Date 20.12.2022

Location Hong Kong

The works of several CUHK architecture graduates have been selected as winning entries of The Design Competition for Public Play Spaces. Organised by the Architectural Services Department and Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the HKSAR, the Competition called for professional input to transform existing public play spaces into innovative, fun and fulfilling space for local residents. Ap Lei Chau Park and Po Wing Road Playground are the two competition sites.

With the proposal “Ocean Voyage with the Dolphins”, Vickie Ma Ka Ki(MArch 2016; BSSc 2013) and her teammates win the First Prize for Ap Lei Chau Park. In response to the rare appearance of a dolphin in nearby waters in 2019, The design team suggests building an inclusive public play space with components that prompt intergeneration learning on marine life. Apart from Ap Lei Park, the team also wins the Second Prize for Po Wing Road Playground with their proposal “Lion Dance Play Space”. Taking reference from the lion dance culture of surrounding walled villages, the team came up with an eye-catching sculpture lion slide and other elements which encourage children to explore the park with various senses.

Ian Leung(MArch 2021; BSSc 2018) and his teammates win the Second Prize for Ap Lei Chau Park through “Ballad Duet on the Water”. Inspired by the boat people’s lifestyle, the team intends to create a playscape that organises different activities following a meandering waterway, thereby connecting visitors to the water.

Yip Chau Kit(MArch 2019), who is awarded the Third Prize for Po Wing Road Playground, designs a play space imitating a mesh that integrates with the surrounding environment in his proposal “Flying Ribbons”. The overall massing consists of several floating curved wooden “ribbons”, creating a place where children are free to climb, sit, hide and play.