HONG KONG | Tamar Development Project News

[hala]

A Central Government Complex and a Legislative Council Complex, together with an open space, will be developed on the Tamar site in Central District, Hong Kong Island. Four prequalified tenderers were earlier invited by the Government to submit tenders for the design-and-build contract for the project.




Design A:
http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/model1_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/model1.jpg)http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/model2_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/model2.jpg)

Exhibition Screens: (click the image to enlarge)
http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen1_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen1.jpg)http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen2_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen2.jpg)http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen3_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen3.jpg)
http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen4_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen4.jpg)http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen5_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen5.jpg)http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen6_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen6.jpg)
http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen7_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen7.jpg)http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen8_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen8.jpg)http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen9_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen9.jpg)
http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen10_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen10.jpg)http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen11_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen11.jpg)http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen12_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen12.jpg)
http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen13_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen13.jpg)http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen14_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen14.jpg)http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen15_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen15.jpg)
http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen16_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen16.jpg)

http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment01-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment02-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment03-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment04-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment05-600.jpg




Design B:
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment06-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment07-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment08-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment09-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment10-600.jpg




Design C:
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment11-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment12-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment13-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment14-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment15-600.jpg







Design D:
Designed by: Daniel Libeskind
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment16-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment17-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment18-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment19-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment20-600.jpg


Visit: http://www.tamar.gov.hk
Pictures of the exhibition by 久 地 遊 覽 (leomak) from http://hk-place.com/vp.php?board=1&id=2346-14

[Skybean]

Another mega project for HK. Such a small city landwise, yet there always seems to be something big happening. I like no. 1 (similar to CCTV in Beijing.) But the last Libeskind one is kind of cute with the reference to the sailing junk. It looks similar to AIG in that sense. I'm not sure I like the ball there though. I would be satisfied with either of these.

[gladisimo]

A is very yinteresting, and seems to defy physics, definitely would want this to be built somewhere in Hong Kong

B is very conventional, wouldn't be a bad addition, but I'd rather have it elsewhere than HK's waterfront (perhaps old towns, etc.)

C is also a nice concept, but nothing fantastic, again, would love to see this in Hong Kong, but perhaps as redevelopment of old towns.

D is absolutely fantastic, my favorite one, slightly more than A, i think it will draw attention to itself from the water front, soooo nice. I have a thing for these sail like things. I also really like the AIG Tower, and that hotel thing in Dubai...

[gladisimo]

Double post, but I really like D, also because of its water front design, which looks like a lot more thought has been given than A... plus I would love those light pillar things...

EDIT: no triple post, I just noticed they're filling in the water between the central pier and turning it into a park!

Hong Kong's moving away from it's ultra urban image on the very water front... this is interesting, I'm not entirely convinced of what that would do for the skyline, though

[alsen]

i really like design D and B is my least favourite

[WANCH]

I would pick A which reminds me of the one planned for Beijing. It's gonna look great to see the development happening in this part of town.

[ZZ-II]

Design D for me

[Rachmaninov]

Actually would have preferred a fifth design but well i voted for design A.

[FM 2258]

Design D is fucking awesome. I hope they build that proposal.

[kelw]

I recommend everyone to take some time and view the promotional videos on the website. They make it easier to visualize all the designs and see how everything fits together. They also show more of the building interiors. I think the government complex should go for a more low-key, timeless look, rather than being showy and distracting. My thoughts:

A: This is a pretty good design. I agree it looks similar to the one in Beijing and maybe the Grande Arche in Paris, but it still looks quite good.

B: This is probably a bit too conventional, and the various pieces of the complex don't fit well together.

C: This is the best design in my opinion. It is conventional without being too boring or boxy. It does have a certain "corparate" feel to it, but the structures are actually very open and transparent, which is fitting for a government complex. And this design has the best-looking legislative chamber. The complex's north-south orientation provides more efficient use of space and won't block as many buildings behind it. I recommend watching the video for this one.

D: This design is okay... I guess. The Chinese junk concept is just way too cliché and obvious. The novelty will grow old very quickly. It will also look very distracting from the harbour in my opinion.

So my preference is C > A > B > D.

[hala]

Wraps come off four visions for Tamar
(SCMP) 03-29-07 00:03AM

Four proposals competing for the HK$5.2 billion contract to build the new government headquarters and Legislative Council buildings at Tamar went on display yesterday.

The designs and their titles emphasise openness and the people - despite being required to include a "water feature" or some means of keeping the public at bay.

Director of administration Elizabeth Tse Man-yee said the exhibition, at the Queensway Government Offices, would allow the public to take part in selecting a design, even though the tender exercise required confidentiality.

"All tender documents are confidential because they contain confidential business information. We made a special arrangement by asking the companies involved to decide what information they wanted to disclose and present them in a standard form, so the public will be able to participate," she said.

The government believed the public would comment on the design and aesthetic of the proposals based on information available.

"We don't think it is necessary for the public to go into the technical details of each proposal," she said.

The designs are from China State, Leighton and Yau Lee; the DHK-CRCC Tamar Joint Venture; a Gammon and Hip Hing joint venture; and another between Paul Y and Shui On.

Tamar will house a government complex, a building for the chief executive's office and the Executive Council, a new chamber for the Legislative Council and a building for lawmakers and the Legco secretariat.

Under the government's plan, the contract will be awarded this year and the project completed in 2010.

Visitors to the exhibition can fill in a comment card to express views, which will be presented to the special selection board headed by Chief Secretary Rafael Hui Si-yan, which will consider the project consultant's analysis in assessing the submissions.

Sixty per cent of the score awarded to bidders will be based on three aspects - design and aesthetics; planning, sustainability and environment; and function and technical factors. Price accounts for the other 40 per cent.

The exhibition at Queensway will close on April 24. It will move to the Heritage Discovery Centre in Kowloon Park from April 28 to May 27. The public can also see the models at.

Albert Lai Kwong-tak, engineer and Civic Party vice-chairman, said the exhibition was "unfair to the competitors and the public". He said the government should make public the technical aspect of the four proposals so professionals could assist people to interpret the designs.

"We cannot compare the basic parameters, such as height and size of the building, the size of the public open space.

"The government should also tell the public how it is going to manage each of the proposals because it will have an impact on how the people can use Tamar in the future, " Mr Lai said.

[hala]

Tamar designs focus on green, energy themes
(STANDARD) 03- 29-07 03:30AM


Green and energy-efficient - that is the theme of four design models unveiled Wednesday for the HK$5.2 billion Tamar redevelopment project.

The models provide an insight into what the government and Legislative Council complexes on the 4.2-hectare site will look like.

Members of the public have been invited to vote on their favorite design in the next two months, after which a report will be submitted to a special selection board to be chaired by Chief Secretary for Administration Rafael Hui Si-yan for a final decision.

The designs came from four pre-qualified bidders representing more than 100 commercial interests. In a bid to provide a long-term solution to the problem of acute shortage of office space, and to enhance the vibrancy of the waterfront and open the site to public access, the four designs have focused on renewable energy, greenery and energy-efficient services.

http://www.tamar.gov.hk/proposal/a/screen2_s.jpg
Design A - submitted by Gammon-Hip Hing Joint Venture - has a main building with an open space stretching to the waterfront, symbolizing openness and transparency of governance. The open-door design also allows plenty of ventilation and an unobstructed sea view.

It includes a lily pond flanking the Legislative Council's dining hall, a floating platform, a Legco garden, a Tamar Cafe and a sculptures corner.

http://www.tamar.gov.hk/proposal/b/model1_s.jpg
Design B - by DHK-CRCC Tamar Joint Venture - blends three fundamental fung shui concepts - heaven, earth and people.

The setup stresses a dignified, independent and prestigious design, reinforcing the openness and transparency of government. The main features include a flower garden, meandering paths under tree canopies, civic park pools and waterfalls.

http://www.tamar.gov.hk/proposal/c/screen16_s.jpg
Design C - by Paul Y-Shui On Joint Venture - aims at giving Hong Kong an iconic architectural style by featuring interlocking and slanting projects in a dynamic and forward-looking world- class showcase.

It also aims to reinforce a sophisticated and cosmopolitan image of Hong Kong.

Its main features include a waterfront promenade, a Tamar park with a renewable-energy education garden, photovoltaic panels, green roofs and sky gardens.

http://www.tamar.gov.hk/proposal/d/screen2_s.jpg
Design D - by China State-Leighton-Yau Lee Joint Venture - splits the government and Legco complexes into two separate junk-sail and pearl- shaped buildings, engendering the need for both to work in harmony.

It aims to enhance efficiency, accessibility and openness of the civil service and legislators.

The main features include a pearl-shaped Legco library, a world-class promenade walk, a sky bridge, a fountain and a man-made beach.

Director of Administration Elizabeth Tse Man- yee said no promotional activities will be allowed during the design exhibition by the tenderers.

