The Urban Renewal Exploration Centre is divided into two distinct areas: the exhibition area and the activity room. The exhibition area is designed to facilitate dialogue and features state-of-the-art multimedia facilities and interactive games. Visitors can immerse themselves in the virtual world of urban decay, gaining a deeper understanding of the living conditions in old districts. Through these interactive experiences, they can also explore the transformative power of urban renewal projects and the positive changes they bring to communities.
The activity room serves as a platform for engagement activities and provides a stage for community events. This versatile space allows for a range of activities, from workshops to performances, fostering a sense of community and encouraging active participation.
Key to the success of the Urban Renewal Exploration Centre is its utilization of cutting-edge technology. The venue incorporates iBeacon-enabled E-Tour Guides, augmented reality, Kinect games, and the UR Info Hub mobile application. These technologies enhance the visitor experience, providing real-time information and creating an immersive and interactive environment.
The Urban Renewal Exploration Centre spans approximately 237 square meters, with a conference room measuring 204 square meters. Its design seamlessly integrates technology and aesthetics, creating a space that is both informative and visually captivating.
The impact of the Urban Renewal Exploration Centre has been significant. A questionnaire survey conducted among visitors revealed a high level of satisfaction, with 95.8% of respondents rating their experience as 4 or 5 out of 5. The majority of visitors also expressed that the Centre had deepened their understanding of urban renewal. These positive responses highlight the effectiveness of the design in conveying complex information in an engaging and accessible manner.
One of the key challenges faced by the design team was the need for flexibility. With the Urban Renewal Authority implementing new projects regularly, the Centre had to be adaptable to accommodate updates, additions, or alterations to the content without incurring significant costs. The design successfully met this challenge, providing a platform that can easily be updated to reflect the latest urban renewal initiatives.
The Urban Renewal Exploration Centre, with its focus on education, engagement, and innovation, has received widespread recognition. In 2018, it was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This prestigious accolade acknowledges the Centre's well-designed, practical, and innovative approach, which meets professional and industrial requirements while contributing to a better world.
The Urban Renewal Exploration Centre, located at H6 CONET on the Ground Floor of The Center in Hong Kong, is a testament to the power of design and technology in transforming communities. Through its immersive experiences and interactive exhibits, it inspires visitors to think critically about urban renewal and its impact on society. By bridging the gap between technology and design, this project sets a new standard for engaging and informative public spaces.
Project Designers: Oval Design Limited
Image Credits: Photo Credits: Oval Design Ltd., 2017
Video Credits: Oval Design Ltd., 2017
Project Team Members: Creative Director: Dennis Wong
Design Director: Dominic Kam
Project Coordination: Steve Leung
Interior Design: Dilys Cheung, Dior Ki, Choco Leung
Graphic Design: Eva Leung, Kai Cheng, Adrianne Chong
Multimedia: cccdi ltd.
Project Name: Exploration Centre
Project Client: Oval Design Limited