"Creation of a missed link": connecting a bustling hub and vibrant waterfront

Abstract

As the attention for public open spaces is growing as time goes by, the deficiency for the

planning of such open spaces under existing planning system is progressively realized.

Connectivity is one of the main concerns affecting the popularity of a public open

space. No matter how attractive the programme elements are, they will be appreciated

only when they are reachable. The missing linkage problem is commonly discovered in

cities, due to the rapid development of blemished urbanization.

In Hong Kong, a city which is famous for its harbour, is now having a big project

working in progress. The establishment of Wan Chai Central Bypass has granted

additional pieces of land along the shoreline and favours the development of a 6 km

waterfront promenade along the shoreline from Central to North Point. In the proposal

drafted by government, facilitation of pedestrian with new passages is suggested. In

view of the existing linkage between the waterfront and the inner hub, the need to bond

the resulting remnants of immature urbanization is definitely a must. The site selected

is located near the proposed waterfront promenade and detached from the hub, where

good connection is required. Designed as a public space not just a crossing, this project

forms a sinuous curve, uniting north and south of the community, refocusing the vibrant

waterfront and the prosperous Causeway Bay as the city’s prime natural asset.