[sista]

I like the last design. Chinese junk facing the sea seems like an appropriate concept for government buildings. Design A is also beautiful and modern, but it's similar to the one on China's olympic park. B is the one I least like, it's too common and boring

[Ginza]

I like desing A and D Ithink itis more suitable for Hong Kong

[Kaitak747]

(1) D
(2) A
(3) C
(4) B

[superchan7]

A is not bad, but it doesn't stand out enough and its upper section domineers over the existing skyline behind it.

B is conventional and anonymous with great interiors, good blend into the skyline, but does not make a statement for the government and its image.

C is too oppressive and gives an unapproachable fortress feel.

D is good, but I wish the interior was more imaginative.

If I had to pick, then D with A as second choice. I'd like more interior improvements, though.

[Monkey]

D is by far the best - wonderful design! A is a distant runner up.

[WANCH]

I also like the D concept which is going to be very symbolic. The only thing I don't like about D is the building is going to be bigger than the PLA HQ building and will partially block some of Admiraty's skyscrapers especially viewing the skyline from Kowloon.

[hkth]

I Prefer B at most and I really Hate A because it is really a copy cat from the New CCTV HQ in Beijing.

[EricIsHim]

Pesonally prefer the D's building, but B's landscape.
The junk is an icon of HK, the building fits in the icon and sailing on the harbour.

B's landscaping is awesome, a lot of water (probably too much) and green. We need something like that in the concrete jungle.

[FM 2258]

Pesonally prefer the D's building, but B's landscape.
The junk is an icon of HK, the building fits in the icon and sailing on the harbour.

B's landscaping is awesome, a lot of water (probably too much) and green. We need something like that in the concrete jungle.

I agree with that. "D" is a gorgeous building while "B" does have good landscaping. I guess they'll have to import/transplant quite a few trees for that project.

[lawson18]

D would be fantastic it would create another icon for hong kong and the architecture reflects hong kong .At the moment there really arent any buildings that stand out beside ifc

[hkskyline]

A is a bit too much, and looks like CCTV already UC in Beijing. C is interesting .. stands out yet not too extraordinary.

[hktreasure]

I think D is too extravagant for a government building. It would be fine for a commerical building...Also the ventilation system in proposal D is not quite good at all. The building complete blocks the highrises behind. Maybe A is better

[hala]

This is the building that houses the government and the LegCo, so the design should cohere the functions and image of the government.

A: I think it is the most suitable design among all proposals. It has this grand and dignified image for a government headquarter. And the LegCo section looks like a scaled down version of UN headquarter. The open and transparent images are something that the government should look for. If they somehow can make the arch looks more symmetric instead of this strange “17” shape, it will appear more as the focus and balance point of the two major building clusters on the left (Wanchai) and reight (Central) sides of the panorama.
http://www.tamar.gov.hk/proposal/a/screen2_s.jpghttp://www.tamar.gov.hk/proposal/a/screen7_s.jpg
http://www.beautifulplaces.org/Paris/l3049.jpg
La grande arch, Paris


B: It looks like a hospital.
http://www.tamar.gov.hk/proposal/b/screen4_s.jpg


C: The design of the main building is quite good. However, the layout is weird and the design of the LegCo chamber is weak. Pay attention on how strangely they squeezed the main bureau tower and the Legco complex on one side and place the small CE office on the other side.
http://www.tamar.gov.hk/proposal/c/screen2_s.jpghttp://www.tamar.gov.hk/proposal/c/screen5_s.jpg


D: It will be a perfect design for a casino in Macau or a hotel in Dubai. But the image of old junk doesn’t fit the image of the government. And the layout of the design is relatively chaotic. Finally, the sphere looks a bit tricky and it may look as bad as these of the Shanghai International Convention Center.
http://www.tamar.gov.hk/proposal/d/screen2_s.jpghttp://www.tamar.gov.hk/proposal/d/screen5_s.jpg
http://www.glschina.com/cps/images/sicc.jpg
Shanghai International Convention Center
http://www.hplb.gov.hk/wkcd/eng/images/pc/worldcity_Pamphlet.gif
West Kowloon proposal by World City Culture Park Limited (never built)

[Alle]

I think HK got three good alternatives in a, c and d

[hala]

Pictures of the exhibition by 久 地 遊 覽 (leomak) from http://hk-place.com/vp.php?board=1&id=2346-14

Design Ａ
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment01-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment02-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment03-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment04-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment05-600.jpg


Design B
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment06-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment07-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment08-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment09-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment10-600.jpg



Design Ｃ
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment11-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment12-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment13-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment14-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment15-600.jpg



Design Ｄ
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment16-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment17-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment18-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment19-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment20-600.jpg

[urbanform]

What I find most appalling about a lot of these "western" architects, is when they come do work in the rest of the world, invariably they will seize on some simplistic icon to base their design on, and they immediately will call it "being sensitive to local culture".

Other than being the tourism logo, appearing on a few old postcards and being the subject of all those aweful oil paintings that you find all over Tsim Sha Tsui, what does the "junk" have to do with Hong Kong, it's people and it's culture anymore? And to use it as the concept of their design shows nothing but the designer's own shallowness and insensitivity.

Needless to say I think Liebskind's design is the worst of the 4. The one that I thin is best is A, which if I am not mistaken, is a Rocco design and going back to my point about sensitivity and cultural icon, all one needs to look at for a good example of a good uses of an icon is Rocco's design for the Guangzhou Museum. Rocco's design most of the time is much better than the stuff from a lot of these so called "starchitects".

[spicytimothy]

^^^ maybe they should design a building inspired by street-side spicy fish-balls... the most uniquely Hong Kong thing you can find... or bowl of shark fin... mmm....

[EricIsHim]

Best design for HK - $, Dollar sign builing. That's what Hong Kong known for, too. No history, no heritage, no politic, no nothing, but money. All we care about is $. What else can be a better iconic building that an actual dollar sign building? Money has to do with people in every aspect everyday. Why no architect come up with something like that?

[spicytimothy]

$ sign for a gov't building... hmm

[superchan7]

Best design for HK - $, Dollar sign builing. That's what Hong Kong known for, too. No history, no heritage, no politic, no nothing, but money. All we care about is $. What else can be a better iconic building that an actual dollar sign building? Money has to do with people in every aspect everyday. Why no architect come up with something like that?

Welcome to the world's most cynical city.

[six453]

i think the direct iconography of a junk for a government building doesnt suit well for long term and national purposes. also, the junk relationship is just skin deep, its just the facade and these diagonal transoms running at an angle to your normal rectilinear and euclidean curtain wall system, when viewed from the inside you see this wayward strip across your office space.

design D howwver would look nice as a cultural project / building... not a government one...
the landscape of the desgn D is exciting though.

so design A is rocco yim, B is aedas, D is libeskind, so who is the lead design architect for design C?

[vvill]

i think the direct iconography of a junk for a government building doesnt suit well for long term and national purposes. also, the junk relationship is just skin deep, its just the facade and these diagonal transoms running at an angle to your normal rectilinear and euclidean curtain wall system, when viewed from the inside you see this wayward strip across your office space.

design D howwver would look nice as a cultural project / building... not a government one...
the landscape of the desgn D is exciting though.

so design A is rocco yim, B is aedas, D is libeskind, so who is the lead design architect for design C?

Libeskind is only the 'conceptual' designer of the scheme which potentially only involves the placing of the mass and deciding the height of the blocks. and as far as i understand from these panels, the buildings are actually designed by ASD (architectural service department of the hk government).

clearly, those buildings show very little resemblance to other libeskind buildings! ><

[vvill]

and proposal C is designed by local collaborations between P&T and Simon Kwan i think! ><

[boto_mix]

I like very much the D, this desing would be built I thing ;)

[hkskyline]

Maybe they should rebuild the GPO instead.

[hkth]

Best design for HK - $, Dollar sign builing. That's what Hong Kong known for, too. No history, no heritage, no politic, no nothing, but money. All we care about is $. What else can be a better iconic building that an actual dollar sign building? Money has to do with people in every aspect everyday. Why no architect come up with something like that?

This is the MOST FUNNIST reply that I've ever seen!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: But what you said "No history, no heritage, no politic, no nothing, but money. All we care about is $." are incorrect. In Fact, HK has at least 6000 years in human history! Also, NOT all the people just care $$$, they also care the others! ;)

Maybe they should rebuild the GPO instead.

I agree the GPO in Central has to be rebuild and much better to relocate because of the small size within the highest landprice place. The problem is that there is already another purpose of this land use.

[hkskyline]

Notice that Tamar isn't marked for a huge skyscraper. One can be built, but it'll come with a lot of explaining to do. Since the site is fairly large, a tall building along with a short building like a GPO recreation can definitely fit together. The GPO can then be a recreational facility or museum for the community to enjoy. After all, the government works for the people. Such a facility would achieve that objective.

