To many tourists, the world-renowned light and sound show “A Symphony of Lights” is what gives them their first impression of Hong Kong’s skyline and introduces them to the beauty of the Victorian Harbourfront. Our group envisions the planning of the Harbourfront area as an orchestrated performance. Every “member” of the Harbourfront, humans or animals, can find their own voices while blending in the “grand symphony” to deliver the perfect tone. Hence, we decide to name the project Victorian Ensemble – Harbourside Symphony to celebrate the cohesion of the neighbourhood.

Our planning intention for the Site is to create a focal point which invigorates the vibrancy, promotes human-pet harmony and elevates the status of Hung Hom Promenade. Situated in Hung Hom Bay, the Site is surrounded by residential and hotel developments. Some may say that it lacks the glamour and glow of the Tsim Sha Tsui section of the Promenade. Like every well composed musical piece, there are different parts to the symphony. We believe our site would serve as a well composed “prelude” to the “chorus” in Tsim Sha Tsui. Through our research, we come to realise there is merely one pet garden in the 1km radius and the Site is crucial in maintaining a visual corridor in the Hung Hom Bay waterfront. By providing a pet-friendly waterfront park in this location, not only are we providing additional recreational space for the residents, we can also reap the synergy benefit that we share with other commercial areas in the vicinity. In addition, the Site is also facing the pet garden area near the North Point Ferry Pier, which forms a broader pet-friendly precinct in the Victoria Harbour area.

Based on our findings summarised from case studies, the Site is separated into four zones in accordance to playfulness:

• SENSORY ZONE: An area of sensory experience and mindfulness which features a maze garden with light and sound effects;

• ENERGY ZONE: An area where children and pets can manifest their youth and energy freely through playgrounds, agility trials and fitness facilities;

• EXPLORATION ZONE: A cultural and social concentration hub for experiencing the waterfront landscape; and

• REFRESHMENT ZONE: A pet-friendly Food & Beverage area designed to inject vibrancy to the Park and the Hung Hom promenade.

Beyond the confines of the four zones, it is our objectives that the Park’s two connectivity axes from North-South and East-West would improve pedestrian permeability and strengthen the continuity of the vibrant promenade. Through the facilitation of connection between neighbourhoods and the waterfront, we are in turn fostering a closer social and commercial relationship in the area. In terms of the landscape strategies, we reference the Development Bureau’s “Recommended Native Plant Species for Use in Ornamental and Roadside Planting”. In view of the waterfront location, we prioritise ease of maintenance and resilience of the plantations during the selection of plant species.

Besides our planning intention, we also uphold three elements (Technology, Sustainability and Community) in the actual implementation measures. Our measures have channeled the spirit of these three elements, in the hopes that more planning merits can be provided to the Hung Hom Bay neighborhood. In short, it is our desire that the Site will encapsulate Whampoa’s energy and build a distinct identity in the form of a pet-friendly harbourfront park.

Merits:

The winning entry showcased a well-balanced and practical design in creating an integrated pet-friendly harbourfront. This entry demonstrated good thinking by dividing the site into different zones, in particular providing separation between dogs of various sizes, while maintaining a consistent design theme and offering interrelated functions among different zones. Furthermore, the efforts in balancing the needs of different park users and achieving a people-oriented design were well-acknowledged, including the introduction of a café and the maze garden. Besides, the place-making element in the design, in which the sculpture could serve as a memorable landmark that enhanced the overall attractiveness of the harbourfront.

Remarks:

While the solid people-oriented design of the entry is appreciated, more focus on the perspectives of pets could further improve the submission. The idea of having a paddling pool was welcomed in general; however, the safety and management concerns should not be overlooked.

Hong Kong has seen a huge increase in pet ownership in recent years. In 2020, there was an estimated pet population of over 1.2 million. Although the government has launched the trial scheme of “Inclusive Park for Pets” by opening up 6 LCSD parks for pet use in 2019, there has yet to be any large-scale purposefully designed pet-friendly open spaces. The Team, with reference to a list of site selection criteria, selected the government-owned Cha Kwo Ling waterfront site for planning and design of a pet-friendly harbourfront. The Site is considered compatible with the surrounding environment and is situated in close proximity to planned development projects such as Cha Kwo Ling housing development, Yau Tong Bay comprehensive development and Kwun Tong Action Area. A GreenWay between Kwun Tong Promenade and Cha Kwo Ling waterfront was also proposed in the Energizing Kowloon East Conceptual Master Plan 6.0.

