CON-NEST, an adaptive reuse project located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, repurposes a former barracks into a communal modular family experience center. This project tackles common family connection issues that have been exacerbated by challenges such as extended work hours, constrained living spaces, and reliance on technology. By offering a modular space designed to foster familial connections among a diverse range of Hong Kong residents, including pre-schoolers, adolescents, university students, workers, and retirees, The project aims to encourage deeper bonding. Through studying the relationships cultivated among the former barracks occupants, the project identifies four core activities: communal cooking, communal dining, board gaming, and well-being, creating a dynamic environment that honors the past while serving the needs of the present.
CON-NEST embodies the ‘On the Way Home’ concept, welcoming visitors with visual elements that evoke the feeling of a journey towards one’s abode. Drawing inspiration from the unique features of the site and leveraging psychological principles, the design weaves together materials and colors to create a warming environment that nurtures meaningful interactions and relationships within families and the wider community. Through a deliberate progression of design elements, CON-NEST seeks to guide visitors toward deeper emotional engagements, reflecting the interconnected nature of human bonds and shared experiences.
DUAL-INCOME FAMILIES AS NORM DYNAMIC OF FAMILY STRUCTURES
( E.G. CO-PARENTING, SINGLE-PARENT HOUSEHOLDS ) SMALLER LIVING SPACE
( E.G. CO-PARENTING, SINGLE-PARENT HOUSEHOLDS )
SMALLER LIVING SPACE
( HIGH COST OF LIVING ) DEMANDING WORK SCHEDULES TECHNOLOGY ENHANCEMENT
( HIGH COST OF LIVING ) DEMANDING WORK SCHEDULES TECHNOLOGY ENHANCEMENT
TIME FRAME OF FAMILY STRUCTURE TRANSFORMATION IN HONG KONG
Hong Kong’s family structure has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decades. In the 1950s and 1960s , patriarchal extended families were the norm, with multiple generations living together in a close-knit network. However, rapid urbanization and industrialization in the 1970s and 1980s shifted the landscape. Longer working hours and rising housing costs led to a move towards nuclear families , emphasizing individual privacy.
The trend towards smaller nuclear families continued into the 1990s and 2000s , driven by further economic pressures and limited land availability.
Dual-income families became increasingly common, leading to a greater reliance on childcare services and a shift in traditional gender roles.
From the late 2000s onward, Hong Kong’s family structure has become even more diverse . Co-parenting , single-parent households , and same-sex parent families are gaining prominence. The high cost of living, demanding work schedules, and the influence of technology have all shaped the modern Hong Kong family, with the nuclear family model emerging as the dominant structure.
FAMILIAL CONNECTIONS
THREE FACTORS WORSENING FAMILIAL RELATIONSHIP
THE SURROUNDINGS THE DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION
SURROUNDINGS ADJACENCY
Nestled in Yau Tsim Mong’s heart, offers urban convenience and community living. Surrounded by schools, offices, and shopping malls, it provides a 30-minute living circle that allows families to easily reconnect after individual schedules. Adjacent to Kowloon Park, residents enjoy familyfriendly activities. This strategic location is perfect for families who value both togetherness and individual autonomy .
