Urban Serene: A Modern Library Station Transforms Public Space

Architectural Services Department HKSARG's Innovative Design Wins Silver A' Social Design Award

The library station is located in one of Hong Kong's most famous buildings, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Its design draws inspiration from the building's signature colonnade, creating a structure that blends seamlessly with its surroundings. During the day, the white structure sits quietly under the building's canopy. At night, it glows like a crystal, surprising and delighting visitors.

The station's unique properties set it apart from other public spaces. It is the second self-service library station to be launched in Hong Kong, providing an additional channel for readers to borrow books outside of normal working hours. The design is intended to serve as a prototype for library stations in other districts, with different materials and transparencies inserted into the structural frame to suit various site conditions.

The station was constructed using steel members, with prefabrication and bolt-and-nut connections used to reduce construction time and minimize impact on the surrounding area. The materials were carefully chosen to give the design a modern feel. Translucent glass floats above a solid base, acting as a screen for readers, while the fluted profile of the precast wall panels is formed by natural bamboo shoots. The overall white color enhances the design's purity and increases the transparency of the under-covered space.

The design team faced several challenges during the project. One was to create a structure that complemented its surroundings while also functioning as more than just a vending machine. The form, color, and materials were carefully chosen to transform the space. The second challenge was construction. The site is close to a performing venue and has limited working space, so prefabrication was widely used to reduce construction time and minimize impact on the surrounding area.

The Urban Serene library station is more than just a place to borrow and return books. It's a testament to the power of design to transform public spaces, providing a comfortable, functional area for the public to enjoy. Its award-winning design is a shining example of innovation in the field of architecture and public space utilization.

The station was awarded Silver in the A' Social Design Award in 2019, a prestigious honor given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation. This award is a testament to the design team's hard work and dedication, and a recognition of their contribution to the field of architecture and design.