[connected_]

Design A is magnificent. What a classy structure! The references to CCTV and Grande Arche are there, yes, but it is still original in its own context. The landscaping is also perfect. A vast expanse of open greenery in the middle of HK is hard to come by and will provide amazing vista's of the skyline. And the night lighting is absolutely beautiful.

[EricIsHim]

This is the MOST FUNNIST reply that I've ever seen!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: But what you said "No history, no heritage, no politic, no nothing, but money. All we care about is $." are incorrect. In Fact, HK has at least 6000 years in human history! Also, NOT all the people just care $$$, they also care the others! ;)

I was just being ironic. I know Hong Kong is more than just the colony era.


I agree the GPO in Central has to be rebuild and much better to relocate because of the small size within the highest landprice place. The problem is that there is already another purpose of this land use.

What is the plan of current GPO site? Isn't it just office use?

But it is definitely easier to build a whole new complex than rebuild the GPO and try to fit all the offices and Legco in that piece of tiny land. I think one of the main reason of moving the CGC to Tamar is to move all the government office to one location which are in different buildings in Central and Admiralty now to make it easier for eveyone.

[Sexas]

I was just being ironic. I know Hong Kong is more than just the colony era.




What is the plan of current GPO site? Isn't it just office use?

But it is definitely easier to build a whole new complex than rebuild the GPO and try to fit all the offices and Legco in that piece of tiny land. I think one of the main reason of moving the CGC to Tamar is to move all the government office to one location which are in different buildings in Central and Admiralty now to make it easier for eveyone.

It is very by city to city, city like Hong Kong, New York and London's government, everything is online and well connected with the whole world. It really no need and so old fashion to have so call "central goverment location", IMO I don't look at how great the city is by it's goverment HQ. If Hong Kong goverment HQ move to some cheaper location, it will show how smart and caring the goverment is by building a HQ cheaper, getting more s.q., also leave ppl more park space in CBD.


P.S. I will say build #2, what do the world think if HK most iconic building is the goverment HQ but not a result of an open & free market building....it sound like old USSR and China in the old day isn't it, when all the big building belong to the goverment....mmm:lol:

[EricIsHim]

P.S. I will say build #2, what do the world think if HK most iconic ******** is the goverment HQ but not a result of an open & free market ********....it sound like old USSR and China in the old day isn't it, when all the big ******** belong to the goverment....mmm:lol:

You got this point wrong. The open space in front of the proposed government ******** doesn't serve the same funtcion as the squares in USSR or mainland China. It is to increase the way of life for Hong Konger. Hong Kong Island really needs more open and green space in the ***** area, something serves a function similar to the Central Park in *** ****. Even if Tamar isn't used for civil services, the waterfrond park and open space will still be there but not as part of the Tamar project.

[hkskyline]

The integration with the harbourfront beautification schemes is key. Hence, even if Tamar ends up with a few skyscrapers, and perhaps even a *********, it's OK as long as the waterfront promenade is unaffected across the ******. In fact, more people will make that area bustling come lunch time.

[hkth]

RTHK news:
Lobby group calls for halting Tamar plans (http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/20070403/news_20070403_56_390563.htm)

--C'mon, Dr Kwok, please let the citizens to decide which one is the best! :ohno:

[deej]

Pictures of the exhibition by 久 地 遊 覽 (leomak)Design Ｃ
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment11-600.jpg


My biggest problem with Design C is the crooked buildings and what they represent. Do we want Hong Kong's government to be known as a crooked (ie dishonest) government? :lol:

Don't mind me. I had to pay salaries tax today, and it just hit me that some of my tax dollars are going to build one of these monuments...

[randolphan]

Model A definitely should be built.

[hala]

My friend said design C is perfect for Adidas’ headquarter. Lol
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment11-600.jpg
http://illinireport.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/adidas_logo.jpg

[Skyman]

I like D, it's very futuristic and huge

[Aboveday]

RTHK news:
Lobby group calls for halting Tamar plans (http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/20070403/news_20070403_56_390563.htm)

--C'mon, Dr Kwok, please let the citizens to decide which one is the best! :ohno:

no worry,one single legislator can do nothing to halt the progress,the fund for the construction has already been allocated by the Legislative Council.

[hkth]

Gov't Press Release:
Tamar exhibition draws warm public response (http://info.gov.hk/gia/general/200704/04/P200704040165.htm)

[White_soX]

I like D, it looks like HK boat sail. Plus the ground looks good!

[Aboveday]

添馬凱旋門設計市民最愛 本報展覽場內問卷調查 (明報) 04月 02日 星期一 05:10AM

http://hk.yimg.com/hk/providers/mingpao/20070401/_02gh001_.jpg

【明報專訊】凱旋門 、玻璃屋、幾何波浪、帆船珍珠，哪個添馬艦方案最得民心？本報在位於金鐘的添馬艦發展設計展覽進行的問卷調查顯示，「金門—協興聯營」的凱旋門式設計（設計A）最受歡迎；


但有逾兩成半受訪者認為展覽提供的資料不足，八成人認為必須提供用料、示威區位置、保安設施等資料。

有環保團體促請政府準備一份統一指標，要求各投標者列出通風評估、公眾使用休憩空間等資料，並應找來專業團體在場講解。

26%市民指資料不足

本報記者分別於前日及昨日，在展場內向特意到場參觀的市民做問卷調查，成功完成131個訪問。結果顯示，26.2％受訪者認為公開展覽提供的資料不足夠；八成受訪者認為必須提供用料、示威區位置等資料，亦有六成多受訪者認為必須提供保養及維修費用、能源效益等數據（詳見圖）。

對於未有披露保養維修費、能源效益等資料，行政署發言人說，各設計皆包含大量技術細節，按照既定招標程序，為確保投標過程公平公正，有關技術方面的詳情必須保密。發言人認為，是次公開展覽提供的資料，應足夠讓公眾就各方案的設計和美感因素發表意見。

環團倡設統一指標

身兼長春社理事的可持續發展公民議會主席黎廣德認為，調查結果明顯反映政府進行的公眾諮詢敷衍。公開展覽中，部分設計在高度、休憩空間、通風評估等資料含糊不清，甚至未有提供，他促請政府準備一份統一指標，要求各投標者列出通風評估、公眾使用休憩空間等資料，亦應找來專業團體，如建築師學會、工程師學會等人士幫助公眾解讀；並參考外國做法，透過舉辦公開論壇、設計工作坊，讓市民討論及優化設計。

近三成受訪者喜愛設計D

至於哪個設計方案最得民心？調查顯示，是以本地著名建築師嚴迅奇為代表的許李嚴建築師有限公司的設計A，以及曾參與美國世貿中心重建項目的建築師 Daniel Libeskind的設計D之爭。在建築外貌、改善景觀、綠化及環保、休憩用地等各方面，一面倒地由設計A領先，在各項都有四成多人支持。因此被問及最喜愛哪個設計時，近半受訪者最愛設計A，近三成選擇設計D。

貌似凱旋門的設計A，兩座政府大樓的頂部相連，拱門下有大片綠化草坡，貫穿海濱、政府總部大樓和金鐘地鐵 站，立法會 大樓像橢圓柱體。嚴迅奇是本港名建築師，得獎之作有近年設計的北京 道一號、廣州博物館。

添馬艦公開展覽上周三在金鐘政府合署舉行（至4月24日），「金門—協興聯營（設計A）」、「寶嘉華潤營造添馬艦聯營（設計B）」、「瑞安—保華聯營（設計C）」、「中國建築—禮頓—有利聯營（設計D）」4組投標商，在現場提供一套5分鐘的錄影帶、18塊展板及一個模型，但不設專人講解。

明報記者 張麗碧 朱嘉欣 賴月玲

[Aboveday]

Warm response to Tamar exhibition


An exhibition featuring design proposals submitted by the four tenderers for the Tamar Development Project has been warmly received by the community, the Administration Wing says.



The event attracted more than 5,700 visitors in the first week of its opening and more than 24,700 visitors have visited its dedicated website. So far, more than 3,400 comment cards have been received.



The wing called on people to visit the exhibition and give their views on the design and aesthetic aspects of the proposals.



The exhibition is currently being held at the Deck Level, High Block, Queensway Government Offices, Hong Kong, and will be open daily from 10am to 7pm during the Easter holidays.

[raymond_tung88]

I think D is the best in terms of the building's design BUT B is the best for landscaping.

The landscaping of each of the respective designs will be built as well? So in a sense, its no just the Government Complex but the landscaping of the reclamation that is tied into the proposals as well?

[Aboveday]

I think D is the best in terms of the building's design BUT B is the best for landscaping.

The landscaping of each of the respective designs will be built as well? So in a sense, its no just the Government Complex but the landscaping of the reclamation that is tied into the proposals as well?

