| As a gateway to Hong Kong, the Boundary Crossing Facility—a multi-nodal transportation hub— aims to bring a sense of calm to what might otherwise be a hectic experience of travel transition. The design team proposed an experience that is formed in direct response to the traffic and circulation flow patterns of the users of the facility with a focus on enhancing the user experience of the space. What could be at once a hectic, rushed experience of customs, queues, and kiosks, is instead, a relaxed, tranquil, clear, and open space that maximizes functional efficiency, while also inviting visitors to explore the protected natural canyon-like environment of native plant life, water, sounds, and beauty that make up Southern China.
The architectural concept is derived from the notion that this gateway is about spatial progression. The facility defines the experience by linking the two distinct directional flows of arrival and departure, yet maintains separation using the natural boundary of water to create the effect of a central canyon-like experience.
The indoor active salt-water element utilizes deep ocean water in this central feature for convection and radiant cooling. A gas desiccant dehumidification process will keep humidity levels low. Electricity will be generated in two ways: through the use of Tidal Energy Collectors engineered to protect marine life, and through a new innovation in fuel cell technology called the Bloom Box, which can easily power all of this facility needs on site and within a very small space. This system can even keep the boundary crossing facility off the grid.
Located on a 1.3-million-square-meter man-made island, the site is defined by traffic patterns for bridges, roads, subways and airlines. Access occurs at different points of the site. Arriving and departing visitors enter the site at opposite ends, and move through it in opposing directions. The buildings are formed to reach out to each access point to begin the experience. Landscape guides visitors within the site, while also creating gathering spaces. A waterfall experience is focused at the north entry, while a red wall representing fire at the south entry pulls together the cherry blossoms and the red window elements.
The vehicular and public transit, are separated on two layers. Public transit is located underground, while private vehicular access is on grade. By directing bus parking below grade, the visitor experiences the building entry from the ground up. The sequential progression of experiences is highlighted by the escalator ascension through a waterfall and the overhead water table and into the multi-story, atrium. Elements of reflecting water, floating planters, undulating shapes, foliage, and light, work together to form fluidity in the main hall.
The metaphorical idea of a canyon-like space that fluctuates in width provides constant visual and aural connections between the different flows of traffic. The circulation of visitors throughout the building is the flow that seemingly carves the form of the building.
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