Circle symbolizes totality, centrality and timelessness.
Totality – a miniature of Hong Kong that embodies its evolution
Centrality – the must-visit hub easily accessible to everywhere in the city
Timelessness – compact neighbourhood representing the old and new
Colours -arts, culture, architecture, food, wine and entertainment
Light & Shadow -vibrancy inseparable from the ever-changing Central
Engine sputtered. The escalator that intrudes into the old Victorian town begins to carry morning passengers from the Mid-Levels. Flocks of drowsy students, office men and ladies seem to have no extra attention to see what’s outside the lightproof glass of the escalator. Beneath it is a rather quiet, tranquil terraced street that is warmed in the setting sunlight. The gleam of street light soon diminished, completing the service of the night. Elderlies are walking along the curvy road, bringing a bird cage with them. Tourists got woken up by the humming sound from the birds. They dress up casually, and begin the journey along Hollywood Road.
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Central is a compact neighbourhood where east meets west. Quaint street corners, noisy food markets, and bustling pedestrian escalators denote the vibrancy of the place. As a mixed cultural hub, one could find extraordinary experience in every corner of the streets. Looking back at its history, boundary stones were established to mark the city’s boundary. The competition offers an opportunity to give Central a new identity, using a different form and gesture to define a new intangible boundary for this cultural zone.
The project envisions a nostalgic but modern central to be projected on multiple planes, which are composed of mirror and fluorescent acrylic sheets. It is a kaleidoscope, where lighting and composition of streetscapes meet. It reflects somewhat a hidden and in-depth face of the urban fabric, a me when the scenes of quiet alleyways and popular avenues come into place, enhancing the local livelihood and metropolitan ambience of Hong Kong.
Shaped as a twofold ellipse, the installation is hung on each of the lampposts along Hollywood Road to act as a lens to the city. Multiple materials, planes and geometries of the installation also merge different perspectives at the same place. It captures a moment in time, when tourist are able to see themselves on street to merge themselves together with the buildings and sky. It promotes the interaction between the people, especially tourists and the urban townscapes in Central, encouraging them to take a camera to the street, documenting a unique walking experience.