Fall 2023

ABERDEEN EXTENSION

Invigorating Island South

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/Studio#5/

Instructor: Brian Jan

Objective: Re-establishing the connection between Aberdeen and its waterfront

Site Location: Aberdeen, Southern District, Hong Kong

Software:

Rhinocero 3D
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe InDesign (Portfolio & Presentation Panel)

I developed the overall vision of the proposed plan -- establishing connections between Aberdeen and its waterfront based on site observations and analysis. The site area was chosen at the existing Aberdeen Promenade but extending inwards to the Aberdeen city centre. The case studies from Chicago and Seattle helped establish some key features and interventions that I would like to include and would create a better waterfront for the community in Aberdeen. The series of objectives and strategies were also developed through the process of visioning. I positioned the project to be a waterfront mainly for the citizens in Aberdeen and nearby areas, but tourists are also welcome. An initial visioning plan was also drawn which would be further developed into a detailed proposal in the next project.

In the final project, I continued the vision developed from the last project and established a more detailed

plan. The rough visioning plan was amplified into a masterplan with forms, geometry and landscape designs in place. The overall idea of reconnecting the waterfront with Aberdeen involves both cultural and physical connections. The physical connections simply enhance the two existing overpass and underpass to allow visitors to access the waterfront easily. The cultural connections refer to creating more space for community to gather the locals together and organize events like annual cebebrations to pray for safety on sea. With Aberdeen's rich seafood and fishing culture, the new design would also connect the community through these local businesses and cultural traditions.

Project 1: Site Analysis and Mapping

History of Aberdeen

Site Analysis on Aberdeen, Ap Lei Chau & Wong Chuk Hang

Figure-ground

Accessibility & Transportation

Open Space

Program

Typography

Barrier & Connection

Site Observations at Aberdeen Promenade

Project 2: Visioning, Goals and Objectives

01 -- Boundless Circulation

Currently, the promenade is very bounded and restricted. The access to the promenade is very limited, only two overpasses and an underpass. The circulation within the promenade is also restricted. Users can only go one or two directions which are mostly following a designated route. They are unable to explore their own route freely since the paths are so bounded with planters and railings. Therefore, a boundless design over the highway (Aberdeen Praya Road) should be implemented to allow easier access and free circulation within the park.

02 -- Hydrophilic Landscape

Getting close to water is another important goal in the proposal. Having this beautiful harbour as a starting point, we have to take advantage of the water. More hydrophilic design should be introduced in the site to replace the railings and walls that are supposedly “protecting” people from falling. Hydrophilic designs are namely decending steps at the edge of water, plants along the promenade for both protection and aesthetic purposes.

03 -- Community Space

Aberdeen is a major residential area, let alone the huge residential complexes in South Horizons and other estates in Ap Lei Chau. The Southern area of Hong Kong Island is in great demand of a community space, for residents to socialize and gather. Events such as movie screenings, workshops, community forums, pop-up markets can be hosted in the area, connecting people together and bringing them the sense of belonging to the southern district.

04 -- Unobstructed View

Another major issue from the “overprotective” railings and walls is that they block the nice view of the Aberdeen Harbour. It would be a waste if such a view is blocked by concrete pillars and metal railings. Therefore with the incorporation of hydrophilic design, users are not only allowed to touch the water, they are also able to enjoy a more open view, no matter sitting down or walking along the waterfront park.

05 -- Shaded Corridor

With the present situation in the promenade, the amount of trees are satisfactory and adequate. However, a lot of them are either disconnected from each other or having a sparse foliage, which could not provide enough shades under sunlight. Therefore a shaded corridor should be incorporated, providing users a path with continuous tree shades. This would create a more pleasant and comfortable environment for users, encouraging them to stay and use the park more.

06 -- Market Stalls

Considering the fact that Aberdeen has rich fishing culture, plenty of seafood restaurants, and hawker stalls that sells groceries and seafood, the new promenade would also aim to provide space to relocate and reorganize these random stalls which are currently occupying the street and causing nuances to residents. Local small businesses would also be occupying these stalls, providing a reasonable rent to them, giving back to the community.

Project 3: Design Proposal

Segregation

LIVING ON WATER

1800s | Before British

Before 1800s, even before the British colonization, Aberdeen was a huge village community with thriving fishing industry and an entrepôt. Aberdeen at the time was one single unity, where residents lived on the mountains, praya and on boat house over the water.

SEGREGATED COMMUNITY

1980s - 2000s | Highway

In the late 20th century, the segments of roads in Aberdeen were redirected and connected to form the three-lane two-way Aberdeen Praya Road to provide better road access for bus and minibus. Yet, the trade-off was segregation of the entire community with the waterfront. The IIS plan tried to enhance the situation through improving the promenade, however, there is still a lack of connection between the promenade and the communtiy itself.

RECONNECTION

Future | Extension of Aberdeen

Through the proposed design, there would be two strategic points of connection between the promenade and Aberdeen city centre, allowing residents to easily access the waterfront. Also, there would be a newly designed extension of Aberdeen promenade, bringing back the promenade to Aberdeen while extending community towards to water.

Connection

Before

NAM NING STREET ACCESS

Taking up the space of the existing Nam Ning Street Sitting-out Area, a ramp, barrier-free access would be constructed to allow more open and easier access to the waterfront. With close proximity to the Aberdeen Square, it connects waterfront park deep into the centre of the Aberdeen community.

After

Before

ABERDEEN MAIN STREET ACCESS

The existing underpass is difficult to find and narrow which is not welcoming and easy for access. The proposed plan would widen the underpass, not only creating a more welcoming atmosphere, but also creating space for market stalls considering the abundance of fishing businesses in the community. When coming out of the underpass to the waterfront, visitors would also gain directly view and access to the pier, taking ferries or sampans, increasing their convenience.

After

MASTERPLAN

In light of the large amount of residents and workers in the area, there is a need for a large community park and open space for them to escape from the busy urban life and stresses. Given the natural harbour location, Aberdeen promenade would be an excellent site to be renovated into the new Central Park of the three districts. The park would be extended into Aberdeen and towards to water. It would provide better connections to the city of Aberdeen, particularly crossing the Aberdeen Praya Road.

It would also provide venue for activities like movie screening, pop-up markets, community workshops and etc. It would also break the barriers within the site and allow visitors to get around freely, even into the water at the eastern part of the park. The hydrophilic design allows them to enjoy playing with water, especially with the rich fishermen culture in the area. The park also provides piers for visitors to get on sampans, boat restaurants and yachts.

Section AA'

Overpass | Nam Ning Street Access

The sectional drawing shows how people would travel from the city centre of Aberdeen and through Nam Ning Street to the promenade, connecting the Aberdeen Square to the waterfront. It also shows the various activities people would engage in on their way to the promenade and inside the waterfront park.

Section BB'

Underpass | Aberdeen Main Street Access

The sectional drawing shows how people would travel from the bus terminal and city centre of Aberdeen and through the underpass to the promenade, connecting the Old Aberdeen Main Street to the waterfront. It also shows the various activities people would engage in under the tunnel and inside the waterfront park.

Presentation Panels

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