Harbour Kiosk

Harbour Kiosk is a kinetic food kiosk that sells local snacks and drinks at the Avenue of Stars along the harbourfront of Hong Kong. The architecture combines parametric design with bespoke engineering to create transformations that pay tribute to the moving images of the movie industry. It is the first kinetic public architecture in Hong Kong. Cinematic Movements Inspired by the compact local hawker stalls, which organizes its space by opening and closing its foldable structure, Harbour Kiosk automatically transforms its “gate” into “awning” during the day and returns to its compact shape at night. The wave generator system also moves the timber fins in waves throughout the day to resonate with harbor waves in poetic ways. Reinterpretation of Project Brief The original brief asked the design team to build a 10-sqm-food kiosk. The design of Harbour Kiosk redefines the brief by combining the food kiosk with a large M&E machine room nearby. The result was gaining a 17-meter-long wall space to accommodate more public functions, including a vending machine, drinking fountains, and info panels. Sustainable Timber Facade The facade features three strata of profiled red balau timber slats to conceal the machine room doors and accommodate different types of public functions. The PEFC certified timber material was treated with exterior grade oil finish for durability against UV and termites. The length and profile of each timber fin were precisely made with digital fabrication. Innovative Kinetic Facade The structure and system were designed to withstand the typhoon season in Hong Kong. The mechanical movement is powered by a linear motion system made of 49 connected robotic arms installed behind the timber fins. Architects and engineers in the studio worked closely together to develop four prototypes over two years to optimize the kiosk design and movements.