HONG KONG HARBOR ENABLED BY DESIGN AND ART
With the first phase set to open in 2027, Central Yards is rewriting the rules of urban infrastructure for Hong KongCentral Port. Henderson Land Group’s ambitious 1.6 million square foot ‘groundscraper’ development has turned its temporary pedestrian crossing into an active cultural canvas. Connecting the busy route between IFC Mall and Central Ferry Piers, this urban spine incorporates a vibrant, multi-sensory art bridge and a architectural coffee kiosk. Together, these concrete interventions invite passers-by to find a moment of pause within the relentless flow of the city, ushering in a new era of experience-driven placemaking.
Central Yards | all images courtesy of Central Courtyards
CENTRAL COURTESY LINK COMMERCE, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY
Temporal activations combine two distinct design approaches to win Central CourtyardsThe overall vision of ‘The Bridge’, a conceptual framework that connects commerce, culture, lifestyle and community. Within this active corridor, the famous French architect and artist Emmanuelle Moureaux applies her signature.100 colors no.54 ‘FLOWphilosophy, using color as a three-dimensional building block to change spatial perception. Along with Moureaux, London-based architecture studio AL_A, led by Amanda Levete, is collaborating with local Hong Kong artist Hayley Lee. In partnership with homegrown brand Little Cove Espresso, they are introducing a charity design coffee kiosk that donates all net profits to Save the Children, embodying the project’s dedication to community-based design.
distinct design approaches converge in a conceptual framework that connects commerce, culture and community in the central shipyards
color tunnel AND COFFEE PAVILION RETREAT SIDEWALK
Suspended above the escalators and entrance near the IFC Mall, Emmanuelle Moureaux’s 100-colour installation no.54 ‘FLOW’ unfolds as an immersive time tunnel, comprising a floating constellation of around 4,000 hand-made, multi-coloured numerical cutouts spanning 100 hues. These layers are arranged vertically along a timeline from 2027 to 2032, directly echoing the expected launch dates of Phases 1 and 2 of Central Yards. The letters that form the name ‘Central Yards’ are intricately woven into this shifting spectrum of numbers, giving physical form to time in motion and offering passengers an imaginative visual journey as they move through space.
The sunken tunnel gives physical form to time in motion for passing passengers
Further along the corridor, AL_A’s community coffee stand offers a bold, minimalist counterpoint. The structure is defined by a fluid, sweeping canopy that merges into a softly lit eye, diffusing light into the passage room like a spatial beacon. Beneath this extra element, a mirror-polished stainless steel bench curves seamlessly around the central support. This reflective metal surface captures ambient light and the movement of passing crowds, balancing high-concept futuristic geometries with functionality. Through this calibrated integration of light, form and philanthropy, the design elevates the everyday coffee break into a meaningful urban encounter.
Save the Children Hong Kong Patron Ms Cathy Chui Lee is flanked by the wet sweeping canopy of the Community Pavilion