The scope of the Contract of the Tamar Development Project includes the design and construction of a Central Government Complex, a Legislative Council Complex and an open space. The proposed designs shown in the exhibit materials for the Promenade Site are for reference only and do not form part of the Contract of the Tamar Development Project.:)

[kelw]

The scope of the Contract of the Tamar Development Project includes the design and construction of a Central Government Complex, a Legislative Council Complex and an open space. The proposed designs shown in the exhibit materials for the Promenade Site are for reference only and do not form part of the Contract of the Tamar Development Project.:)

So to clarify: this means the contract includes landscaping for the space in front of the complex, but not the reclaimed land along the harbour.

[Aboveday]

So to clarify: this means the contract includes landscaping for the space in front of the complex, but not the reclaimed land along the harbour.

Correct.

[gladisimo]

My friend said design C is perfect for Adidas’ headquarter. Lol


now that you mention it, it kinda does.

[hkskyline]

I wonder if they can bring back the Foster canopy to the winning design. :)

[bloodylepus]

Based on those pictures posted by Hala, each proposal seems conceived with a design theme.
Proposal A - blue sky, openness, and get connected...
Proposal B - efficiency, practicality, typical of HK style...
Proposal C - essence of Chinese Feng Shui to make the complex environmentally sustainable (though the buildings look like tumbling -> structurally unsustainable?):nuts:
Proposal D - the image of HK in the eyes of tourists: the Junk and 'Pearl of Orient' (the ball shape building).

The themes of proposal A and B are better then the latter two when it comes to government office design.

Notably on proposal D, which I will consider the least imaginative (pardon me for offending some of the forumers here), the image of the Junk and Pearl of Orient is obsolete, outdated and a reminder of the pre-handover colonial status of HK in the British Empire:ohno: . In fact, HK already has got a Junk-shape building not far away -> the AIA Building. The ball-shape design also has been much abused in other China cities, in particular Shanghai which always reminisces once being the jewel of crown in the Orient.

My personal preference is proposal B which indeed blends very well with surrounding buildings and the landscaping design is magnificent (compared to other 3). Though aesthetically the building of propoal B does not STRIKE as impressively as that of proposal A.

[Monkey]

Who will choose and when will we know the result?

[superchan7]

One thing though, the tourism board still uses the junk as its logo, although I understand your perception of the colonial hints.

[some_stupid_nut]

I don't like any of them much personally. I think its great how they all incorporate water though.

[hkskyline]

Yes, since the site faces the water, integrating it with the waterfront was a key design component. Notice many designs actually have a very wide bridge from the lobby across the street to the harbour.

[Monkey]

Proposal D - the image of HK in the eyes of tourists: the Junk and 'Pearl of Orient' (the ball shape building).... Notably on proposal D, which I will consider the least imaginative (pardon me for offending some of the forumers here), the image of the Junk and Pearl of Orient is obsolete, outdated and a reminder of the pre-handover colonial status of HK in the British Empire. :ohno: In fact, HK already has got a Junk-shape building not far away -> the AIA Building. The ball-shape design also has been much abused in other China cities, in particular Shanghai which always reminisces once being the jewel of crown in the Orient.I disagree with this. Junks are traditional Chinese boats and had been used along the China coast for centuries before the British arrived in Hong Kong. The "Pearl of the Orient" may be cliched but it's also romantic and attractive (and those qualities are worth $$$ in tourist revenues). And what would you replace it with? Some naff slogan like "live it, love it!"? No-one knows or cares about these marketting catchphrases. Tourism is an important industry to Hong Kong but it's a competitive market. There are, after all, countless other appealing destinations too. Hong Kong needs to have something distinctive, appealing, and recognisable and the image of the junk in the harbour set against a background of skyscrapers with the mountains behind is the most famous, recognised, and attractive icon of Hong Kong.

In reality I doubt many tourists will even recognise building D as a junk. I like it simply because it's by far the most attractive design. The others look orthodox, conservative, and uninspired. No-one will even notice them. Hong Kong has great skyscrapers but in some ways it lacks urban variety. Other styles and architectural forms are quite few and far between. That's why I think D has the most to offer.

[Cunning Linguist]

"live it, love it!"?

is that a sly dig at Leeds Monkey?





Also, I'd like the harbourfront reclamation (not just the tamar site), to include an area of al fresco restaurants a la circular quay in Sydney, in the mould of the Yacht Club restaurant in CWB.

[hkskyline]

Also, I'd like the harbourfront reclamation (not just the tamar site), to include an area of al fresco restaurants a la circular quay in Sydney, in the mould of the Yacht Club restaurant in CWB.
Design D incorporates a terrace-style restaurant complex along the waterfront.

[Cunning Linguist]

ahh excellent.

also, if they want to promote the harbour as an area of recreation/entertainment/park area, then they really should do something about cleaning up the harbour - and I mean serious work, not just the vague stuff they do now.

[kangkin]

B,

I have no comment at all for this design. It just like shopping mail.
But the idea of planting trees is good!

A,

I dont think the buildings look like CCTV tower in Beijing.. But, i do think it is very similar to La Grande Arche in Paris.
http://masu-www.pi.titech.ac.jp/img_event/20041129_Paris/13.jpg
At the beginning, i think that this design is the best one But after watching the video and the pics, i think that this design does not intergrate into the environment and the LegCo building does not suit the style of the main building. (While other buildings in the poposal are designed based on boxes, the LegCo building has round structure.)
Moreover, I think that the green area of A is good, but i start to think that grass platfrom may not be accepted for Hongkongers and there are no trees!
I believe that noone will sit on this platform under sun exposeure and 3X degree. But, the idea of connection from Queensway to the seaside is great.

D,

After rejecting A for the best one, i started thinking of D.
For D, the circular-seaside-footbridge is amazing for me, but, it may not be a part of the contract.
For myself, the building is quite special and acceptable.
The theme is clear and observable, although it seems like a casino.
But after looking at the video, i find out that the buildings are too high that the Far East Finace Centre and other buildings in Queensway will be hided from the point of view of tsimshatsui.
So, i stopped thinking of D.

C,

At first, i think that the designer of C is just crazy.
But after rejecting all other designs, i start take a look on C.
I found that the green area is quite a large proportion of tamar site and there are trees, although i do not like the design as it is as usual as other places in HK.
Looking at the design, I found that none of the buildings in Queensway will be hided by the design and it is highly intergrated into the background when people looking from Tsimshatsui. And, from central, people can enjoy another unforgettable view from the horizontal side of the building.
However, i think that the office of CE is a bit strange from the whole design.

------------------------
So, to conclude, I think the perfect design should have C's main buildings, D's seaside-footbridge, A's green area connection, and B's planting trees idea!

[Monkey]

is that a sly dig at Leeds Monkey?No it's HKTA's slogan for Hong Kong.

[bloodylepus]

I disagree with this. Junks are traditional Chinese boats and had been used along the China coast for centuries before the British arrived in Hong Kong. The "Pearl of the Orient" may be cliched but it's also romantic and attractive (and those qualities are worth $$$ in tourist revenues). And what would you replace it with? Some naff slogan like "live it, love it!"? No-one knows or cares about these marketting catchphrases. Tourism is an important industry to Hong Kong but it's a competitive market. There are, after all, countless other appealing destinations too. Hong Kong needs to have something distinctive, appealing, and recognisable and the image of the junk in the harbour set against a background of skyscrapers with the mountains behind is the most famous, recognised, and attractive icon of Hong Kong.

In reality I doubt many tourists will even recognise building D as a junk. I like it simply because it's by far the most attractive design. The others look orthodox, conservative, and uninspired. No-one will even notice them. Hong Kong has great skyscrapers but in some ways it lacks urban variety. Other styles and architectural forms are quite few and far between. That's why I think D has the most to offer.

No one will dispute the importance of tourism to HK. But we are talking about the design of government office building. Proposal D may not be a bad idea for locations across the habour or somewhere else NOT in the heart of financial and administrative district.

One thing though is about the ball shape structure, which indeed is ubiquitous in many Chinese cities, like Dalian and Qingdao, not to mention Shanghai. Why? All these cities promote themselves being some kind of pearl --> Dalian being the pearl of North, Qingdao or Tianjin being pearl of Bohai area, and Shanghai.... Perhaps such pearls-like buildings are more difficult to clean, most of them lack the lustre that one would expect. I do not think such design inspirational at all, especially to those tourists from the mainland! On the other hand, HK may do better than those mainland cities by creating a more glamorous pearl!:lol:

[Cunning Linguist]

I'm pretty sure HKTA's slogan for HK was "Asia's world city". Unless they've recently changed it. In fact, I met the guy who was in charge of the HKTA's branding scheme for HK about 6 years ago.. forgot his name however.


Leeds however uses the slogan "live it, love it"... in fact, it's almost all over the place over here.

[kangkin]

I'm pretty sure HKTA's slogan for HK was "Asia's world city". Unless they've recently changed it. In fact, I met the guy who was in charge of the HKTA's branding scheme for HK about 6 years ago.. forgot his name however.


Leeds however uses the slogan "live it, love it"... in fact, it's almost all over the place over here.

http://www.hkta.org/login.html
you can see the slogan here. HKTA has used it for about 3-4 years, but i am not sure when they started to use it.

