Architectural Cases

In the bustling heart of Hong Kong, a monumental architectural achievement has reached its pinnacle: the Central Crossing skyscrapers, conceptualized by the renowned British studio Foster + Partners. This ambitious development, set to redefine the city's skyline, features a pair of distinctive towers, with the taller structure crowned by a captivating 'illuminated spire' that stretches its entire length. Slated for completion by the middle of the current year, the project promises to blend modern design with a deep respect for historical context, creating a vibrant new hub within the central business district.

Hong Kong's Central Crossing Towers: A Fusion of Modernity and Heritage

In a significant urban development for Hong Kong, the Central Crossing skyscrapers, conceived by the distinguished firm Foster + Partners, have officially topped out at their prominent location at 118 Wellington Street. This joint venture by developers Wing Tai Properties and CSI Properties introduces two striking towers to the city's central business district. The taller edifice is dedicated to office spaces, while its companion tower will house a luxury hotel. Both structures are visually segmented into two distinct halves: 'high zones' with expansive, full-height glazing framed by polished stainless steel, and 'low zones' adorned with finely textured, gold-toned facades designed to enhance privacy. A standout feature of the taller office tower is its 'illuminated spire,' conceptualized by Foster + Partners to project a radiant beam of light skyward, adding a dramatic element to the nocturnal cityscape. Ground-level integration is thoughtfully managed, with the project encompassing four heritage buildings, notably including a shop house at 120 Wellington Street, one of the oldest of its kind in the region. Michael Jones, a senior partner at Foster + Partners, expressed enthusiasm for this project, highlighting its objective to introduce a new dimension to Central by restoring historical connections and fostering local engagement through a permeable public space at the development's core. The Central Crossing project has also achieved multiple sustainability certifications, including BEAM Plus New Building v2.0 (Provisional Platinum), LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction (Pre-certified Platinum for Office and Pre-certified Gold for Hotel), and WELL certification. The towers incorporate advanced circular water strategies, such as reusing cooling-tower bleed-off water for toilet flushing, underscoring a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. This development continues Foster + Partners' impressive portfolio of global projects, which includes the Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi and a supertall skyscraper for JPMorganChase in New York.

This architectural endeavor in Hong Kong offers a compelling vision of how modern development can respectfully integrate with historical elements while pushing boundaries in sustainable design. The meticulous attention to detail in facade design, the innovative 'illuminated spire,' and the thoughtful incorporation of public spaces reflect a forward-thinking approach to urban living. It prompts us to consider the evolving role of skyscrapers beyond mere vertical expansion—as catalysts for community engagement, historical preservation, and environmental responsibility within our increasingly dense cities. The Central Crossing project stands as a testament to the potential for architecture to enrich its surroundings, both aesthetically and functionally.

Studio Okami Architecten has transformed a family dwelling in Belsele, Belgium, by adding an innovative pavilion-style extension. This new structure, known as The Garden Pavilion, showcases a distinctive green marble facade and is designed to open directly onto the lush garden. The project successfully modernizes the inherited property while carefully preserving its original character, creating a harmonious blend of past and present.

The architectural firm, Studio Okami Architecten, focused on retaining the essence of the existing house. The primary addition serves as a spacious open-plan area, encompassing a kitchen, living room, and dining space. This single-story volume boldly contrasts with the traditional reddish-brown brick of the original building, distinguished by its sculptural roof and the luminous green marble cladding. This deliberate material choice highlights a commitment to both aesthetic appeal and structural longevity.

A core principle guiding the design was to forge a strong connection between the interior and the outdoor environment. Expansive glass doors and windows are strategically placed along the pavilion's perimeter, allowing abundant natural light to flood the space and offering uninterrupted views of the garden. This thoughtful integration aims to create a dynamic living experience that evolves with the seasons, truly bringing the 'outside in.'

Hans Vanassche, co-founder of Studio Okami Architecten, elaborated on the pavilion's form, stating that its shape was directly influenced by the desire to maximize its relationship with the garden. The design also incorporates a gently curved, neutral-toned concrete canopy. This canopy not only complements the vibrant marble facade but also serves a practical purpose: it provides essential shading for the large glass windows, balancing aesthetics with functional considerations.

The existing garden played a pivotal role in shaping the final architectural design. Mature trees and various plants provided a natural framework that the architects skillfully incorporated into their plans. Minimal alterations were made to the garden itself, limited to creating a new entrance and accommodating on-site parking at the front of the property. Inside, the original house now primarily hosts private rooms, while the communal areas, such as the living, kitchen, and dining spaces, are elegantly situated within the new pavilion. Bram Van Cauter, another co-founder, noted that this reorganization allowed them to preserve roughly 90 percent of the original house's layout, simply reconfiguring the usage of spaces.

The heart of the open-plan living area is marked by a sleek stainless steel kitchen island. This central feature is complemented by speckled terrazzo flooring and deep bottle-green tiles, which echo the rich tones of the exterior marble. Van Cauter explained that the kitchen island acts as a focal point, directing the flow of the 'public space' from the living room to the dining area and out to the terrace. Further interior modifications include converting a large ground-floor entrance into a main bedroom suite, complete with a dressing room, home office, and downstairs bathroom. Upstairs, the original bathroom was downsized to accommodate a smaller shower room, making way for three children's bedrooms, all connected to the kitchen by an open staircase. This meticulous renovation by Studio Okami Architecten exemplifies a thoughtful approach to modern living, respecting heritage while embracing contemporary design principles.