d+a | Issue 127 • 2023

39 bringing Chinese heritage to modern audiences. For example, in Chinese culture, the number nine symbolises royalty. This subtlety is depicted in the nine-square grid structural layout with the skylight in the middle grid. HKPM’s undulating bronze ceiling is a contemporary interpretation of the glazed roof tiles of the grand palaces in the Forbidden City. The ceiling is also an orientating and sculptural element, adding a unique accent to the museum’s refined palette of stone and polished concrete walls and floors. The main entrance doors are an homage to the Imperial Palace. Instead of copper nails, however, the doors are composed of glass beads which allow light to come in at night. Furthermore, the Forbidden City’s signature crimson red was used to signal focal points within HKPM, such as the entrances to the galleries. designed to protect national treasures The architects were not just intent on creating an interior that was aesthetically pleasing; the exhibition spaces also had to promote enjoyment of the artefacts and artworks while keeping the exhibits in the best condition possible. Acoustics were a priority, says Hai. “The architecture puts great emphasis on internal acoustic control. All of the building’s internal walls are lined with imported acoustic panels, ensuring a peaceful and harmonious environment so that visitors can really enjoy and appreciate the exhibits. The panelled façade also helps divert any external noise.” The galleries were constructed to be window- less, to protect the artefacts from direct sunlight. Visitors who want to enjoy views of the outdoors can do so from the seating and rest areas, which are isolated from the galleries. To provide extra shade and minimise temperature variation, the building’s exterior concrete walls were designed to have a thickness of at least 275mm; they also feature a double-skin aluminium panel screening system. a commitment to environmental sustainability The architects sourced as many materials from China and other parts of Asia as possible, in a bid to lower long-term operational costs and reduce the project’s overall carbon footprint and energy consumption. section perspective location West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong site area 13,200 sqm gross floor area 30,000 sqm year of completion 2022 architect/design firm Rocco Design Architects Associates Ltd design team Rocco Yim, CMChan, Freddie Hai, Hoi-Wai Sze, Ryan Leong, William Lee, Kwong-Kiu Wong, Qingyue Li, Doris Yue, Samuel Wong, BongYeung, Thomas Cheng, Elaine Tsui, Felix Chow, Pak-Chuen Chan, Victor Chu contractor/builder China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd. award 2022 MIPIM Asia Award – Gold Award in Best Infrastructure, Community, and Civic Building Category