Asia's world city is another slogan here.

[Yotam]

D! no doubt about that.
I think it mix with the rest of the area pretty well, and the design is just great.

[AhChuan]

I like C!!! So nice and beautiful!!

[kentan8]

My favorite...
1) D - looks really good with existing skyline, adds a bit of an organic feel and shape.

2) A - looks like it has good fung shui! Channels the energy and the 'flow' :lol:

3) C - looks like the government is in a mess! Everything seems to be toppling!

4) B - Yawn!

[hkskyline]

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1178.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1179.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1182.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1184.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1185.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1189.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1186.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1187.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1192.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1190.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1196.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1197.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1198.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1199.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1201.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1200.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1205.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1203.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1204.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1209.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1210.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1211.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1212.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1214.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1213.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1223.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1217.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1219.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1220.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1215.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1225.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1226.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1228.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1229.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1230.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1231.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1233.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1234.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1239.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1235.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1227.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1243.jpg

[hkskyline]

Public needs background to judge Tamar proposals fairly
13 April 2007
South China Morning Post

Proposals for the new Tamar government headquarters are finally on show. All four presentations offer eye-catching perspectives - with narrated, computer-animated walkthroughs and site models representing its size and form in its immediate city context. After the first dazzling array of renderings, as you look closer and harder, an image begins to emerge.

The projects come across as slightly restrained and conservative, in terms of the expression of forms and the treatment of space. This is not to say that the proposals are not highly professional, but they appear to be the best pragmatic solutions rather than efforts at the iconic and truly inspirational. To satisfy everyone would indeed be nearly impossible, and we must hail our architects for doing a good job in the face of such differing opinions.

In major civic projects anywhere, design is often a heated subject. Architects must try to solve pragmatic concerns, and some even see them as sources of inspiration. After all, solving them is part of the job. When civic projects of this stature use invited or open competitions, only architects tend to be involved. Architects - being the creators of buildings - are best suited for this initial, conceptual role. For Tamar, the government chose to combine the roles of architects and contractors in a "design-and-build" process. As a result, architects had to balance concerns of the community with the feuding interests of other parties in the consortium.

Fair enough: architects need to design buildings that can actually be built. But when you hamstring their creativity and innovativeness with so much baggage at this early stage, then the full potential of the work will not be realised. This should serve as a lesson that future civic-design projects should be the product of open competition.

To help the public judge these works fairly, the government should consider providing more information and assessment criteria for people to consider when viewing the results.

This way, the public won't have to judge the entries merely on subjective grounds, but could engage in a public consultation process that is helpful and meaningful.

Michael Wing C. Kwok, Central

[Smallville]

I like D the best. I hope D is the winning proposal.

[Lastresorter]

My pick would either be A or C...

A - I like the poetic description! And it looks really good to have it at waterfront. As what it's described, it acts like a door that connects people, that's what HK is all about, iconic.

C - C looks good too. It has a very imposing feeling that projects out to the sea. This really looks good for a government complex. It blends in well with its surroundings too.

Hmmm... tough one but I think A wins a little as it would really be another icon for HK once it's built.

[hkth]

From news.gov.hk:
Tamar exhibition heads to Kowloon (http://news.gov.hk/en/category/infrastructureandlogistics/070420/html/070420en06010.htm)

[kor_heroskc]

D>C>A>B

but, maybe D is an expense relatively to others...

[Monkey]

No one will dispute the importance of tourism to HK. But we are talking about the design of government office building. Proposal D may not be a bad idea for locations across the habour or somewhere else NOT in the heart of financial and administrative district.I am quite aware of the location thank you. I do not see why government buildings must be coporate and dull. I do not see why the financial district must be corporate and dull. A beautiful and imaginative design such as D should not be hidden away out of sight in Kowloon but put on bold display in HK's main shop window (ie the Central skyline). If HK's decision makers are as orthodox and conservative in their tastes as you evidently are then HK will quickly be eclipsed in terms of modern architecture by more daring and imaginative cities.

[hkskyline]

There are a number of very bold architectural pieces in the skyline already. Bank of China and HSBC are very visible. Lippo is a bit tucked away but those 2 towers are confidently placed in the CBD.

[raymond_tung88]

I know a lot of forumers here dislike Design D because of its symbolic reference to the junk and the 'Pearl of the Orient' both of which are somewhat outdated for post-colonial Hong Kong.

In my honest opinion, I believe Design D is the best. The other designs are great too but Design A is a cross between the Grand Arche in Paris and the CCTV HQ in Beijing. Design B is too simple and boxy. Its not memorable nor iconic. Design C is too 'out there' and as someone said before, its reminiscent of the Adidas logo, not to mention the building doesn't make the most use of the land. They have built the building only on half the plot of land and a park with the other.

Even though the junk and the Pearl are outdated, no one can deny that it is unique to Hong Kong and that is why I believe Design D should win.

[MA]

I also find that Design D is the best. i have always loved fosters design for the opera in the west kowloon cultural district that look very similar. IMO hong kong stands for junks like no other city in asia and pics with a junk in front of the skyline are just fantastic.
This city lives from the contrast between tradition and modern style. Hong Kong is proud to have the over 100 years old Star Ferry and no one say that its outdated. A building that is shaped in the same way like a symbol of this town is a good way to make the skyline look more unique

[Monkey]

There are a number of very bold architectural pieces in the skyline already. Bank of China and HSBC are very visible. Lippo is a bit tucked away but those 2 towers are confidently placed in the CBD.Yes but BoC and HSBC are skyscrapers. HK's modern buildings need more variety. There is the airport, conference centre, and Peak Tower but little else. A Hong Kong friend of mine went to Beijing recently and came back gushing at the amazing new buildings there. At first I was surprised. "You're from HK and you're impressed by Beijing's modern buidlings?" That was my attitude. I hate all those oppressive box-like office buildings that line Beijing's massive straight roads. I hate the way the city has prioritised cars over pedestrians. However, despite its' flaws, Beijing does indeed have a lot of cool new buildings - Foster's amazing new airport, Andreu's new opera house, the CCTV building, the Olympic stadium and water cube etc. Hong Kong doesn't have that variety of modern buildings. London is another city with a much wider variety of exciting new buildings than Hong Kong. That's why this opportunity at the Tamar site should not be wasted on some dull second-rate corporate design justified by some half-arse logic like "it's OK for cultural buildings to look cool but not for government" or "it's OK in Kowloon but not in Central". A conservative choice here will be a wasted one.

[hkskyline]

Beijing's pace of development these days mirrors Hong Kong back in the 80s and 90s. They're just at a different part of the growth curve. Hong Kong has matured and moved onto another phase. However, the two cities have a lot in common, such as regenerating older areas.

After the fiasco in West Kowloon, the government seems to be a bit more cautious about Tamar, and other large-scale projects. They seem to be more conservative, fearing a public backlash, so they're shying away from extravagence. But then, the problem was never about out of the world designs and their expensive costs. It was all about turning cultural projects into real estate property developments with a for-profit motive. That kind of thinking is flawed from the start.

[Monkey]

^ I don't agree with your maturity argument. In terms of tall skyscraper development HK is building more now than it ever did before. When did HK ever have 3 x 300m+ towers under construction at once before? And, aside from the airport, Hong Kong didn't build any non-skyscraper modern landmark buildings in the 80s or 90s with the class of those I listed in Beijing. And London is a mature city but it has built/is building more impressive non-skyscraper modern buildings than HK over the last decade.

What examples of regenerating old areas did you have in mind? It seems to me that both Beijing and Hong Kong are more about destroying and rebuilding old areas than regenerating them. ;)

Tamar plan D is fine. If they choose that proposal I think they will create the kind of non-skyscraper modern landmark that I'm talking about. It's choosing any of the other three designs that would be a missed opportunity.

[gladisimo]

^ I don't agree with your maturity argument.

I think he was focusing on the CBD (HKI East) waterfront, when he's talking about the maturity. It has to be noted that much of the activity in HK are now based on other parts of the city (1 Island East, ICC, Nina Tower all away from the CBD)

It's a shame that the CBD construction has slowed. Just fifteen years ago we didn't have the big three (Central Plaza, The Center, BoC).
(four if you count IFC, which I dont because I left in 1997, and those were the most prominent ones before I became aware of skyscrapers in the world)

Time for some of those buildings to grow old, demolish, and rebuilt, taller and bigger!

[EricIsHim]

I think he was focusing on the CBD (HKI East) waterfront, when he's talking about the maturity. It has to be noted that much of the activity in HK are now based on other parts of the city (1 Island East, ICC, Nina Tower all away from the CBD)

It's a shame that the CBD construction has slowed. Just fifteen years ago we didn't have the big three (Central Plaza, The Center, BoC).
(four if you count IFC, which I dont because I left in 1997, and those were the most prominent ones before I became aware of skyscrapers in the world)

Time for some of those buildings to grow old, demolish, and rebuilt, taller and bigger!

