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Force project tests professional design skills
 Sound pound: An artist's impression of the winning Wing Shun Street Vehicle Pound design |
A team of young professional architects have come up with a top design to modernise the Wing Shun Street Vehicle Pound in Tsuen Wan.
The winning design by Andrew Law, assisted by Arthur Chan and Chum Wing-kai from Development Professionals Limited, was selected from 30 entries submitted by small architectural firms and individuals, in a Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) design competition. This was the first in a series of design contests for minor works to be organised by the HKIA to promote design and architectural excellence.
The winner has been entrusted by the Architectural Services Department to oversee the design and construction of the project which sees several firsts for the Force. The brief was to produce an innovative and functional design, with the added challenge that it should be of modular construction and therefore transportable.
The competition's judging panel included Chief Superintendent Planning and Development David Thomas, along with representatives from the Architectural Services Department and Hong Kong University Department of Architecture. HKIA president Barry Will organised and presided over the event.
Director of Finance, Administration and Planning Keith Kwok Ka-keung and Mr Thomas presented prizes at a ceremony on September 20.
 CSP P&D David Thomas and WSP Carmen Lo |
Mr Thomas said: "This was an exciting event because it was unique to have an opportunity to consider so many different designs. ArchSD saw this as an opportunity to provide architectural excellence in a project which could otherwise be considered mundane, and make considerable improvements. We are therefore honoured that Architectural Services Director S.H. Pau nominated this particular project. It was clear a great deal of effort went into the entries and it was very difficult to choose the winner. However, in the end the decision was unanimous.
"We were very impressed with the simplicity and clarity of the proposal, which also showed a good understanding of the functions of the pound. It was also very conscious of issues concerning energy efficiency and the environment. It was a simple and attractive design conducive to use as a Police vehicle pound."
Project Officer, P&D Woman Superintendent Carmen Lo Ka-man said the design was preliminary and detailed internal layout would be decided later by the Force and ArchSD. Ms Lo said construction was tentatively set to start in April, with completion in early 2002. It would offer office space, a reception area, changing facilities and a guard post.
"Existing office facilities for Police pounds have pretty much been air-conditioned containers. But this is a modular facility which is transportable, meets the latest environmental standards and is efficiently laid out. It has an innovative design including aluminium, glass and galvanised steel surfaces giving uniqueness to a fairly routine construction.
"This is the latest in the series of Police initiatives to improve and develop buildings that benefit not only staff but also the public," she said. For a closer look at the winning design and the runners-up, check out P&D's stand at the Police Open Day next month!