DESIGN CONCEPT | REINTERPRETING HEXAGONAL COLUMNAR ROCK FORMATIONS

The hexagonal sea stacks of Po Pin Chau, formed over 140 million years ago as a result of volcanic eruptions, is a demonstration of the powerful forces and awe-inspiring beauty of mother nature Our design for the viewing platform overlooking Po Pin Chau takes inspiration from the forces and motions of these rock formations and applies these concepts of vertical shifting to create a form that follows the natural topography of the landscape. The viewing platform references concepts of theatre seating to allow more visitors to have unobstructed sightlines of the stunning global wonders as well as integrating harmoniously with the natural landscape to minimize its environmental impact. This concept of shifting columns is also applied to the design of the entrance feature, photo taking points, directional signage, and distance marks to create a unified and integrated themed visitor experience of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark.

SUSTAINABILITY AND CONSERVATION | MINIMIZED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

The use of timber and granite allows the viewing platform and associated facilities to blend seamlessly into the natural environment, as well as being environmentally friendly materials. The elevated wooden frame allows the viewing platform to be highly breathable and ensures minimal obstruction of the natural wind path. The stilted design minimizes the impact on the environment and allows existing vegetation to grow in and around the platform, leading to greater integration with the natural landscape. Visitors are encouraged to scan the QR code at various locations to learn more about the columnar rock formations and the “Leave No Trace” campaign to heighten public awareness for the protection and conservation of natural landscape.

CONSTRUCTABILITY | MODULAR INTEGRATED CONSTRUCTION

The construction of the viewing platform is simplified through modular integrated construction with timber frame and granite slab modules pre-fabricated off site for the greatest ease of construction at this site with limited accessibility. The flooring fixing details also allow for maximum flexibility to be adjusted on-site to suit the unevenness and unpredictability of the natural topography. The simple installation technique of the standardized granite slabs ensure that each slab can be dismantled and replaced on-site for ease of future maintenance. Timber columns and beams are proposed in standard sizes with waterproofing treatment to ensure a high degree of durability to minimize the need for future maintenance. The use of modularized design as well as pre-fabrication off-site ensures efficient installation and consistent workmanship while also generating cost-savings.

CONCLUSION | VERSATILE AND HOLISTIC DESIGN

This design for the viewing platform and associated hiking facilities enriches the visitor’s experience of Po Pin Chau by incorporating an innovative reinterpretation of the formation of the columnar rocks landscape into the design concepts to provide visitors with close and stunning views of Po Pin Chau as well as a deeper understanding of the history of this iconic site.  Through use of concepts of sustainability and modular integrated construction techniques, this cost-effective design is simple to pre-fabricate and install on site while its form and materiality allows it to integrate harmoniously with the natural environment.

設計理念  |  破邊洲六角石柱的重新演譯

破邊洲六角石柱展現了大自然的威力和令人嘆為觀止的美景。我們從這些石柱起伏動態中汲取靈感，把觀景台設計成高低起伏的「大自然劇場」，讓遊人可以一覽無遺地欣賞破邊洲令人驚嘆的地質奇觀。起伏的設計概念延伸至山徑入口、拍照點、導向指示牌和距離標記的設計，為地質公園營造一種統一的遊客體驗。

可持續性  |  與自然景觀自然融合

觀景台架空和高透氣性的設計減少對環境的影響，與四周景觀自然融合。 位於不同地點的二維碼鼓勵遊客掃描，了解更多關於地質公園的歷史。策略性地於不同地點豎立宣傳“不留痕跡”的標記，提高公眾保育大自然的意識。

施工可行性 |  參考「組裝合成建築法」

考慮到地勢的局限，建造過程和日後維護的各種挑戰，設計參考了「組裝合成建築法」的模塊化設計和可調節的錨固裝置，以適應現場的不同坡度。岩石地板、木柱和木樑組成的模塊組件都是先在工廠預製，然後運送到現場安裝。同時建議，將標準尺寸的木柱和木樑進行防水處理，以確保其耐用性，減少未來維護的需要。

結語

我們提交的觀景台和遠足設施的設計，為破邊洲六角石柱作出重新演譯。結構和材質與自然環境融合，貫串整體設計的動態起伏，期盼將地質公園形成一個「大自然劇場」