Site Area : 35,442 m2
Building Area : 21,407 m2
Total Area : N/A
Location : Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong
[Description]
The Vision for the Super-Skyscraper in 2037
Until now, the structural materials of high-rise buildings have been confined to metals, concrete, wood, stone, bricks, etc. Consequently, the spatial design and aesthetics of these buildings have been limited by the properties of these materials. However, as the Fourth Industrial Revolution ushers in a new era in building materials and structures, we now glimpse the potential for creating spaces that evoke the emotional resonance of nature—spaces that are soft and imbued with feeling.
To realize this vision, we are combining carbon nanotube and metal compound materials with advanced weaving technologies to explore the construction of buildings as pliable as fabric. Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and drone technologies is paving the way for the self-development and management of construction processes. In this new age, multiple artificial intelligences will interact, collaborate, and learn deeply. Over time, they will find increasingly sophisticated and efficient construction methods through self-improvement and development.
In this specific project, drones begin by filling ground containers with carbon nanotube and metal compound materials, then proceed to construct a basic lattice structure in coordination with one another. Through trial and error, they may discover construction methods that surpass the ingenuity of human architects. Building upon this foundation, the drones weave the interior spaces and external finishes using carbon nanotube threads. While this weaving process may seem intricate and time-consuming, the deep learning capabilities of artificial intelligence transform complexity into simplicity, yielding new emotional responses unattainable with traditional materials. The carbon nanotube threads not only transmit light but also have self-cleaning properties, offering significant advantages for daylight control and building maintenance.
In the fabric facade, integrating various technologies to combat environmental pollution and climate change while providing public benefits is a key consideration. The facade incorporates solar panels, wind turbines, and fine dust filters alongside the fabric elements.
With respect to the urban and historical context, the site of the HSBC main building in Hong Kong has been selected for this new structure, aptly named ‘The Fabric.’ Hong Kong has long been a showcase for modern high-rise architecture, and the HSBC building is a celebrated example of High Tech architecture’s impact on the city. Therefore, this site is an ideal location for contemplation and a demonstration of the next generation of architecture in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Upon arriving at the site, visitors are greeted by a public park that seamlessly transitions into the main lobbies, enveloped by a soft, nature-like fabric space. The ground level is dedicated to public use, welcoming anyone to visit and engage with the community. Three cores provide access to various programs: the lower levels house public amenities such as exhibitions, botanical gardens, and cultural spaces, designed with accessibility in mind. The middle levels are reserved for sustainable energy management and waste disposal facilities connected to the dust filters. At the higher levels, research centers focused on sustainable energy, environmental pollution, and crisis management are situated alongside educational facilities and offices. Users throughout the building experience soft, emotional spaces, with gardens distributed evenly across floors, allowing for continuous interaction with nature. Moreover, air purified by dust filters creates a pleasant indoor environment.
Designed by KIM MIN JAE