Otherland Limited

We are glad to share with everyone our Silver award Entry for HKILA 2021-23 Excellence in Public Development

Rivers in the City - Jordan Nullah Landscape Improvement Works

Project Client : Drainage Services Department
Completion : 2022

Jordan Valley Channel is a revitalisation project initiated by Drainage Services Department, which is also the first urban channel with riverbed landscape enhancement in Hong Kong. The Site is located at Ngau Tau Kok which was an aged concrete nullah, which conveys water from the area near Fei Ngo Shan and Lung Wo Village and flows into Kai Tak Approach Channel.

The project was started in March 2020 and was completed and opened to public on 25 April 2022. The entire revitalisation work is about 330 m long and is divided into 3 major zones, including upstream ecological channel, downstream green river, and water friendly open spaces (viewing platform). The project coheres with the concept of "Rivers in the City" proposed by HKSAR in 2021 Policy Address, with the aim of enhancing the connectivity of the riverbanks and promoting the waterphilic culture.

A series of strategies have been studied and adopted in the revitalisation work to enhance ecology which was started by creating microhabitats by slowing down the water flow at upstream with stone deflectors, having rip-rap based shoals and wood logs to create tiny spaces for the growth of micro-organisms and algae. At downstream, the water flow is relatively slower, which is ideal for planting. Gabion stones are located between upstream and downstream to serve as a stronger planting base for hydro-seeding plants, and the gaps between stones are perfect habitats for shrimps and fish. Curvilinear landscapes and islands were created downstream to mimic natural rivJordan Valley Channel is a revitalisation project initiated by Drainage Services Department, which is also the first urban channel with riverbed landscape enhancement in Hong Kong. The Site is located at Ngau Tau Kok which was an aged concrete nullah, which conveys water from the area near Fei Ngo Shan and Lung Wo Village and flows into Kai Tak Approach Channel.

Eco bags were used at different layers for planting aquatic and riverside species, which demand different amounts of water and soil depths. Various species of butterflies, dragonflies, fish, birds and even reptiles have been spotted in the channel after the revitalisation.

We are glad to share with everyone our Gold award Entry for HKILA 2021-23 Excellence in Communication -

Co-existance of Community & Trees : A Landscape Architect Lead integration system of Urban Forestry Management & data technology,
Design, Supply & Installation of Tree Labels with Dynamic Quick Response Codes for Roadside Trees and Trees in Other Locations

Project Client : Development Bureau
Completion : 2022

This project aims to enhance public engagement in tree management in Hong Kong by transforming a tree database into QR-coded labels on around 200,000 trees. The labels, linked to a user-friendly web platform, provide access to specific tree data, fostering community awareness and coexistence with trees. The platform integrates the government’s tree database with a reporting mechanism, GIS dashboards, and mobile apps, improving data accuracy. Despite challenges from natural cycles, construction, and weather, the project manages vast data using ArcGIS and MySQL, centralising information for seamless transfer across stages.

Otherland is delighted to announce that we have been honored with two prestigious awards at the Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects (HKILA) Awards 2021-23. This includes a Gold Award for Excellence in Landscape Communication for Co-existence of Community & Trees : A Landscape Architect Lead integration system of Urban Forestry management & data technology, Design, Supply & Installation of Tree Labels with Dynamic Quick Response Codes for Roadside Trees and Trees in Other Locations and a Silver Award for Excellence in Public Development : Rivers in the City : Revitalisation Works of Jordan Valley Nullah.

We are immensely proud of this achievement and extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have contributed to our success.

We've invited our female members in sharing their insights and showcase projects that they have dedicated to. They are the core of an inclusive profession that Planners and Landscape architects in Hong Kong are proud to be part of.

We've invited our female members in sharing their insights and showcase projects that they have dedicated to. They are the core of an inclusive profession that Planners and Landscape architects in Hong Kong are proud to be part of.

We've invited our female members in sharing their insights and showcase projects that they have dedicated to. They are the core of an inclusive profession that Planners and Landscape architects in Hong Kong are proud to be part of.

Each year, International Women's Day gives us a chance to reflect and recognise the contributions of our talented female practitioners in shaping our better future.

As an emerging Landscape & Planning consultant in Hong Kong, Otherland treasures our gender diversity and the Women's leadership who are spearheading the profession together.

We have invited our female members to share their insights on the industry, and taking this opportunity to express our special thanks for their continuous support and contributions that bring success to this evolving team.

As a long term supporter of Playright Children’s Play Association, Otherland hosted a table at their Gala Dinner 2024 held on 24 February at the Aberdeen Marina Club. For over 35 years Playright has dedicated to protecting children’s right to play and provided diverse range of services in hospital play, playwork, and play environment. Our Director Paul Chan is a current Executive Committee member of Playright.