The 6-hectare Eastern Harbour Paw-menade is envisioned to create a Picturesque and Playful, Alive and Accommodative, and Water-friendly and Well-situated iconic regional open space that will cater all types of household pets, age groups and users from all parts of Hong Kong. The pet-friendly and age-friendly Paw-menade will synergise with future development. As parts of the site are under planning by Drainage Services Deparment (DSD) and Vocational Training Council (VTC) with their concurrent projects respectively, the Team has explored the possibilities to incorporate pet-friendly elements into the promenade and proposed a Master Layout Plan that is compatible to DSD and VTC’s projects.

Taking ‘wave’ as the design concept to echo with the water-friendly theme, different zones in the Paw-menade are paved with curvy shapes of different colours. Safety and enjoyment are put forward in the design considerations for bikers and walkers, pets of different sizes, also for land and water activities. With a transitioning from active to passive leisure uses, the Site is carefully designed with mitigation measures to minimise nuisance to the nearby residential areas.

A diverse range of activities is allowed in the Paw-menade for pets of all types and sizes. Dogs of varied sizes can play freely in the off-leash Large Dog Area and Small/Shy Dog Area in a safe manner. Agility areas placed with obstacles such as hurdles, tunnels and splash pools are also available. Cats can embark on an outdoor adventure in a network of cat tunnels. To bring people and pets closer to the harbour, the Paw-menade also features an iconic floating swimming deck and several water-friendly harbour steps. Fencing in off-leash areas with ample spatial separation between active and passive zones could effectively provide both spaces for interactive playing and a sense of safety to the public. Besides, the provision of diverse amenities and proper management will help create a human- and animal-friendly environment.

Being a sharing space between local residents and visitors from other districts, a 3-stage community engagement plan is proposed to incorporate professional and community inputs into implementation. All stakeholders are encouraged to share their thoughts throughout the planning and design process. Design improvement competitions and prototype testing provide opportunities for the public to get actively engaged in designing innovative amenities for the Paw-menade.

Merits:

This team has delivered a high quality of work, including a comprehensive site analysis to justify selection of Cha Kwo Ling Waterfront, and overall a good presentation of panels. The submission has delivered a good contemporary landscape design and well-integrated thematic zones to create an attractive pet-friendly harbourfront with thoughtful consideration of green space provision. The entry also demonstrated a comprehensive and unique community engagement plan, which could engage local communities to facilitate an inclusive open space, and that the proposal would bring vitality to Cha Kwo Ling Waterfront.

Remarks:

While the assessment is comprehensive, there are some detailed remarks for the submission to further refine the proposal. The idea of water pool is great, but deep water is not suitable for small animals and may arise safety and management issues. It is advised that the team could take into account safety issues for the proposal of bike sharing with animals.

During Hong Kong’s industrial zenith in the 1950s and 60s, To Kwa Wan has been a long-stemmed manufacturing hub for light industries. Nonetheless, with the completion of Tuen Ma Line, urban renewal in resistance to urban decay seems to be inevitable to this old community characterized with industrial buildings and Chinese tenement houses.

Our team envisions to rejuvenate this transitional neighbourhood by advocating and co-creating an integrated, innovative and dynamic pet-friendly harbourfront with the public. The site boundary departs from the Kowloon City Ferry Pier, all the way to the location of Hoi Sham Pavilion. Celebrating the history of Hoi Sham Island before reclamation, our team hopes to preserve a semblance of island culture along the shoreline. Concomitantly, we envision to transform the promenade into appealing lineament of social nodes, so as to establish and tighten bonding among local residents and visitors from all walks of life.

Pet-inclusiveness is a vital element for the waterfront design to instil sense of ecstasy and vibrancy. It is promulgated through thoughtful spatial arrangements, facility innovations and mobile application tailormade for The Island Tail. Six design strategies are adopted in response to the baseline findings, ranging from (i) Walkable and Safe Journey; (ii) Converging the Destinations of the Human and the Animals; (iii) Pet Perspective Design; (iv) Interactive Smart Technologies; (v) Transitioning Active and Passive Spaces, to (vi) Utilize the Underutilized Space.

Reimagining the post-COVID era, continual health and sanitary demand deduce implications for planning, such as more, cleaner and safer open space. The Oasis Zone, which serves as a tranquil biophilic mini-landmark of To Kwa Wan, introduces Hong Kong’s first pet-friendly toilet empowered by smart technologies. The relocation of the San Ma Tau Street Toilet strategically manoeuvres a welcoming entrance of the promenade thus enhances overall circulation.

