a site-specific open cage with an asymmetrical spine-like structure arranged as three scale volumes, varying in height, length and width, upon two large adjacent lawn areas. the biophilic landscape design approach draws influence from a site visit and several conversations with composer charles kwong, who conceived this cross-disciplinary collaborative project.

images by virgile simon bertrand, unless stated otherwise

the interstitial or negative space created in-between these volumes is an architectural space by impromptu projects that permeates the immersive experience. neither entrance nor exit is formed within the project, and therefore no inside or outside space exists. these boundaries are blurred to provide a continuous flow of engaging form, inviting visitors to freely navigate the area and to discover the sounds. the melody is produced by the musicians of the hong kong new music ensemble and other guest artists who are scattered throughout the space.

bamboo clothes the entirely project which is build by a hong kong scaffolding company. as part of a sustainable design strategy it elevates and promotes this unique craft on the verge of extinction. the project serves also as a contemporary aspect of bamboo theaters’ tradition, typical in the southeast asia region.

image by hong kong new music ensemble
image by hong kong new music ensemble
image by impromptu projects

project info:

name: chasing sounds

studio: impromptu projects

lead architects: joão ó, rita machado 

project team: alexandre marquês, madalena saldanha

location: hong kong

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina petridou | designboom