Thank you for our two guests - Ms So Ching, Executive Director of Wong Tung & Partners Limited, and Mr. Chris Wong, General Manager of the Urban Renewal Authority. Thank you for the creative organization from Playright’s team for the wonderful evening, and all the colleagues who have participated.

Otherland would like to send our warmest greetings to you on the occasion of Chinese New Year!
We wish you all the success and glory for the Year of Dragon with Happiness and Health.

臨近年尾，一連兩個由Otherland作為項目總顧問的維港海濱項目落成。
Towards the end of the year two Victoria Harbourfront projects where Otherland acts as lead consultant are close to completion.

土瓜灣海濱原本只是污水處理廠海旁緊急車輛通道，因應旁邊海心公園擴建，渠務署特意把這海濱地段改造並開放給公眾。項目難度來自這片窄長空間的車輛通道功能需維持不變，位置亦被識別為極端氣候下較高風險的沿岸地區，需要加設擋水牆以保護污水廠，而設計期間海心公園擴建部份已在施工，需要兩個團隊緊密協調才能做到無縫連接。
To Kwa Wan promenade was originally a vehicular access for a drainage facility. In view of the coming Hoi Sham Park extension DSD intended to turn it into a public open space. Challenges came from the need to keep the EVA function, the site being identified as vulnerable under extreme weather, and the fact that Hoi Sham Park extension already under construction when we were at design stage that both teams needed to work together to ensure the seamless connection.

設計概念來自渠務設施，有具休憩功能的雨水花園，螺旋形步道寓意雨水收集，大量給公眾坐下休息的地方，又有多款不同造型的下水水，還展示了渠務署渠蓋設計比賽得獎作品。團隊同時作為渠務署海濱長廊公共藝術作品設計專業顧問，冠軍作品「藍綠心川」展示在現場西端位置。設計亦善用了污水廠的牆身與垂直綠化，保留了現場的已生長得很成熟的攀爬植物並加上地被植物作點綴。牆身做了12米高的「下水水」噴畫（應該是全球最大！），恰好建築物頂部又好像「下水水」頭頂的渠蓋。
Design inspired by drainage facilities and blue-green infrastructure, a rain garden with a footpath whirled around around it as reflection of rain water collection, free-seating spaces, special-designed “Drainy” figures (with its hat as table top), and display of the winning designs of the DSD’s manhole cover design competition. Our office also acted as DSD’s professional advisor on the Public Art Design Competition, the winning design “Flowing Blue-green Heart” is displayed at the western end. The design also effectively integrate existing vertical elements. We kept the existing well-established and naturalistic green-wall, added only low-level plants to compliment. A 12-metre tall “Drainy” was created (should be the largest on earth!) on the building facade where roof looks just like Drainy’s hat at a distance.

這地方並沒有什麼刺激體驗或精彩設施等，不會成為打卡熱點，但是我們認為別具意義。首先項目實現了「地方營造」，由一個污水廠前的車輛通道變成一個公共空間，亦為九龍區的維港海濱貢獻了多140米長供公眾享用，而最重要一點是這一段海濱望向對面便是啟德發展區，能180度欣賞未來啟德體育園以至啟德跑道盡頭。其實我們的城市或許更需要這些較為寧靜的休憩空間。
The project has no exciting elements, but realized “place-making” and contributes to opening up another 140m of Victoria Harbourfront for public enjoyment. This place enjoys also a panoramic view the future sports park all the way to the end of the former runway. It is and meant to be a passive open space, but perhaps such tranquility is more in need for a city as busy as ours.

#土瓜灣海濱 #渠務署 #下水水

We are commissioned by the Housing Authority as the landscape architect for the enhancement of selected estates alongside with a great team of professionals and academics - what they call the “Well-being Team” (幸福團隊). For years we promote the importance of outdoor space for wellness of people in affordable housing, and are glad to see the emphasis given to it by the Housing Bureau since it’s establishment in 2022. We are expecting to see the interventions being implemented within the coming year.

Thank you for Sing Tao Daily’s coverage on it. Extracted herewith (in Chinese only) the part on landscape improvement (Thanks also to colleagues from the Housing Authority to have shared this).