ISOMETRIC VIEW THE SITE
Health Education Exhibition and Resource Centre
Location
Area
Background
Tsim Sha Tsui
8965 sqft
Former Whitefield Barrack
Grade I Historic Building
FLOORPLAN
II CONCEPT
Inspiring from the psychological concept - Ring Theory, which underscores the stratification of bonding into varying levels ranging from outermost to intimate connections, this framework informs the spatial arrangement to reflect a progression towards deeper interpersonal engagements. RING THEORY
Inspiring from the psychological concept - Ring Theory, which underscores the stratification of bonding into varying levels ranging from outermost to intimate connections, this framework informs the spatial arrangement to reflect a progression towards deeper interpersonal engagements. RING THEORY
Inspiring from the psychological concept - Ring Theory, which underscores the stratification of bonding into varying levels ranging from outermost to intimate connections, this framework informs the spatial arrangement to reflect a progression towards deeper interpersonal engagements. RING THEORY
Close Connection Intimacy
Inspiring from the psychological concept - Ring Theory, which underscores the stratification of bonding into varying levels ranging from outermost to intimate connections, this framework informs the spatial arrangement to reflect a progression towards deeper interpersonal engagements. RING THEORY
Close Community
Inspiring from the psychological concept - Ring Theory, which underscores the stratification of bonding into varying levels ranging from outermost to intimate connections, this framework informs the spatial arrangement to reflect a progression towards deeper interpersonal engagements. RING THEORY
Inspiring from the psychological concept - Ring Theory, which underscores the stratification of bonding into varying levels ranging from outermost to intimate connections, this framework informs the spa tial ar rangement to reflect a progression towards deeper interpersonal engagements. RING THEORY
Inspiring from the psychological concept - Ring Theory, which underscores the stratification of bonding into varying levels ranging from outermost to intimate connections, this framework informs the spatial arrangement to reflect a progression towards deeper interpersonal engagements. RING THEORY
Inspiring from the psychological concept - Ring Theory, which underscores the Acquaintanceship
CONCEPT PROGRAM
INTERVENTION
CONCEPT
LAYERING MODULE
INCORPORATION
Home, the cornerstone of family connection, is where cherished moments and meaningful interactions unfold.
By integrating familiar visual elements that individuals encounter on their journey home, the design aims to instill a sense of comfort and readiness in visitors, setting the stage for deep bonding experiences within the stage.
Dining Area
Designing with a multi-level approach . both vertically and horizontally , resulted in a layered effect that considers the characteristics and nature of each zone LAYERING
Modular fixture systems are introduced and highlighted with purple on layo ut plan MODULE
Kiosks selling to-go items and coffee are situated at the entra nce , resembling the typical rectangular shape of a security room found in residential units in Hong Kong. INCORPORATION
LAYOUT PLAN
MODULE
INCORPORATION
ZONING (FUNCTION)
BEDROOM
WASHROOM
DINING PATIO OPEN KITCHEN PLAY ROOM
ANNOTATION
WASHROOM
WASHROOM
LOBBY SECURITY ROOM
LOBBY SECURITY ROOM
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
LIVING ROOM DINING ROOM
The Zone’s Logo/Function
LIVING ROOM DINING ROOM PORCH
Material’s palette for the Zone
The Zone’s function in Home Setting
ANNOTATION
The Zone’s Logo/Function
The Zone’s Actvitiy
The Zone’s function in Home Setting
CIRCULATION
LONG SECTION
CIRCULATION
ISOMETRIC VIEW
LEFT (WITH ZONING)
RIGHT (WITH ZONING)
C Facade And Roof Detail
D Curtain Wall Detail
CH. 2 CONCEPT - INTERVENTION
EXISTING PURPOSED
MATERIAL PERSERVATION
REMOVAL
REMOVAL
MODIFICATION
MATERIAL PRESERVATION
REMOVAL
MATERIAL PRESERVATION
MATERIAL PRESERVATION
INTERVATION
MATERIAL PRESERVATION
MODIFICATION
REMOVAL MODIFICATION
MODIFICATION
INTERVENTION
INTERVENTION
INTERVENTION
III VISUALIZATION
TEXTURE PALETTE
ZONING
SOFT
MATERIALITY
Growth & Harmony evoking a sense of freshness and rejuvenation while promoting a feeling of well-being.
Growth & Harmony evoking a sense of freshness and rejuvenation while promoting a feeling of well-being.
Growth & Harmony evoking a sense of freshness and rejuvenation while promoting a feeling of well-being.
Growth & Harmony evoking a sense of freshness and rejuvenation while promoting a feeling of well-being.
