Trajectory noun

“the path followed by an object moving under the action of given forces” – Oxford Languages

The hiking trails at High Island Reservoir, Sai Kung, attract countless visitors every year due to the spectacular sceneries and rare hexagonal rock columns. However, this has left scars on the terrain as visitors blaze new paths through the natural landscape.

“Trajectory” is a concept to design a path that encourages people to follow, while itself follows the “forces” given by nature: the existing objects, topography, orientation, sightlines, etc. Four sites are selected as experimental ground to explore this concept.

Trajectory 1 – The Detour: the extended entrance

Observation:

• The existing concrete steps serve nothing more than an inconvenient and embarrassing access to the hiking trail.
• The existing structures next to the roundabout form a potential entrance plaza space.

Force: axis of the entrance plaza; contour line of existing concrete path at upper level

Design:

• The arched, curved ramp creates a smooth entry path and a landscape sculpture that signifies the entrance at the same time.
• Hikers start with an open view to the buffer lake of East Dam while ascending the ramp.

Trajectory 2 – The Dice: the sheltered outdoor space

Observation:

• The cliffside next to Kim Chu Wan has non-stop wind from South China Sea.
• Strategically significant location with views towards East Dam and Kim Chu Wan, and excitement of the cliff for hiking lovers.

Force: intersection of topographic lines on two sides of the ridge; intersection of sightlines

Design:

• To provide a shadowed outdoor space for hikers to stay and rest.
• To separate users from the surroundings and give the feeling of ‘privatizing’ the sceneries of Kim Chu Wan and East Dam.
• Serves as a wind shelter for hikers staying for a long time, especially overnight for watching sunrise.

Trajectory 3 – The Hide and Seek: the paths with small interventions

Observation:

• Three distinct but redundant trails at the top of the ridge

Force: topography of existing paths; sightlines between paths

Design:

• To keep two existing paths with views to East Dam and Kim Chu Wan.
• Small interventions are inserted horizontally and vertically to contain human footprint, while generate opportunities of human-human and human-nature interaction, and create furniture for hikers.

Trajectory 4 – The Hexscape: the extended viewing platform

Observation:

• Cliff end best for overlooking Po Pin Chau’s stunning façade of hexagonal rock columns, and also for watching sunrise.
• Eroded trails extend down to cliff edge, posing danger to hikers.

Force: east axis and alignment of Po Pin Chau; contour lines of the cliff

Design:

• Instead of a singular platform, this linear design that stretches down in a lattice network gives maximum frontage to the panoramic view over East Dam, Po Pin Chau and the vast South China Sea.
• Following the profile of the terrain, the ridgeline of the headland is preserved.