Zaha Hadid envisioned this sleek glass office tower sprouting like an orchid bloom from a verdant plaza—a reference to Hong Kong´s national flower. However, extreme space constraints demanded innovative landscape solutions for the site.
Movable planters over a grid allow the plaza´s garden to be reconfigured as needed. Dark to light granite cobblestones articulate areas for vehicles, pedestrians, and entries while directing movement. An oversized mobile fountain can serve as a focal point or turnaround. The plant palette fuses tropical species with succulents and sculptural monocots, evoking Burle Marx gardens. Local farmers specially grow shaped trees over generations, each with unique character.
Despite spatial challenges, the fantastical landscape of complexity and whimsy brings joy. It delights tower occupants, passing pedestrians, and represents Hong Kong on the world stage. The choreographed garden responds artfully to urban densities and constraints.
This project was carried out in collaboration with PWP Landscape Architecture.