Growth & Harmony evoking a sense of freshness and rejuvenation while promoting a feeling of well-being.
Simplicity & Balance embodies the restful essence of a home environment.
of
Simplicity & Balance embodies the restful essence of a home environment.
Simplicity & Balance embodies the restful essence of a home environment.
Simplicity & Balance embodies the restful essence of a home environment.
Simplicity & Balance embodies the restful essence of a home environment.
( A tranquil bridge between the warmth of red and wood tones and the coolness of green )
( A tranquil bridge between the warmth of
of
( A tranquil bridge between the warmth of red and wood tones and the coolness of green )
( A tranquil bridge between the warmth of red and wood tones and the coolness of green )
( A tranquil bridge between the warmth of red and wood tones and the coolness of green )
)
Warmth & Comfort symbolizes a deeper level of connection, much like the feeling of security and stability at home.
Warmth & Comfort symbolizes a deeper level of connection, much like the feeling of security and stability at home.
Warmth & Comfort symbolizes a deeper level of connection, much like the feeling of security and stability at home.
Warmth & Comfort symbolizes a deeper level of connection, much like the feeling of security and stability at home.
Warmth & Comfort symbolizes a deeper level of connection, much like the feeling of security and stability at home.
Energy & Passion stimulating appetite, inviting people to engage.
Energy & Passion stimulating appetite, inviting people to engage.
Energy & Passion stimulating appetite, inviting people to engage.
Energy & Passion stimulating appetite, inviting people to engage.
Energy & Passion stimulating appetite, inviting people to engage.
MATERIAL LIST MATERIALITY
JUSTIFICATION
Enivronmental
Psychological Phenomenon
Enivronmental
Enivronmental Priming
Psychological Phenomenon
Priming
Crafting a visual journey that mirrors the principles of ring theory, the progression of color and texture signifies the transition from superficial to deep connections. The strategic use of colors guides emotional layers, reflecting cohesion and warmth akin to the comfort of home.
Crafting a visual journey that mirrors the principles of ring theory, the progression of color and texture signifies the transition from superficial to deep connections. The strategic use of colors guides emotional layers, reflecting cohesion and warmth akin to the comfort of home.
TEXTURE
TEXTURE PALETTE
Psychological Phenomenon
Priming
Enivronmental
Psychological Phenomenon
Priming
GREEN
PHYSICAL MATERIAL BOARD
BOARD A
Growth & Harmony evoking a sense of freshness and rejuvenation while promoting a feeling of well-being.
Growth & Harmony evoking a sense of freshness and rejuvenation while promoting a feeling of well-being.
Simplicity & Balance embodies the restful essence of a home environment.
( A
Simplicity & Balance embodies the restful essence of a home environment.
( A
Warmth & Comfort symbolizes a deeper level of connection, much like the feeling of security and stability at home.
Warmth & Comfort symbolizes a deeper level of connection, much like the feeling of security and stability at home.
Crafting a visual journey that mirrors the principles of ring theory, progression of color and texture signifi transition from superficial to deep connections
Crafting a visual journey that mirrors the principles of ring theory, progression of color and texture signifi transition from superficial to deep connections
The strategic use colors guides emotional layers, reflecting cohesion and warmth akin the comfort of home.
The strategic use colors guides emotional layers, reflecting cohesion and warmth akin the comfort of home.
Energy & Passion stimulating appetite, inviting people to engage.
Energy & Passion stimulating appetite, inviting people to engage.
FEATURE WALLS
The Key Wall The Mailbox Wall
BUILDING MODEL 1:100
DETAIL MODEL 1:50
STUDY MODEL
MODULAR SYSTEM
MEDITATION
DEMOLISHING PLAN
EXISTING G/F
EXISTING 1/F
The initial concept “Kiosk”, inspired by Hong Kong’s festival market, aiming to evoke nostalgic family memories. However, after multiple trails and due to site constraints, this concept could not be executed.
