The Civic Square: A Pavilion Under the Sky

Annette Pui Man Chu's Award-Winning Design Transforms Transitional Space

Annette Pui Man Chu's design for The Civic Square is a testament to the power of innovative architecture. The design concept was to construct a pavilion under the sky where students, teachers, and visitors could gather. Two-layered glued-laminated timber beams were used to construct the spatial structure, with directions echoing the spatial connections linking key spaces. These became lines guiding people across the square.

The Civic Square, located at The ISF Academy, Cyberport, Hong Kong, is a transformation of an existing semi-outdoor transitional space into a vibrant meeting place for the academy's members. The project is a tribute to Professor Charles Kao, the pioneer of the development and use of fibre optics in telecommunications. The total area of the square is 1800m2, making it a sizable venue for various activities.

Lighting plays a crucial role in creating an uplifting atmosphere in such a deep space. To achieve this, each timber beam inserts a continuous line of light boxes. Each light box is made of LED strip light with a stretched barrisol membrane below to diffuse light uniformly, mimicking the sky. The design also replaces the wall of The Clifford C. F. Wong Secondary Library with a stage to create a smooth transition between the square and the library.

Designing The Civic Square was not without its challenges. To create a pavilion under the sky, the design had to carefully integrate the existing and new building services. Features such as sprinkler heads and air grilles were deliberately removed from the barrisol ceiling. At the same time, the design adopted natural materials and considered cross ventilation during autumn and winter for energy saving.

The Civic Square is not just an architectural marvel but also a winner of the prestigious Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2020. This award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. These designs, admired for their strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, showcase a remarkable level of excellence and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.

In conclusion, Annette Pui Man Chu's design for The Civic Square is a perfect blend of innovation, aesthetics, and functionality. It is a space that encourages interaction, fosters community spirit, and pays tribute to a pioneer in telecommunications. It is a testament to the power of design in transforming spaces and creating meaningful experiences.