Becuase the aiport was in the middle of the city, highrises couldn't been built in Hong Kong Island East and the entire Kowloon Peninsula. By the mid-90s, we eventually ran out of land to build highrises. After the airport moved, the height restriction has been loosen and now we see highrises are popping up in areas where has never had a highrise before. Land values are relatively cheaper in those areas. The trend of highrise will definitley shifts from Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay to rest of the areas on both sides of Victoria Harbour.

[hkskyline]

^ I don't agree with your maturity argument. In terms of tall skyscraper development HK is building more now than it ever did before. When did HK ever have 3 x 300m+ towers under construction at once before? And, aside from the airport, Hong Kong didn't build any non-skyscraper modern landmark buildings in the 80s or 90s with the class of those I listed in Beijing. And London is a mature city but it has built/is building more impressive non-skyscraper modern buildings than HK over the last decade.

What examples of regenerating old areas did you have in mind? It seems to me that both Beijing and Hong Kong are more about destroying and rebuilding old areas than regenerating them. ;)

Tamar plan D is fine. If they choose that proposal I think they will create the kind of non-skyscraper modern landmark that I'm talking about. It's choosing any of the other three designs that would be a missed opportunity.

Although HK has been building a lot of residential skyscrapers, but the pace of commercial office space growth has slowed. Yes, there are a number of projects around the city, but they're not in the traditional CBD. ICC, Island East, and Nina Tower are all in the secondary districts. That's why the skyline hasn't moved so much whereas back in the 1980s and 1990s, there were a number of projects right in the main CBD, so the skyline changed very quickly.

Beijing is in dire need of infrastructure investments, hence a building frenzy has arisen, especially to make the 2008 Olympics deadline. Hong Kong has enough infrastructure in place from years of development, so the need for such a frenzy is not great locally. China's objective is to build big and to inspire, whereas in Hong Kong, everything must meet tight profit objectives as they are spearheaded by the business community, not by the government. Even for projects that have originated from the government, they are heavily scrutinized from both cost and revenue perspectives as if they are from the private sector. There is a lot of rumbling from the public these days on efficiently spending tax dollars.There is no shortage of major non-skyscraper projects in Hong Kong, including the new convention centre next to the airport, Skyplaza/T2, and Disneyland. But Beijing is hosting the 2008 Olympic Games, whereas Hong Kong is using these facilities for regular day-to-day activities. The design focus would be greatly different.

[hkskyline]

Exhibition Venue Location Maps

Deck Level, High Block, Queensway Government Offices, Hong Kong (from 28 March to 24 April)

http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/map1_s.jpg


Thematic Exhibition Gallery, Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre, Kowloon Park, Tsim Sha Tsui (from 28 April to 27 May)

http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/map2_s.jpg

[hkskyline]

有 議 員 批 評 添 馬 艦 工 程 披 露 的 資 料 不 足
2007-05-07 HKT 09:01
RTHK

在 立 法 會 檢 討 中 區 海 旁 規 劃 小 組 的 一 個 會 議 上 ， 議 員 要 求 政 府 就 添 馬 艦 政 府 總 部 工 程 ， 提 供 更 多 資 料 ， 令 市 民 真 正 有 機 會 參 與 。

議 員 李 永 達 指 出 ， 添 馬 艦 工 程 的 四 個 模 型 正 在 進 行 展覽 ， 但 建 築 物 會 否 導 致 屏 風 效 應 ， 是 否 達 到 環 保 標 準 ， 公 眾 能 否 經 建 築 物 通 往 海 濱長 廊 等 ， 政 府 並 無 再 提 供 進 一 步 資 料 。

政 府 並 無 派 代 表 出 席 會 議 ， 而 行 政 署 提 交 的 文件 就 指 出 ， 由 於 不 能 就 標 書 內 容 作 任 何 評 論 ， 因 此 未 能 出 席 會 議 。 又 指 出 招 標 過 程涉 及 四 家 投 標 者 ， 及 旗 下 超 過 100 位 分 包 商 及 顧 問 公 司 的 利 益 ， 必 須 小 心 處 理 ， 確保 公 平 及 完 整 性 。 而 在 招 標 文 件 中 ， 亦 禁 止 投 標 者 在 招 標 過 程 中 向 公 眾 解 釋 設 計 方案 。

[hkskyline]

Tamar exhibition moves to Kowloon Park
Friday, April 27, 2007
Government Press Release

http://gia.info.gov.hk/general/200704/27/P200704270252_photo_394997.JPG

Ever considered that a day out to the park could combine with a visit to an exhibition?

Starting tomorrow (April 28), members of the community will have such a chance when visiting the urban oasis of Kowloon Park in Tsim Sha Tsui.

This is because the exhibition of design proposals submitted by the four tenderers for the Tamar Development Project will be held in a historical building inside the Park until May 27.

A government spokesman today (April 27) said that the public could visit the exhibition at the Thematic Exhibition Gallery of the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre to give comments on the design and aesthetic aspects of the proposals, in addition to sampling the beauties of the Park and enjoying the leisure amenities there.

The Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre occupies two historic blocks of the former Whitfield Barracks which were built in circa 1910. The exhibition there will be open daily from 10 am to 7 pm until May 27 and admission is free.

Comment cards will be distributed at the exhibition venue. The public can also view the exhibit materials online at www.tamar.gov.hk and submit their comments via the website, by fax: 3106 3094, by email: tamar@cso.gov.hk, or by post: Central Government Offices, Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong (Attention: Tamar Development Project Team).

"An independent consultant has been engaged by the Government to collate and analyse all the public views collected.

"The consultant will afterwards submit a report on its findings to the Special Selection Board for the Tamar Development Project, the sole authority for assessing the tenders and deciding on the contract award, which will take these views into account before making the final selection," the spokesman said.

"The first stage of the exhibition at Queensway Government Offices has attracted more than 14,500 visitors between March 28 and April 24 while nearly 51,400 visitors have surfed the website. So far, more than 9,400 comment cards have been received at the exhibition venue and via the Internet," he said.

[hkskyline]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/asiaglobe/tamar-site.jpg

[Don Omar]

great location

[hkskyline]

Site Photos

http://www.civicparty.hk/albums/20060430tamar/PICT0008.sized.jpg

http://www.civicparty.hk/albums/20060430tamar/IMG_0182.sized.jpg

http://www.civicparty.hk/albums/20060430tamar/IMG_0184.sized.jpg

http://www.civicparty.hk/albums/20060430tamar/PICT0003.sized.jpg

http://www.civicparty.hk/albums/20060430tamar/PICT0010.sized.jpg

http://www.civicparty.hk/albums/20060430tamar/PICT0016.sized.jpg

http://www.civicparty.hk/albums/20060430tamar/PICT0005.sized.jpg

[hkskyline]

Council snubbedon Tamar debate
8 May 2007
South China Morning Post

Government officials snubbed a Legislative Council discussion on the Tamar headquarters plan yesterday on the grounds that they wanted to avoid any perception of favouritism or misrepresentation with the tendering process still under way.

Legislators reviewing the design of Central's waterfront passed a motion to express their disappointment, and demanded officials attend future meetings to explain details of the four proposals.

The chairman of the panel on planning, lands and works, Lau Wong-fat, agreed with independent legislator Kwok Ka-ki, who proposed the motion, saying: "We need to put some pressure on the government."

The discussion covered two items: the four proposals to build a new government headquarters on the Tamar site in Admiralty, and whether the government should realign the road linking the International Finance Centre in Central and Admiralty.

Tamar will house a government complex, a building for the Chief Executive's Office and Executive Council, a new chamber for the Legislative Council and a building for lawmakers and the Legco secretariat.

It is intended the contract will be awarded this year and the project completed in 2010.

The administration wrote to Legco, saying: "To avoid any perception of government favouring any particular tenderer or misrepresenting any tender details, the government has to refrain from any discussion of tender submissions. As such, we will not be able to attend the meeting."

The government has forbidden the four bidding consortiums and their consultants from speaking to the public on details of the proposals for the Tamar site.

Details and models of the four proposals are on display at the Heritage Discovery Centre in Kowloon Park until May 27. Visitors to the exhibition are being asked to fill in a form to express views about the plans.

Of the four proposals, two, if chosen, would require planning permission as they envisage placing buildings on the seaward side of the site, which is reserved for public open space in current zoning plans.

Civic Party legislator Alan Leong Kah-kit wanted the government to clarify how the board that will pick the winning tender would assess public opinion in its marking scheme. Bids will be given marks out of 100 according to their quality and price. The weight accorded public opinion will be entirely up to the board, headed by Chief Secretary Rafael Hui Si-yan.

"The government keeps stressing it is the people's Tamar. I doubt the real level of public participation here," Mr Leong said.

The Democratic Party's Lee Wing-tat said: "What we want is data to make things clear. I saw the exhibition and still have many questions."

[hkskyline]

Here is a rendering by Aboveday with Design D in the skyline along with a completed ICC.

