Competition
Revitalization of Bishop Hill Underground Reservoir – Young Architect Award 2020

Organizer
Hong Kong Institute of Architects &
Asian Cultural Council

Location
Bishop Hill, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong

Competition Date
Feb 2021

Many existing areas of Bishop Hill have been gradually reclaimed by the surrounding community. Pocket spaces can be found scattered on route, such as ping-pong tables, tea stalls, religious temples and even farms; the community has already collaboratively achieved a creative place-making even without professional planning. While the reservoir should be preserved and revitalized, it is critical to maintain the existing dynamics and unspoken demands of the public; benefitting the community no less than it does currently, Bishop Hill Underground Reservoir is proposed to be opened up as a multi-purpose Community Hall.

While Bishop Hill is currently only accessible through several footpaths uphill, it poses much difficulty for the elderly and the impaired. “The Channel” strategically introduces an elevator and sky bridge that directly connects the reservoir from Shek Kip Mei MTR, and opens up a new entrance to the reservoir and hill top for all. The existing footpath uphill from Berwick Street will also be kept as a main passage, arriving at the location where the reservoir was partially demolished. The proposal reconfigures the demolished portion, making use of the void to become an entrance foyer and exhibition space, showcasing its history while provoking the public to reconsider the necessity of conservation and preservation of heritage. A new pavilion is proposed on the Bishop Hill Mountain Park as a destination to the sky bridge; designed as an annex to maintain basic amenities such as customer service, toilets and a café, to support the people who spend a full afternoon there.

Using a clean and contemporary architectural language that juxtaposes against the original reservoir; The Channel’s design symbolizes a contemporary aquaduct, transporting people to the reservoir and at the same time streamlining their experience, creating a scenic, as well as an iconic passageway.