14 PRESS
FARRELLS-DESIGNED EXHIBITION CENTRE STATION OPENS IN HONG KONG
Hong Kong’s East Rail Line Cross-harbour Extension commenced service on 15 May 2022, marking an important milestone in Hong Kong’s railway development. Located next to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai North, the three-level underground station includes allowance for a future North Island line with convenient cross platform transfers. Farrells, who took on the project in 2012, designed the station with property enabling works to fully integrate the future topside commercial development and passenger transport interchange. Design elements include artwork entitled “Water Memory” by local artist Leung Chi-wo, consisting of 1,200 photos taken of the harbour at different times of the year, which is displayed on the walls of all three floors of the station interior facing the harbour. Exhibition panels detailing the East Rail Line’s history of over 100 years are integrated into the walls and exhibits showcasing the challenges posed during construction are displayed, including the casing of a World War II bomb discovered in the course of excavation work. www.farrells.com
SOM SOARING AERIAL WALKING WELCOMES INTERNATIONAL PASSENGERS
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) led the design team, replacing a 50-year-old arrivals facility with a dynamic structure nearly five times bigger, dramatically improving the passenger experience.The International Arrivals Facility comprises an aerial walkway—the longest of its kind in the world—a Grand Hall, and a secure corridor to increase the number of international-capable gates.The aerial walkway encompasses 360-degree views of Mount Rainier, and the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, spanning 780 feet across an active taxilane. The walkway then connects to IAF’s Grand Hall – an expansive, light-filled space with floor to ceiling windows. The building’s sweeping roofline tilts and arcs reflecting the motion of a landing airplane. Site-specific artworks include “Magnetic Anomaly,” a set of three kinetic artworks created by Ned Kahn, suspended overhead and a colorful five-piece sculpture by Marela Zacarías, “Chalchiutlicue,” that floats above baggage claim carousels. The interior design references elements of the Pacific Northwest–its plant life, terrain, and topography. www.som.com