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q144/aboveday2006/icc-render-2010-gov.jpg

[hkskyline]

Public viewing exercise on the Tamar designs drawing to a close
Friday, May 25, 2007
Government Press Release

The exhibition of the design proposals submitted by the four tenderers for the Tamar Development Project will close on Sunday (May 27).

A spokesman for the Administration Wing said today (May 25) that the exhibition had so far attracted more than 30,000 visitors since its opening on March 28. More than 71,000 visitors have surfed the website (www.tamar.gov.hk), and more than 13,000 comment cards, collected at the exhibition venue or via the Internet, are being processed.

The independent consultant engaged by the Government to collate and analyse all the public views collected, the Public Policy Research Institute of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, will compile a report on its findings for the consideration of the Special Selection Board.

"We are grateful to the tenderers and the public for making this public viewing exercise a success. It remains the Government's aim to complete the tender evaluation process and to award the contract for the Tamar Development Project as soon as practicable within the year," the spokesman said.

[hkskyline]

Will it be the 'sail' or 'door' for Tamar?
Two designs are favourites among the public for the government's new offices
17 June 2007
South China Morning Post

Two of four designs for a government headquarters have emerged as favourites with the public, but green groups and architects are worried one will create a "wall effect" blocking air flow along the Central waterfront and that the other will be too expensive.

A source close to the tendering process for the HK$5.2 billion project at the site of the Tamar naval base said most visitors to an exhibition showing models and artists' impressions of the designs preferred the "sailing boat" proposal from the China State, Leighton-Yau Lee consortium and Gammon-Hip Hing's "door" design.

The source said: "The 'door' is quite a distinctive design. The 'sailing boat' model is a bit old-fashioned, but many people like it as they feel it represents harmony and good fung shui. Some members of the selection panel prefer the 'door', but the 'sailing boat' has an edge since it is much cheaper."

A selection panel headed by the chief secretary, and comprising legislators and government officials will choose the winning design.

The views of visitors were canvassed by Polytechnic University.

According to the tendering rules, 60 per cent of the score awarded to each bid will be based on its quality and 40 per cent will be determined by the plan's cost.

The selection panel will take into account the views of a technical committee and the public before making its decision.

Hahn Chu Hon-keung, of Friends of the Earth, had concerns about the possible "wall effect" of the "sailing boat" design.

"The 'sailing boat' design consists of two big, horizontal blocks, with their width roughly equivalent to three to four blocks of ordinary office buildings. There are also two lower blocks in front of them. It is so bad to have such a big wall, which will block the breeze from the harbour," Mr Chu said.

He said pollution in Central was already serious and the government should avoid making it worse.

Roy Tam Hoi-pong, a spokesman for Green Sense, also said the buildings in the "sailing boat" design were too closely packed. "The wall effect there is very obvious. I am surprised the government is not sensitive enough to spot this," Mr Tam said.

Vincent Ng Wing-shun, a former president of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects, echoed the concern over the "wall effect" from the design. He also said it was old-fashioned.

"It is clearly an outdated image of Hong Kong. A sailing boat can no longer represent the city," he said.

Mr Ng agreed the "door" design would be more expensive than the "sailing boat".

"The gaps between the two sides of the block are quite wide and it will definitely cost more to build the supporting block across the middle," he said.

Another architect, who declined to be named, said this design might not use floor space efficiently.

"If one bureau is based on one side of the 'door' and the other on the other side, then staff have to go up to the top or down to the bottom to get to see each other," he said. "And this design means you will not have a big open space on each floor."

The head of architecture at the University of Hong Kong, Leslie Lu, agreed the "door" design would be more expensive. "A design that is out of the ordinary costs more," he said.

Mr Ng said the spacial efficiency was not a significant issue. "This can be easily solved through the distribution of offices among departments," he explained.

A government spokesman said all tenderers were required to conduct an air ventilation assessment to ensure that air flow would not be affected. Tamar will house a building for the chief executive's office and Executive Council, a new chamber for the Legislative Council and a building for lawmakers' offices and the Legco secretariat.

The government's timetable calls for the contract to be awarded this year and completed by 2010.

[gladisimo]

Figures, I guess the SSC voters are like the general public.

I'm still for the sail design. I really dont like design A for some reason.

[EricIsHim]

Another architect, who declined to be named, said this design might not use floor space efficiently.

"If one bureau is based on one side of the 'door' and the other on the other side, then staff have to go up to the top or down to the bottom to get to see each other," he said. "And this design means you will not have a big open space on each floor."


One good excuse to shut the doors.

[Rachmaninov]

Figures, I guess the SSC voters are like the general public.

I'm still for the sail design. I really dont like design A for some reason.

But I still think that design D looks too uninteresting. I mean, buildings like that appear everywhere in the world, and we do need something more special I believe.

But then... the public is used to seeing that kind of boring architecture...

[Aboveday]

But then... the public is used to seeing that kind of boring architecture...


LOL! well said.

[hkskyline]

Government on Tamar reports
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Government Press Release

In response to some media's speculative report on the Tamar Development Project, a government spokesman gave the following response:

"Whilst the interest of the public and the media in this important project is fully appreciated and welcomed, the Government wishes to stress that it is of paramount importance that the integrity and fairness of the on-going tender evaluation be safeguarded. Thus, all relevant parties, including members of the media, are reminded to avoid any comments or moves that may prejudice or be perceived as prejudicing the fairness and integrity of the tender process and that reports on the project should as far as possible accord fair and equal treatment to the design proposals for each of the four tenderers. More specifically, speculations or suggestions that any particular tender proposal is in the lead may risk being perceived by some tenderers as prejudicing the outcome of the tender evaluation and may invite challenges from the parties concerned.

"All tender proposals are subject to the determination of the Special Selection Board for the Tamar Development Project. This sole authority for assessing the tenders and deciding on the contract award will assess the tender submissions in strict accordance to a comprehensive list of criteria set out in the tender document.

"The above points are made in good faith as the Government trust that the community is as keen as itself in striving to secure the best outcome for the tender."

[paw25694]

D and C, but i like D btter.. :D:D

[hkskyline]

Opinion : Tamar building could be envy of the world
11 July 2007
South China Morning Post

With regards to the Tamar site development, it is an opportunity for the government to do something extraordinary.

After so many years in the economic doldrums, our economy is starting to gain momentum and the government could make a bold statement with this development.

The Tamar site is one of the last prime locations and it has been argued that it could be made into a public space and this has been a cause of controversy.

However, if the administration really wants to develop this site into a government office, and if it is going to spend HK$4 billion on this project, then it might as well make it into an iconic building that Hong Kong people can be proud of.

Cities around the world have such buildings, for example the Sydney Opera House in Australia, the CCTV headquarters in Beijing, and the museum in Bilbao.

So what could we, as a world Asian city, offer to the region with this building at Tamar?

I do not believe that the designs presently on display, offer anything original. One of the suggested schemes is a reworking of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, another resembles Norman Foster's world trade redevelopment competition entry.

The third design is the ubiquitous office block and I am also unimpressed by the fourth proposed building.

A great deal of effort and time has been invested in all these schemes.

However, in the architecture profession, recognition is given to the concept rather than presentation.

Originality only can come from a visionary leader not from a group of contractors who are too timid to invest in design excellence.

This administration tries to promote creativity, so the Tamar office development should make a statement that backs such creativity.

The government should take the lead to invite the best of the best to take part in the concept competition. Once the winner is chosen we can go ahead with a design-build contract.

The competition-winning design is then immutably fixed into the design-and-build contract. The design architect would be retained by the government to do more detailed plans and control the visual aspects of the new project.

This would ensure efficiency, in terms of time spent on and cost of the project, without compromising the overall design.

Instead, the government has skipped a step, by going straight to the builders and has not made this important design appointment.

Is this a sign of government complacency?

Chim Lim, Wan Chai

[gladisimo]

But I still think that design D looks too uninteresting. I mean, buildings like that appear everywhere in the world, and we do need something more special I believe.

But then... the public is used to seeing that kind of boring architecture...

I welcome another design, just not design A, it looks like it has a gaping hole through it, what kind of light would a building like that show the government in?

[_00_deathscar]

I welcome another design, just not design A, it looks like it has a gaping hole through it, what kind of light would a building like that show the government in?


A truthful one...?

[Aboveday]

http://www.tamar.gov.hk/proposal/a/screen9.jpg

July 17, 2007
Development


Tamar development letter of intent issued


The Administration Wing has issued a non-binding letter of intent to Gammon-Hip Hing Joint Venture,(Design A) which has obtained the highest combined technical and price scores,) for the Tamar Development Project's design-and-build contract.



The project's special selection board, chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration, has completed marking the four tenders received for the project against a comprehensive list of criteria set out in the tender document. The quality considerations take up 60% of the overall score and price considerations take up the remaining 40%.


The issue of the letter of intent does not necessarily mean that Gammon-Hip Hing will eventually be awarded the contract, as it is subject to the special selection board's final decision.


