Yu-Ngok Lo's Temporary Information Pavilion: A Testament to Transient Architecture

Golden A' Design Award Winner Showcases Temporariness, Flexibility, and Randomness

Yu-Ngok Lo's design inspiration stemmed from the idea of temporariness. The structure was designed to serve various functions and events for a year, after which it would be disassembled. The use of recycled shipping containers as the primary construction material was a deliberate choice, reflecting the building's temporary nature. These containers are not only cost-effective and eco-friendly but also offer the flexibility of on-site assembly and arrangement to cater to different spatial needs.

The pavilion's form is arranged in a seemingly random and stacked manner, organized vertically to minimize the building footprint and maximize visibility. This design approach also reduces obstruction to pedestrian traffic. The ground floor houses the most public areas, including the information center and souvenir shop, ensuring easy public access. Double-sided brochure/flier shelves are accessible 24/7 from both inside and outside, while additional information booths are scattered around the square for after-hour operations.

The second floor houses a semi-public cafeteria, offering privacy while remaining visually accessible from the ground. The third floor is reserved for offices, serving as a monitoring station for staff. It also includes a locker room and an additional toilet room for staff convenience. The roof is equipped with south-facing solar panels to offset some of the building's energy consumption, while skylights and exterior windows maximize natural daylight.

The Temporary Information Pavilion's unique properties and design realization technology have not gone unnoticed. In 2012, it was awarded the Golden A' Architecture, Building, and Structure Design Award. This prestigious accolade is granted to outstanding creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.

In conclusion, Yu-Ngok Lo's Temporary Information Pavilion is a shining example of transient architecture, highlighting the potential of temporary structures to be not just functional, but also aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly. It serves as a reminder that architecture, like life, can be temporary, flexible, and random, yet still leave a lasting impression.