推園景改善工程 提供「綠綠家園」

房屋局亦推出「綠綠家園」園景改善工程，為居民提供綠化的居住環境。
「綠綠家園」揀選了20條公共屋邨加強綠化元素，並進行推廣，令居民多認識屋邨內的植物和環境。據了解，團隊會嘗試構建「賞樹徑」，並增加草地等綠化地方，讓邨民有更多地方聚集、聊天和舉辦活動。作為項目顧問的奧特地境聯合創辦人陳元敬指，園景設計是「地方營造」手法，「賞樹徑」可以吸引居民入內了解自己的屋邨有甚麼植物，同時間加強觀賞性，令園景和屋邨有更大的連繫；另一方面，若然邨內本身有灌木叢，居民無法應用，變成草地就可以為公共空間增添不同功能。
陳續說，由於現時計劃針對現有屋邨，要仔細觀察不同位置跟當初設計時所需要的功能有何不同，「例如邨內長者越來越老、小朋友漸多，有些原本適合的設施也可能需要改動。」

#房屋局 #房委會 #幸福感 #園景改善工程

📣 彩虹道遊樂場休憩用地設計比賽得獎作品巡迴展覽 📣

[Roving Exhibition of Award-Winning Designs from the Choi Hung Road Playground Design Competition]

由起動九龍東辦事處和建築署合辦的「彩虹道遊樂場休憩用地設計比賽」現舉辦「得獎作品巡迴展覽」，歡迎公眾人士蒞臨參與。詳情請瀏覽比賽專頁（最新消息）。

The award-winning works of Student and Professional Groups from the Design Competition for Redevelopment of Open Space at Choi Hung Road Playground, co-organised by the Energizing Kowloon East Office (EKEO) and the Architectural Services Department (ArchSD), are currently on show at the roving exhibition. Please refer to the competition page (what’s new) for details. All members of the public are welcomed!

https://chrpdc.com/zh/最新消息/

#彩虹道遊樂場 #休憩空間 #設計比賽 #社區參與 #新蒲崗 #發展局 #起動九龍東辦事處 #建築署

《彩虹道遊樂場休憩用地設計比賽》

由起動九龍東辦事處和建築署合辦的「彩虹道遊樂場休憩用地設計比賽」於8月5號舉行頒獎典禮。當日除了頒獎以外，得獎者與主辦及支持單位代表交流對這個具獨有歷史文化背景的休憩空間的發展理念，比賽在一片歡樂聲中圓滿結束。

再次恭賀各得獎團隊，感謝各位評審和支持單位，以及團隊各成員過去10個月展示出的專業與毅力，打造了一個很有特色的設計比賽。

（另一貼文將分享得獎者及作品）

頒獎典禮政府新聞稿：

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202308/05/P2023080400629.htm?fontSize=1

設計比賽專頁

https://chrpdc.com/

#彩虹道遊樂場 #休憩空間 #設計比賽 #社區參與 #新蒲崗 #發展局 #起動九龍東辦事處 #建築署 #康樂及文化事務署 #香港建築師學會 #香港園境師學會 #香港規劃師學會 #香港測量師學會
#香港城市設計學會 #香港工程師學會 #香港中文大學建築學院 #珠海學院建築學系 #香港大學建築學院 #理工大學設計學院 #香港城市大學建築學及土木工程學系 #香港高等教育科技學院 #香港知專設計學院 #智樂兒童遊樂協會

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Eunice Mak has joined Otherland as Director (Planning) leading our newly established planning team. Dr. Mak is a seasoned professional, among various other public services she was the President of Hong Kong Institute of Planners and current Chairman of the Planners Registration Board. She has a great interest in community support to neighborhood especially at housing estates. She is supported by our Associate Director Mr. Ernest Yip who has multidisciplinary backgrounds and experience in urban planning, urban design, and landscape architecture. It is another milestone of the firm and we look forward to the cross-disciplinary synergy.

We are pleased to share that the Design Competition for Redevelopment of Open Space at Choi Hung Road Playground has been successfully adjudicated. Thank you for all the members of the jury panel listed below:

Mr. Tse Cheong Wo, Edward, JP
Director, Architectural Services Department (ArchSD), HKSARG (Panel Chair)

Ms. Cheung Yi Mei, JP
Head of Energizing Kowloon East Office (EKEO), DEVB, HKSARG

Ar. Chan Chak Bun, Benny
President, Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA)

Ms. Chan Hau Yin, Margaret
Council Member, Hong Kong Institute of Planners (HKIP)

Mr. Chung WANG Leung, Thomas
Associate Professor of Scholl of Architecture, CUHK

Ms Iris Hoi
Immediate Past President, Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects (HKILA)

Mr. Yuen Hon Cheong, Chris
Head of Play Environment, Playright’s Children Play Association

The competition, co-organized by EKEO and ArchSD, received 36 valid entries for the professional group and 13 valid entries for the student group. Share herewith photos of the adjudication day.

