1. Sense of place - speedy transit VS slow food Mainland-Hong Kong cross border terminals have always been a place of hustle and bustle where travelers rush through immigration around the clock. Despite the high-volume traffic, these facilities are infrastructures that lack identity, communal associations, and public affection. Our proposal avoids creating yet another transit dessert by adding a layer of charm to it - a winter garden. First impressions upon arrival should be relaxing and enjoyable. With the proximity of the winter garden, travelers are able to loosen up amid the intensity of activities below. The garden will be run by local farmers and will be open to the general public. It will also promote organic food and local produces by turning into a farmer's market on holidays. 2. Under the same roof - China, Macau and Hong Kong as one big family
With the return of Macau and Hong Kong to China, people from these three places are pulled closer together. Our architectural design is a symbolic and literal response to the idea of living "under the same roof". The large canopy spans across the immigration hall and extends beyond the atrium to the drop off areas to cover all functions under one roof while providing direct shade and reduced ground radiation. In addition to providing a smooth transit for travelers, this facility will congregate as a central point to greet, meet, reunite and bid farewell. Spaces within and around the atrium are marked for departure and arrival. 3. A floating winter garden insulates the site - its double layer of space frame reduces energy consumption Similar to the CLK airport, this site is highly exposed and over heated. A double layered roof across the site will immediately help cool the land. The winter garden will improve air quality and further regulate the climate through using the soil as a thermal mass. Algae tubes mounted on roof panels will generate oxygen under sunlight. This oxygen is then dissolved into water and sprayed as mist to the coach drop off areas, thereby cooling the outdoor queuing space and refreshing the air. 4. Vaults allow long span strcutures - efficient circulation for passengers and clear sight lines for staff Immigration halls require the most efficient circulation and the most disciplined security controls. Our scheme intentionally maintains the efficient planning layout as set in the brief. Supporting the roof with two vaulted structures will reduce the number and size of columns required. By suspending the first floor through cables hung from the roof will further free up circulation and sight lines. 5. A big roof to echo the infrastructural surroundings (the airport); a big winter garden to echo nature (the natural surroundings) The context can be condensed into two things: a giant infrastructural development and a priceless piece of unspoiled landscape. The two manmade islands are now identified by two distinct roof structures. This gives passengers a clear orientation of travel from either exterior or interior. Having a green roof brings the landscape coverage to over 50%. The winter garden will not attract birds because it is covered with skylight.
