In 2017, Foster + Partners completed Hong Kong’s new Ocean Terminal extension, a large-scale project in the form of cascading terraces looking out towards the harbour.

These cantilevered terraces provide shade to the lower levels, protecting them from the harsh tropical sun. The balustrades angled to tie in with the overall geometry of the building extend downwards as louvered shading devices for the terrace below. This extension is a new gateway for thousands of international cruise liners’ passengers, but also welcomes the locals. The five-storey and 9,300-sq.metres building includes shops and restaurants, an observatory desk open to the public, offering a 270-degree panorama of Victoria Harbour, two outdoor event spaces of nearly 600 sq.metres each and an 200-seat outdoor performance venue.

As well as a new gateway to the city, the building becomes a new public space — an ambition similar to the Yokohama International Terminal, completed in Japan by FOA in 2002 (an article to read in AA No. 427).

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Client: Harbour City Estates Limited
Architect: Foster + Partners
Program: Hong Kong Ocean Terminal extension
Surface: 9 300 sq.metres
Completion: 2017