new office works' winning entry for west kowloon pavilion mimics the growth of trees

new office works is the winner of the inaugural hong kong young architects and designers competition with their project ‘growing up’. organized for the first time by WKCDA (the west kowloon cultural district authority), the competition urged emerging architects and designers to submit their ideas for a temporary pavilion inspired by the west kowloon cultural district. the winning design was required to offer a dynamic public space closely in touch with the surrounding landscape, while promoting sustainability and addressing economic and natural resources were amongst the key criteria.

images courtesy of new office works & west kowloon cultural district authority

selected from 320 submissions, new office works’ ‘growing up’ consists of a series of platforms for social gatherings framed by a network of scaffolding that references the growing trees of the surroundings. everyday elements fundamental to hong kong are captured and subtly embedded in the fabric of the west kowloon cultural district, which aims to form a major arts and culture center. ‘growing up quietly and rhythmically engaging its site, the design shows what a few simple gestures – tilting planes, repetition, a thoughtful incorporation of materials and the elements – can accomplish. it elegantly takes the notion of a pavilion back to its fundamentals: shelter in dialogue with the landscape,’ says curator and juror aric chen.

the pavilion will be built in a waterfront location at the nursery park and is intended to host small events and activities. it is set to open in autumn 2018 for a duration of approximately 6 months.