Another highlight of the project would be Dune Zone, which is the most energetic area full of delightful adventures. The former To Kwa Wan Vehicle Examination Centre is utilized for an expansion of the harbourfront open space. The organic, gentle ups and downs of dunes created will become exercise areas to foster human and pets’ wellbeing. Tunnel spaces are crafted for children and pets to play. The unique grass landscape shapes diversified linear, pocket and theatre spaces for journey-oriented exposure towards the sea.

Approaching King Wan Street, the Wavy Zone is a transitioning pathway where intriguing installations and urban furniture mimicking the natural tidal waves can be spotted. Not only can the muti-level spaces optimize the appreciation of the sea view, but relatively passive activities can be carried out on a upper level without obstructing the waterfront pathway. Bioswales as vegetated channels are designated for environmental sustainability.

Lastly, the Hoi Sham Zone synergizes with the Hoi Sham Park Extension is designed as socializing area with the celebration of the Fishtail Rock’s rich culture. The sandy space under the Pavilion is a flexible open space to strengthen the community network with festive gatherings, while the big step enables passive interactive activities. Railings of the promenade are also redesigned with a transparent viewing window and platform fitting the eye level of pets.

Local characteristics, inclusiveness and smart technologies are tightly knitted in the planning arena. With the proposal of The Island Tail, our team hopes the Site will become a beloved pet-friendly harbourfront that bonds human and pets, as well as bringing new energy for the transitional community.

Merits:

This team showcased a creative and attractive pet-friendly harbourfront design. The entry had paid special attention to the needs of pets in designing a pet-friendly harbourfront along Kowloon City Ferry Pier in To Kwa Wan with the provision of a sand area for the enjoyment of pets. Adjudicators also agreed the proposal incorporates great consideration on different programmes to attract different users, as well as the introduction of a pet-friendly mobile application to foster community networks. Overall, it is an inclusive design for pet-owners, non-pet owners, kids and elderlies.

The selected site “Urban Council Centenary Garden” is situated at East Tsim Sha Tsui in close proximity to the promenade and with convenient access to either Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) or Hung Hom. Given that the existing TST promenade is a popular venue for jogging and walking pets, with the addition of existing pet-friendly facilities in the surrounding, e.g. pet-friendly alfresco and access...etc., the selected open space is considered suitable to establish an inclusive pet park and serve as an unique and functional node for all users.

A preliminary community engagement is carried out through an online survey conducted among 22 nos. of pet owners and 21 nos. of non-pet owners in the period of 10 July 2022 to 10 August 2022. Results have reflected the considerations and desirable elements of a pet-friendly park from the public's perspective, which set out the criteria for designing the inclusive pet park.

In order to create an integrated and safe pet park for all users, linkage and separation between various functional spaces have been carefully designed. Making use of the existing storage room and CLP substation, lookout decks with elevated walkway are provided on top of the existing structures to divide spaces into different levels, while providing the opportunity of safe engagement for timid users who do not wish for direct contact with animals. A calming transition is provided through the escalating circular ramp with screening bamboo at both sides.

Active and passive activity areas are provided with clear separation in response to the concern of the public raised in the survey. Large variety of pets (e.g. dogs, cats, lizard, tortoise, rabbits, birds, rodents and hamsters...etc.) and their owners could enjoy active areas such as grand and petite lawn, water play area and dog exercise area...etc.; as well as passive areas such as community berm with upgraded fountain, bird’s forest and tropical garden...etc. Main entrance access towards the TST promenade is highlighted with proposed water tunnel. Few eye-catching pavilions are also proposed which not only act as a sheltered seating structure for shade, but also a dominating signage that indicates different activity zones. Interesting site-specific facilities and furniture including balustrade, featured installations, bench and bins...etc. further embellish the park aesthetically and functionally.

Mature existing trees in the periphery planters would be preserved as far as practicable. Adoptive planting species corresponding to areas of different functions are proposed to emphasize the atmosphere. Various native and non-toxic planting species are selected to enhance the biodiversity, whereas flowering trees and shrubs species are also provided strategically for ornamental purpose. Besides, the planting areas also contribute to the environment by harvesting and recycling stormwater through the filtration of septic tanks and associated facilities for irrigation use.

Merits:

The entry adopted a less regimented design approach, which made the park enjoyable for both pet owners and other users. Adjudicators also welcomed the inclusion of a water play area that dogs and children favoured. The selection of location was well-acknowledged as well since there was a lack of pet-friendly open space in Tsim Sha Tsui East and the entry showcased a more inland location compared with other submissions.

Remarks:

Despite the aforementioned merits, it is advised that more design details and a more comprehensive community engagement plan should be demonstrated in the submission. In addition, the idea of including a reptile area was considered unsuitable, given that there would be potential threats from birds.