Press Release

14/11/2020

"Intergenerational Play Space Design Competition - Prosperous Garden" Showcases Innovative Winning Projects

Jointly organised by the Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation (JCDISI) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS), the "Intergenerational Play Space Design Competition - Prosperous Garden" had been successfully concluded and the award presentation ceremony was held today (14 November).  The competition is one of the action projects under PolyU Jockey Club "Operation SoInno" project.

With multi-disciplinary input as a key entry criteria, the competition attracted 18 teams from the professional category and 59 teams from the university category to contend for the Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards in each category.  A "My Play, My Say" Award would be given to the most popular design voted by the general public.  Participants were required to redesign the public space in Prosperous Garden of HKHS as a case study with an aim to foster intergenerational harmony with creative yet practical design proposal.

The Gold Award in the professional category went to the team formed by Liane Cheung, Cherry Lo, Yammie Mak, Ng Siu-cheong, Tsang Suet-ming and Aaron Yu.  The project named "Imagine with Senses - The Playspace of Serendipity" focuses on four major elements: "Sensory Play", "Imagination", "Nature" and "Intergenerational Design".  The Playspace is divided into active and passive zones.  In the active zone, colourful power-generating pavements, Virtual Reality technology facilities and fitness equipment are incorporated to encourage intergenerational harmony.  The passive zone provides green areas with community garden and landscapes.  The overall design enables wheelchair users to enjoy the facilities and interact with others through the barrier-free access.  The design project also won the "My Play, My Say" Award in the professional category.

Another project named "Prospect Ring" was given the Gold Award in the university category, which was designed by Chan Woon-kit, Che Ka-chun, Cheng Chi-lam, Cheng Wing-sze, Wan Ho-yin and Yeung Hon-lim, who are students from the City University of Hong Kong, the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.  Incorporating the unique history and cultural heritage of Yau Ma Tei, such as typhoon shelter, jade market and fruit market, the design aims to create an intergenerational play space through five core elements including history, art, landscape, play and fitness.  "Prospect Ring" adopts ramps in lieu of staircases, and it also features an art wall and digital information technology for park management to increase its attractiveness.

Dr Lawrence Li Kwok-chang, Deputy Chairman of PolyU Council and Chairman of the competition's jury panel said, "In the face of an ageing population, more effort should be devoted to fostering intergenerational harmony.  Though the winning pieces had their own design emphasis based on their interpretation of intergenerational play, the core parts are all about enhancing the sense of belonging to the community, connecting intergenerational groups with the community, and developing a sustainable society, which reflect the intergenerational diversity and inclusion.  Besides, the entries reflected the potential of transdisciplinary and cross-sector social collaboration in promoting intergenerational play spaces.  We are delighted to see the public stand together with PolyU JCDISI on the common goal of creating more intergenerational play spaces for our community."  

HKHS Chief Executive Officer James Chan said, “Intergenerational harmony has always been a concept underpinning the various housing projects of HKHS, and it is also an important element of creating a sustainable community.  It is hoped that this competition would raise public awareness of intergenerational play spaces.  The innovative ideas from the winning projects would also bring inspiration to the community and the industry for creating more intergenerational play spaces that help to facilitate a better community for 'ageing in place'.”   

The jury panel consisted of PolyU Council Deputy Chairman Dr Lawrence Li Kwok-chang; the Elderly Commission and JCDISI Advisory Committee Chairman Dr Lam Ching-choi; HKHS Chief Executive Officer Mr James Chan; Hong Kong Institute of Planners President Mr Lawrence Chau; and Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects President Ms Iris Hoi.  Winning entries were judged on the following criteria: "Academic Research Value and Social Impact", "Thematic Spatial Design", "Involvement of Local and Nearby Community", "Reflection from Relevant Workshop", "Practicality" and "Cost Estimation".

Prizes of HK$30,000, HK$20,000 and HK$10,000 were awarded to the Gold, Silver and Bronze awardees respectively from the professional category, and HK$10,000, HK$7,000 and HK$3,000 for the university category.
 

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