Competition’s Official Page:
https://chrpdc.com/

#彩虹道遊樂場 #休憩空間 #設計比賽 #社區參與工作坊 #新蒲崗 #發展局 #起動九龍東辦事處

We are proud to be a member of the Housing Bureau’s Well•Being team, and the first landscape architectural consultant directly appointed by the Housing Authority. The assignment is to explore and implement quick-win solutions to improve the landscape of 10 existing housing estates, as committed by the Chief Executive’s Policy Address 2022.

榮幸成為房屋局幸福團隊一員，也是房委會首次直接委托園境顧問。就特首2022年施政報告提出，項目將會為現有屋苑提供園境優化方案，期望短期內可見到成效。

#房屋局 #房委會 #園境 #公屋 #幸福感

https://housingwellbeing.hk/en/

[📢 WEBSITE REVAMPED]

Our new website design is now launched. The former version was created in 2019 and did not adequately represent the company after the dramatic changes over the past few years. A lot more content to be added but the new features are already in place. Feel free to surf through it!



www.otherland.com.hk

New venue “Quarryside” close to completion. Such a contrast being in this tranquil place while knowing it’s surrounded by highways leading to one of the busiest cross-harbour tunnel of Hong Kong. Glad to see this piece of once vacant land at the harbourfront revitalized into community facilities, open lawn with seatings, and pet/ children friendly areas. And a great pleasure working with St. James Settlement and architect firm MATTER.

We now have IG account, please follow us for updates of the company!

As a highly in-demand profession at the moment, we are pleased to have several new talents joining our landscape architectural team earlier this year:

Brendan CHAN (Assistant Project Manager) -
Brendan graduated from Edinburgh University’s MLA (Distinction) with 3 years of solid consultancy experience, he is currently working on a number of housing, GIC and public open space projects.

Chris CHAN (Assistant Landscape Designer) - Chris graduates from HKU’s MLA with and interesting mix of IT and arboricultural background. He is currently supporting on a number of technical assessments for infrastructural development and also exploring adoption of technology in tree-related services.

Jeremy CHAN (Landscape Designer) - Graduated from HKU’s MLA with solid experience in an architectural firm, Jeremy is a passionate designer currently working on public open space and a revitalization project.

Roberto BALMORA (Landscape Designer (DD)) - Roberto has acquired several years of experience with leading landscape consultants on projects in Hong Kong and in nearby regions. He is strong in developing details and filling out gaps from schematic designs forming a complete package.

Roy CHOW (Assistant Project Manager) - Graduated from University of Gloucestershire’s MLA with over 4 years of experience in both public and private sectors. He is currently supporting the design of a large scale recreational park and a housing development project.

Wynne NG (Landscape Designer) - Graduated from University of Gloucestershire’s MLA, Wynne is a passionate and skillful designer with 2 years of solid experience with a multidisciplinary design firm involved in several local and international projects. She is currently working on a number of open space and institutional developments.

They have substantially increased the capacity of our office in providing innovative solution to our projects and continuous improvement in our operation - the design process, technical assessment, and technology adoption.

We are pleased to share that Carol Ma, Senior Project Manager of our office, has recently been elected as Professional Member of the Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects. Carol has 15 years of consultancy experience in Australia and Hong Kong as landscape designer and project manager, and also an HKILA’s Accredited Arborist. His project spectrum spreads across comprehensive development, civil and transport infrastructure, open space and streetscape enhancement, institutional facilities, commercial and residential development, hospitality, and ecological enhancement. Congratulations and look forward to his next phase of career development.

《彩虹道遊樂場休憩用地設計比賽 - 短片分享》

比賽於上月17號截止遞交作品，反應非常踴躍，現已進入評審階段。

由蒲崗村落到新蒲崗工貿區，有藝文團體進駐，新型商廈落成，但同時亦保留著各式老店舖同傳統工藝。過去的啟德遊樂場到今天的彩虹道游樂場，承載了幾代人的回憶。一個多元的社區究竟需要一個怎麼樣的公共空間？

期待得獎作品出爐同時，讓我們重溫一下由OL + 2SqM 園境師團隊及Candy 導演製作，滿載集體回憶的比賽宣傳短片。

設計比賽專頁:

https://chrpdc.com/

#彩虹道遊樂場 #休憩空間 #設計比賽 #社區參與工作坊 #新蒲崗 #發展局 #起動九龍東辦事處

彩虹道遊樂場休憩用地設計比賽 | Design Competition for Redevelopment of Open Space at Choi Hung Road Playground 比賽現正接受登記報名Competition is now open for registration now!有興趣參賽的專業人士及同學，請瀏覽以下網址了解報名詳情。For those professionals and students who are interested in participating t...

Our office is hiring the following positions:

1. Arborist/ Assistant Arborist

2. Assistant Landscape Designer

Application:
https://hk.jobsdb.com/hk/en/job/arborist-assistant-landscape-designer-100003010281200