Planning permission

Under the approved Central (Extension) Outline Zoning Plan about two hectares of the site is designated as open space while 2.2 hectares is zoned for government, institution or community purposes.



To allow the tenderers to maximise their design creativity, the tender document provides that tenderers can propose a design that has part of the Central Government Complex or Legislative Council Complex encroaching upon the open space area. The prerequisite is that the provision of at least two hectares of public open space must not be compromised.



Since Gammon-Hip Hing's design involves encroachment of part of the complex onto the open space, it has to obtain permission from the Town Planning Board within seven months from the date of the letter of intent.


================================

政府就添馬艦工程發出意向書
2007年7月17日 HKT: 18:31
政府今日就添馬艦發展工程「設計及建造」合約，向金門－－協興聯營發出了意向書，距離正式批出合約再邁進了一步。

政府發言人表示，添馬艦發展工程評審委員會就收到的四份標書，完成了評分。以金門－－協興聯營得到最高的質素及價格總分。

評審委員會在評審標書時，考慮了招標文件中列出的一系列詳盡因素。有關質素方面的考慮佔總分的六成，其中包括設計和美感；規劃、可持續性和環境保護；以及功能和技術性的考慮。而價格方面的考慮因素，則佔總分的四成。

[EricIsHim]

:bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash:
:ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno:

^^ I can't believe that design win the decision!!!!! Another eyesore.

[kelw]

Thank goodness the awful and tacky Design D didn't win. I was beginning to worry that would happen. Design A would look good along the harbour. I hope this decision becomes final.

[EricIsHim]

The issue of the letter of intent does not necessarily mean that Gammon-Hip Hing will eventually be awarded the contract, as it is subject to the special selection board's final decision.


I just read the whole thing again. It is actually not the final decision. Although the design is more favorable; but it is possible to be something else.

[hkskyline]

Not a unique design indeed ... quite a bad symbol for HK.

[Aboveday]

Definality not a bad design for a government headquarter building.

[gladisimo]

I'd rather it be more traditional than this piece of garbage.

I dont like it at all... the hole makes me feel like the government is a hollow shell, without substance, so even a breath of wind can blow through...(of course i'm aware of other interpretations, but this is how it looks to me)

[seven17]

I'd rather it be more traditional than this piece of garbage.

I dont like it at all... the hole makes me feel like the government is a hollow shell, without substance, so even a breath of wind can blow through...(of course i'm aware of other interpretations, but this is how it looks to me)

yeah, traditional...

I can't believe the Legislative Council Building looks like...nothing...compared to the current one.

They should think of getting an architect to design a Legco building that fuses Edwardian style with Chinese style architecture (like Government House, which does that with Japanese, British and I think Chinese). That would make HK really where "East meets West":). At least make the Legco Building more distinct from everything else...its Hong Kong's legislature afterall. But, its not like the gov't would listen since they only gave Hkers 4 choices :ohno: .

[Rachmaninov]

Definality not a bad design for a government headquarter building.

Hey dude looks like we're about the only ones who favoured this design above others!

Ahhh.... and we have Mr.Architect (vvill) supporting us too :P

[Aboveday]

Hey dude looks like we're about the only ones who favoured this design above others!

Ahhh.... and we have Mr.Architect (vvill) supporting us too :P


Dont forget InitialD18!

the language of 1 is quite direct and relevant i think... it spells openness, transparent, framing hong kong ... actually think its quite different from cctv ... i like how the space is framed and how the grass deck reaches out ... however the grass deck might be a little too big if you have to cross under it ... very modern ...

[allan_dude]

Yahoo design A won! i voted before reading the results. Indeed it looks fabulous!

[Monkey]

Bad choice. :(

[Rachmaninov]

^^ why?

[Monkey]

^ Because it's a wasted opportunity to build a much more attractive and popular building (design D).

[gladisimo]

Indeed... sigh...

[vvill]

I'd rather it be more traditional than this piece of garbage.

I dont like it at all... the hole makes me feel like the government is a hollow shell, without substance, so even a breath of wind can blow through...(of course i'm aware of other interpretations, but this is how it looks to me)

this is really down to your own personal interpretation - obviosuly no design can satisfy everyone and indeed, it gives people a sense of openness and allows wind to channel through the hole which is positive for the area.

design A is by far superior to the rest though it isn't perfect really - say for the LEGCO building - i appreciate it being how it looks like externally but im sure it'll feel rather claustrophobic being inside the debating chamber and it's a bit odd having square tables for the round hall anyway - hopefully they'll give a bit more thought when they refine the design. scottish parliament is a great starting point and furnitures in the debating hall are designed to complement the architecture.

also it's nice for a hk practice to win the project and if they really end up doing a great job with the building - it may help raising international recognition of hk local architects - and indeed rocco's the best in terms of design atm. (1 peking road / citibank tower / macau's star galaxy hotel / tst mall - former hyatt regency)

glad design D wasn't chosen in the end though - or we're gonna get one tacky addition to our skyline...

[Aboveday]

TOTAL VICTORY!


http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q144/aboveday2006/arch-1.jpg


http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q144/aboveday2006/arc-de-triomphe-2.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q144/aboveday2006/Brandenburg_Gate_2.jpg

http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment05-600.jpg

[EricIsHim]

It's just funny how our responses are in two extremes. A or D, then either completely hate or love one of the others. I totally agree with vvill it's really a personal point of view in how to read the designs.

For this winning design, I don't see it being open but high above. The Executive Branch is sitting high above ground representing it has more power than the judicial and legislative branches. HK gov't is supposed to have the "checks and balances" system according to the Basic Law in words, not leading by the Executive Branch as interpreted by the People Congress in voice.

Another big thing I dislike it is its shape. It is too rectangular. Yes, from up close, there is an opening under the building, something difference; but I think it looks too similar to the CCTV tower in Beijing. And if you view from the side and/or far, it's just another big box building sitting at the harbour front. Even straight across from TST promenade, I doubt the opening stands out either as Admiralty Centre sits right behind it. The building doesn't stand out in the skyline. I am not looking for something high like 2IFC, but something not rectangular box like the AIG buidling but still stands out and unique. And I do question how well the openings can lead airflow in the area as it sit just meters in front of another building.

Anyways, the government has made its choice, but I do want to know how the decision was made base on what requirements. (Even I am still very unhappy with the choice.)

[vvill]

It's just funny how our responses are in two extremes. A or D, then either completely hate or love one of the others. I totally agree with vvill it's really a personal point of view in how to read the designs.

For this winning design, I don't see it being open but high above. The Executive Branch is sitting high above ground representing it has more power than the judicial and legislative branches. HK gov't is supposed to have the "checks and balances" system according to the Basic Law in words, not leading by the Executive Branch as interpreted by the People Congress in voice.

Another big thing I dislike it is its shape. It is too rectangular. Yes, from up close, there is an opening under the building, something difference; but I think it looks too similar to the CCTV tower in Beijing. And if you view from the side and/or far, it's just another big box building sitting at the harbour front. Even straight across from TST promenade, I doubt the opening stands out either as Admiralty Centre sits right behind it. The building doesn't stand out in the skyline. I am not looking for something high like 2IFC, but something not rectangular box like the AIG buidling but still stands out and unique. And I do question how well the openings can lead airflow in the area as it sit just meters in front of another building.

Anyways, the government has made its choice, but I do want to know how the decision was made base on what requirements. (Even I am still very unhappy with the choice.)

i think it'll actually be quite a nice and unique building when it's built. i mean certainly it's not gonna be as fancy as the CCTV in beijing because they're playing with the structure and cantilever there and the floor space won't end up being efficient at all (which clearly isn't what hk government is after) while the tamar design is just a simple spanning structure at the top which is not overdone but still unique in its own sense.

to be honest, all they've done in AIG is just by tappering one side of the building so that it looks a bit more dynamic - and certainly they've put a lot more effort into the government hq than that... :)

for a government bldg - there's definitely a huge improvement compared to the very awful central library. =.=

[kelw]

For this winning design, I don't see it being open but high above. The Executive Branch is sitting high above ground representing it has more power than the judicial and legislative branches. HK gov't is supposed to have the "checks and balances" system according to the Basic Law in words, not leading by the Executive Branch as interpreted by the People Congress in voice.
Actually, the Chief Executive's office is not located at the top of the main building. It's inside the short building across the lawn from the Legislative Council chamber. The main building is where the civil servants work.

[EricIsHim]

for a government bldg - there's definitely a huge improvement compared to the very awful central library. =.=

indeed, it is a big step forward, especially the "selection" process.
i would like to see more and more of these in the future.

[EricIsHim]

Actually, the Chief Executive's office is not located at the top of the main building. It's inside the short building across the lawn from the Legislative Council chamber. The main building is where the civil servants work.

the Executive Branch is more than just the CE office.

[kelw]

the Executive Branch is more than just the CE office.

The CE and all the ex