Farrells celebrate 25 years in Hong Kong

26 April 2016
Farrells celebrate 25 years in Hong
Kong
Farrells mark 25th anniversary with exhibition launched by Chief Secretary of Hong
Kong and plans for new town presented to the Legislative Council by Sir Terry Farrell.
Having celebrated 50 years in practice in London in 2015, this year marks 25 years in Hong Kong
for Farrells. Taking the opportunity to explore their contribution to the Hong Kong landscape and
dig deeper into the big issues for the built environment, Farrells are running exhibitions and
activities under the title Urban Dialogue.
General invite detailing anniversary Urban Dialogue events
At the Fringe Club, a major exhibition revealed Farrells profound understanding of how cities work
and how they can be improved, with each project responding to its particular context. The
exhibition showcases 25 years of Farrells projects in relation to geography, culture and history.
Projects include KK100 in Shenzhen, Kennedy Town MTR station and swimming pool and the new
urban district and major transportation hub of West Kowloon.
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26 April 2016
Urban Dialogue Exhibition at the Fringe Club, Hong Kong
Sir Terry Farrell and Hong Kong Partner Stefan Krummeck at the Urban Dialogue Exhibition
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Farrells One Excellence scheme, Qianhai at the Urban Dialogue Exhibition
At opening ceremony, Mrs Carrie Lam, GBS, JP, Chief Secretary for Administration for HK said;
“During its 25 years of business in Hong Kong, Farrells has created iconic yet people focused
architectural landmarks that blend into our cityscape seamlessly. These include the Peak Tower,
the Kowloon Station, the new Kennedy Town MTR Station and the spaceship like Kennedy Town
Swimming Pool, to name just a few for a glimpse of the breadth and depth of the amazing works
of Farrells.”
Mrs. Carrie Lam, Chief Secretary for Administration for HK speaking;
Front row from right; Nicholas Brooke, Chairman of Harbourfront Committee, Sir Terry Farrell,
Gavin Erasmus, Stefan Krummeck
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“Through continuous dialogue with the city, Farrells many projects here have brought out the best
of Hong Kong's substance. They have enriched the local character and enhanced the way people
live, not just by providing functional convenience, but aesthetics and a human touch. That is why
Farrells masterpieces always find consonance with the local community. And that is why this
exhibition is fittingly titled the "Urban Dialogue".
Farrells Hong Kong and London Partners with Chief Secretary for Administration for Hong Kong
and Chairman of Harbourfront Committee;
Sir Terry Farrell in conversation with Mrs. Carrie Lam, Chief Secretary for Administration of HK
The exhibition ‘Urban Dialogue – Icons’ was held at the Peak Tower, generously sponsored by
Peak Tramways. Opened to the public in 1997, the Peak was Farrells first project in Asia and has
become a cherished landmark, its unique bowl shape inspiring many of the city’s souvenirs and
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tourist campaigns. The centre piece of the exhibition is a full size ‘Glitter Dome’, featuring the
competition winning model of the Peak, which celebrates the joy that the building continues to
bring to millions of visitors from all over the world.
Farrells Peak Tower Glitter Dome
Farrells Partners and Mr. L.M. Lui, Arup Chairman East Asia Region; Ms. May Tsang, General
Manager of Peak Tramway & Mr. Dominic Pang, Co-Chairman of Chan Wo Development Holdings
Ltd at The Peak Tower Exhibition
As well as celebrating the past, there is a lot more to look forward to. In collaboration with Herzog
& De Meuron, Farrells are designing and delivering the M+ Museum which is a signature
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waterfront building within the new West Kowloon Cultural District, one of the world’s most
exciting new cultural developments.
M+ Museum CGI
At the Urban Dialogue Workshop ‘Shaping Hong Kong’, participants were asked to break into
groups to discuss planning issues and possible solutions. The audience then added their ideas to a
giant model of the Victoria harbour area. Like completing a big puzzle, the workshop attempted to
fit the pieces together, forming a broad vision for tomorrow’s Victoria Harbour.
Urban Dialogue Workshop in action
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Sir Terry Farrell: Panel on Development, Legislative Council of HKSAR
Continuing their tradition of thought leadership, Farrells have proposed a new town called “Nam
Tong” (藍塘) as an alternative to the Development Bureau’s “East Lantau Metropolis” proposal.
Nam Tong is a conceptual new town for 500,000 residents at the eastern end of the urban area,
on the site of the current Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate, the Area 137 Fill Bank, as well as an
area of newly-reclaimed land outside Victoria Harbour.
The proposal includes a new MTR harbour crossing to “unlock” this land with Nam Tong designed
as a transit-oriented community. It will be well-connected to Hong Kong Island and East Kowloon,
through an extension of the Kwun Tong Line. You can find out more about the proposals here.
Speaking to the Governing Council in the Legislative Chamber of HK, Sir Terry Farrell said:
“The proposed East Lantau Metropolis is a very substantial and radical proposal. Compared with
other options, it is excessively expensive and infrastructure is excessively heavy. It is very
inflexible because of this. By extending the Island Line with the addition of just three new
stations, you can create a whole new district which is better connected to central and east
Kowloon. It has significantly lower environmental impacts too.”
Two short videos on The Peak and The Fringe are located here.
Ends.
For more press information please contact:
Melanie Watkins or Claire Pang at Farrells
T: +44 (0) 207 258 3433
E: melanie.watkins@farrells.com or claire.pang@farrells.com.hk
About Farrells:
Farrells are award-winning architect planners with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of
London and Hong Kong. Our expertise lies in mixed-use urban complexes which can be residential
or commercial led and are often centred on transport interchanges. We create high quality
architecture which responds to the context and ‘place’ and bespoke interiors designed for modern
lifestyles. The practice has designed award-winning buildings and masterplans throughout the
world for over half a century. Architectural design grows organically, tailor-made to specific
circumstances and community needs. We have an unrivalled track record in securing planning
consents and influencing public policy, including publishing The Farrell Review of Architecture,
commissioned by the UK Government and published in 2014.
Visit our website at www.farrells.com
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