Thinking out of the Box - Technology Propels a New Era in Landscape Architecture

When talking about modular construction, rectangular boxes come to our mind most of the time. During a visit to CIC-Zero Carbon Park, Mr. Paul CHAN, President of the Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects and Vice-chairman of Landscape Architects Registration Board shared his latest proposition of applying Mi-infinity concept in transitional housing projects and the latest technological advancement in the landscape architecture arena.

Showing Care Through Mi∞

It is a landscape architect's job to create an enjoyable and functional living space, be it a permanent residential development or transitional housing. With Paul’s extensive experience in creating various functional space as well as his eagerness in technology adoption, Paul shared that Mi-infinity concept matches perfectly with the need of transitional housing projects. He said that transitional housing projects are, most of the time, built on a very small piece of land among completed buildings or establishments which can only be used for a short period of time. The offsite production feature of modular construction enables minimum disturbance to surrounding environment and a speedy establishment or removal process which is ideal for transitional housing projects.

From modular housing units, Paul took the idea further as he noticed residents' need for community facilities. With reference to similar facilities around the world, HKILA's Workgroup on Transitional Housing pulled together professionals from the construction sector, experts from the social welfare sector and users to explore possibilities and make the best out of the limited space available in the transitional housing projects. Paul is proud that the brainstorming sessions bore fruit, as variety of multi-functional space was created.

Flexibility to the Max for the People

Paul also mentioned that this successful application has inspired many other projects into considering "Mi-Landscape". Taking CIC-Zero Carbon Park as an example, Paul envisioned some modifications in the park with modular recreation facilities to add more vibrancy to the park. He said multi-functional modules and adjustable furniture and fixtures are now available where modules can serve as a market or playground in the morning and be transformed into a cinema at night. We can even install solar panels on the modules so that the modules will be self-sustainable and reduce carbon emission.

In fact, back in 2017, Hong Kong has already welcomed its first Mi-Self-Service Library Station in Sai Wan Ho. Other Mi-community facilities, like the Star Gazing Facilities in Sai Kung and Skylight Market in Tin Shui Wai were subsequently completed in 2019 and 2020 respectively, showcasing to the construction industry the infinite possibilities of modular construction.

Technology Applied Across Landscape Life Cycle

Paul believed that modular construction, as well as other construction technology, is the way forward for every role in the construction industry. In the old days, technologies were only used to visualise design effects. With advancement in technology and practitioners' competency, construction technology is used widely in landscape architect's work, from landscape surveying, designing, to facilities management.

Paul highlighted that technology played an important role in forecasting potential conflicts between planned design and the natural environment. For instance, drone mapping and point cloud modelling helps to collect data with high accuracy in a quick aerial survey while ground penetrating radar gives information on what's under the surface of the ground. Landscape architects will be well informed of the natural terrain in the planning stage of the project and plan ahead necessary actions needed to realise their plan.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is also a common tool for landscape architects nowadays. With the help of BIM, various work plans can be incorporated into the same interface where all parties can project clashes and plan better. Paul shared his experience in a stormwater storage pool project built under a park that BIM has prevented a lot of problems in their planning stage. Given the complexity of the project, both structural and infrastructural considerations are important aspects of the project and BIM has helped the project team to plan the public space, staff routing, wires and waterway etc. which are very complicated Paul is pleased that with BIM's help, the project team can visualise the project outcome and that inspired the team to further innovate with more idea to improve the project result and came up with creative ideas to make use of the pool area when it is not in use.

Once facilities are completed, facilities management can make use of geographic information system (GIS) mapping to record and manage the facilities. Paul shared that he was involved in a project to develop a dashboard system to record trees conditions around the city as part of a campaign to encourage public understanding of trees. GIS provided valuable information to the team for selecting the right area for the campaign. The dashboard system was used to update the government's tree database for maintenance and repairs work. Paul said such system would be particularly useful after a typhoon hits the city.

These are only a few examples of technology adoption in landscape architecture to save efforts. Paul envisioned a lot more extensive technology application will be inspired by the successful projects. The CIC hopes that if landscape architect can inject sustainable elements into their plan, Hong Kong will be able to reach carbon neutrality sooner.

Get Ready for the Age of Mi-Landscape Architecture

Innovative technology adoption in landscape architecture is expected to gain importance in the decades to come. As such the biennial Best Landscape Award for Private Property Development organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department has included use of new construction techniques and modern construction solutions as well as use of new technology in maintenance as its judging criteria.

It is also the government's vision to promote advanced construction technology and at the same time collect environmental data for better planning, Paul believed that Hong Kong landscape architects should catch on this global trend and grasp this golden opportunity to modernise the trade and create better landscape for the city we love.