Siu Hei Court Play Space | Hong Kong

  • Category: Public Space & Architecture, Placemaking

    Type: Exterior | Sports Ground

    Location: Siu Hei Court, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong

    Client: Gaw Capital / People’s Place

    Completion: 2020

    Area: 4,000 sqm

Siu Hei Court Play Space

Having completed Kai Yip Recreational Sports Ground in 2018 and Cheung Hang Estate Basketball Court in 2019, One Bite was once again worked with Gaw Capital / People’s Place to revitalise a 40,000 square-foot roof-top sports ground at Siu Hei Court, Tuen Mun.

This revamp aims to inject energy and positivity to the neighbourhood and to give the facilities a much-needed upgrade.

Inspired by the name of the estate, Siu Hei, which rhymes with the Chinese characters “笑嘻”- smile and laughter, the theme of happiness was developed. Taking the iconic bright red colour that can be found on the ramps and stair hoods around the estate, the colour palette is expanded to include an array of energetic and youthful colours. Graphical elements and custom typography designed by local design studio Never-Never both share the language of curved, rounded lines to represent varying degrees of smiles. This theme was applied to the revamp of the market below.

The floor graphic on the sports ground is designed with hidden messages to create visual interactions with surrounding residents. Visible from one side is SH, shorthand for Siu Hei, from the other is 85, the year when Siu Hei Court was built. In addition, hidden smileys could be found facing all four sides of the court, sending joy to residents above.

The split-level playground is reconfigured with additional features to cater to the needs of different users. The lower level is a multi-functional play space, with a basketball court, badminton court and volleyball court, a 150-meter long running track, as well as a gridded playscape that encourages unstructured and creative play. Basketball court markings are modified to add another dimension to the sport- fun games could be freely invented to hone one’s shooting accuracy.

New design elements are introduced to the sports ground with dual functionality in mind. Spectator seating is added to provide a shaded resting space for users, as well as to connect the split-levels to create a more welcoming environment. A car-tire installation, reminiscent of old playgrounds in Hong Kong, was installed as special seating and as targets for throwing games. Various interactive wall art and installations are also available to provide a variety of experiences for users with different interests.

This revitalisation project creates a new identity for Siu Hei and demonstrates the untapped potential in rooftop playgrounds.

Weaving the Thread of Smiles

  • Many public housing estates in Hong Kong face the problem of double ageing, where both the building and public space infrastructure, and the age of its resident population had steadily increased, resulting in deteriorating structures, and the need for new paradigms in design to cater for the needs of senior citizens ageing in place.

    The revamp of Siu Hei Court Play Space represents a sensitive approach to conserve and extend the life of building resources which remain fit for purpose, hence reducing carbon footprint resulting from construction activities and preventing more construction waste from being created from demolition. One Bite further identified the needs of residents in terms of physical activities through community engagement and co-design opportunities, and ensured the new design elements not only catered to the needs of existing residents but would also attract new users of all ages to bring vigour and laughter to the public space.

    Design for Good Values

    • Reinvent Space

    • Build Shared Value

    ESG/ Sustainability Factors

    • Community
      -Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

    • Environment
      - Resource Conservation
      - Environmental Innovation Practices

    • Customers
      - Serving Those in Need

    • Best Design Winner, Spatial Design, Golden Pin Design Award 2022

    • Good Design Award 2021

    • SG Mark Gold, Singapore Good Design Award 2021

    • Best of Public Space, A&D Awards 2020

  • Collaborator: W.f.b. Mantra Institute Nursery School, The Lotus Association of Hong Kong Siu Hei Court Kindergarten,Yan Chai Hospital Law Chan Chor Si Primary School, Lung Kong World Federation School Limited (LKWFS) Lau Tak Yung Memorial Primary School, New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association Institute

    Typeface Designer: Never-Never

    Certified Playground Safety Inspector: Play Concept Limited

    Photographer: Gaw Capital / People’s Place & Tai Ngai Lung

    Videographer: Gaw Capital / People’s Place & Marvin Tam

    One Biters: Alan Cheung, Eleanor Fu, Sarah Mui, Melody Siu, Tony Zhang

  • #rooftop #communityhub #intergenerational #playspce #sportsground #multi-functional #cocreation #designforwellness

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