Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks

Expertise:

Architectural Design (15) Data Technology (5) Facade Design (10) Wayfinding + Graphic + Brand (3) Work Place (6)

Project statistics

Client: Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
Location: 5 Chun Yat Street, Tsueng Kwan O Industrial Estate
Awards:
(i) Green Building Award 2023 – Finalist;
(ii) Excellent Building Award 2023 – Grand Award (New Building)
Area: 27,000 sqm
Program: Commercial
Project leads: Raymond Zhou, Larry Chan, Cheri Ho

Overview

Data Technology Hub is a pilot project spearheaded by Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) with the initiative to support the development of science and technology and the re-industrialization of Hong Kong. The development is modern and hi-tech with a focus on high-end, highly customizable and growing technology evolution in relation to new generation of consumer products embedded with Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. DT Hub serves to stimulate an encouraging working environment, well-designed with modern office provisions, recreational facilities as well as a large communal landscaped garden essential for a collaborative working environment. In the advanced technology sector, work can take place on virtual platforms defined by personal parameters. This assumed indifference is manifested across from one’s lap to work desks and stations through to the premises hosting these powerhouse – often isolated and clustered within a space. This project aims to explore this paradox to define the balance in productivity as well as the relationship between connectivity and data exchange as well as the correlation of the spatiality of the workspace itself.

https://youtu.be/NqF5xKriSa4

Project challenges: The project is characterized by a significant requirement for local open space, as stipulated in the Lease. This requirement occupies nearly one-third of the total site area, which may appear to impose limitations on the development of usable floor space.
This project represents a unique hybrid of a data center and workplace, intended to support the data centers in Tsuen Kwan O Industrial Estate while providing a collaborative working environment for the industry. The requirements outlined in the project brief are pioneering in the context of building development in Hong Kong. For instance, there are specific high headroom requirements for the workplace and exhibition spaces, which are essential for data technology development and showcasing new technological products. Additionally, dual provisions for building services, such as power supply and air-conditioning, are necessary to ensure uninterrupted building performance.

Project Solutions

We have turned these challenges into opportunities for the development. Instead of viewing the local open space requirement as a limitation, we have integrated it into our overall site planning to maximize the coverage of the tower. This, in turn, enhances the efficiency of the usable floor area. Additionally, we have utilized the space underneath the local open space to incorporate a car park. By spreading the car park footprint across the entire site, we have minimized the need for substantial basement excavation.

To facilitate these modifications, we assisted the client in the lease modification process, as the local open space is no longer solely dedicated to landscaping. It now serves the dual purpose of providing open space while accommodating a semi-sunken car park that utilizes natural ventilation for its operation. This configuration not only optimizes the use of space but also enhances the connectivity between street levels and the first floor, where exhibition and conference spaces are located.

Through strategic planning and the integration of different programs within the limited area, we have maximized the value of the development.

To meet both data centre and worksplace design requirements, we prepared justifications to demonstrate the genuine need for these features and engaged in discussions with the government departments, with the aim of not sacrificing any permitted floor area.

Ultimately, by maximizing the development potential and adhering to the specific design requirements, we successfully created a Data Technology Hub that fulfils its intended purpose. This hub provides a collaborative working environment for advanced technology development, contributing to the realization of re-industrialization efforts.