A Dialogue between Human and Environment

Origami, the term originally comes from Japanese, ori meaning “folding”, and kami meaning “paper” , is the art of paper folding, also an art of folding flat objects to create two-dimensional and three-dimensional forms, basic origami folds can be combined in a variety of ways to make intricate designs. In modern usage, the word “origami” is used as an inclusive term for all folding practices, regardless of their culture of origin. 

Inspired by Origami Art, the ‘Ori-Deck’ – a polygonal architectural language is used in response to the evolving and constantly changing quality of the hexagonal volcanic columnar rocks landscape. As well as perching over the escarpment, the viewing platform also sits adjacent to the hexagonal columnar rocks. A key element of the design is the polygonal facade with progressively tilted timber panels, which sought to echo with, whilst retaining a certain degree of identity from the surroundings. 

The design tries to establish a direct connection with surroundings and nature while managing to hold their own recognition. This cooperation needs to be able to provide the ground for intervention of the object that through its artificiality reveals and creates a place, or a landscape that did not exist before.Thus, human should not be only the observers but rather a collaborative partner.

Viewing angles are studied and tested. A raised deck is proposed at South-East corner of the site area. The landings are purposely oriented towards Po Pin Chau, East Dam and the Southern Sea respectively. The underneath space of the raised deck functions as sun-shaded seating and transitional space for different sceneries. There is no solid wall in the viewing platform, just timber panels with steel frame at all sides. We’ve broken down the mass of the platform to linear elements, opening up to visitors and merging with the landscape outside the deck. The tactic of opening up to the surroundings with the split level platform creates the impression that the platform is in fact sitting nestled within the natural landscape. Inside, the split level plan sets the platform over two main levels, with a stair seating linking up the layers. This void gives the platform a feeling of airy lightness despite its metal shell. 

The facade is composed of modular panels with hexagonal timber batten. The six-side hexagonal shape is achieved by cutting a four-side 80x80mm batten at 30 degrees at two opposite corners. The remaining triangular timber rod are utilized by installing them as baffle ceiling at deck soffit and vertical joint of metal balustrade.