Designing Kong Kong: Tsim Sha Tsui terminus design illustrations

Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Terminus A vital transportation hub inone of HK’s most scenic spots

Tsim Sha Tsui deserves a world class transport interchange

With the decision to keep a bus terminus at the Star Ferry Pier in Tsim Sha Tsui, the challenge is to design a transport interchange which is commuter-friendly and well-integrated with Hong Kong’s most popular section of the waterfront along Victoria Harbour.

To respond to this challenge, we have asked OTC, a Hong Kong based firm with global experience in intermodal terminal design, to review the existing plans* and to propose alternative directions. The following illustrations are not final designs but concepts for development. Enjoy the show and let us know what you think. Paul ZimmermanCEO, Designing Hong Kong [email protected]

* The deadline for comments on gazette notice 5862 under the Roads Ordinance regarding the construction of the turnaround at Salisbury Road and Canton Road is 8 November 2011.

mailto:[email protected]

1916 Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry PierAnd covered walkways to connect with other transport

1950 Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry PierNow with a terminus for buses, taxis and private cars

1974: Star Ferry PTI already in place1968 Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Terminus as we know it today Only the buses have changed

© Larry Rudolf

Today Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry TerminusA transport convenience and a run-down eyesore

WHAT TO DO?

The existing terminus provides convenient intermodal transportation service and sheltered access between ferries, buses and taxis, but it is too big, run down, blocks the views and little space is left for pedestrians as sidewalks are overcrowded.

Existing arrangements:The Eyesore Terminus

Cancelled Scheme:The Empty Piazza

The piazza scheme now cancelled by the government would have removed the eyesore and created space for pedestrians. It would also have broken up the transportation hub by moving the bus terminus to TST East, inconveniencing commuters.

The proposed scheme In response to objections by District Councils, the Transport Department decided to keep the bus terminus, but to change the layout to keep some of the open space. The new scheme is a bad compromise unbecoming of Hong Kong’s popular waterfront.

Proposed Scheme:The Bad Compromise

The proposed scheme will increase the visual clutter of the terminus and will make it far less convenient, with bus stops spread out as far as 200m from the ferry terminal, no shelter, and reduced width of the pavement at Star House and the Cultural Center.

200m

Proposed Scheme:The Bad Compromise

Bus Drop-Off

TST deserves a world-class transport interchange. The TST waterfront is our most popular tourist destination, and is Hong Kong’s favorite viewing platform along Victoria Harbour for events and fireworks. We can do better than a bad compromise.

?Proposed Scheme:The Bad Compromise

Alternative 1 creates an opportunity for an iconic design and offers convenient connections between bus, taxi and ferry. It offers better circulation, better public open space, and shelter from the elements.

Alternative 1:The Iconic Terminus

Alternative 2 relocates the bus and taxi zones below street level and vastly improves the views of the harbour, surrounding open spaces and buildings by making the vehicles virtually “invisible”.

Alternative 2:The Invisible Terminus

Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Terminus

Existing Arrangements“The Eyesore Terminus”

Site Plan

2m

3m

8m

Existing Arrangements – “The Eyesore Terminus”

LCSDParking

All transport close together Good weather protection Good vehicle circulation Historic Views blocked Tight pedestrian space Run down Bus stop too big Idling private vehicles LCSD parking in pedestrian zone

Bird’s Eye View North


View from 1881 Corner


View Approaching from Canton Road


View Approaching from Ocean Terminal


Bird’s Eye View East



Transport Department’s New Scheme“The Bad Compromise”

6m3m

2m

LCSDParking

Site Plan

TD’s New Scheme – “The Bad Compromise”

Space for piazza in front of Star Ferry Smaller terminus compared to today Buses and taxis far from Star Ferry No weather protection Views blocked and long line of buses

along Salisbury Road Even less space for pedestrians near

Canton Road Tight circulation near Cultural Center No provision for taxi recirculation No opportunity for iconic design LCSD parking in pedestrian zone

TD Scheme



Alternative 1“The Iconic Terminus”

7m

8m

6m

Site Plan

Alternative 1: “The Iconic Terminus”

All modes close together Good weather protection Good vehicle recirculation Smaller terminus compared to today Improved pedestrian access from

Canton Road and in front of 1881 Mini-plaza near SF terminal LCSD parking relocated outside

pedestrian area Opportunity for iconic design Although improved, some views

remain blocked by vehicles

LCSDParking

In this bus and tram terminus in Braunschweig, Germany, a light, tall canopy provides weather protection and iconic design. Note the limited use of kerbs to improve accessibility and convenience.

© Manuel Draijer, Flicker


In this bus and tram terminus in Braunschweig, Germany, a light, tall canopy provides excellent protection and iconic design . Note the limited use of kerbs to improve accessibility and convenience.



In Hong Kong, we too can design a user-friendly and iconic bus and taxi terminus!



Alternative 2“The Invisible Terminus”

3m

8m

16m

Site Plan (Street Level)

Alternative 2: “The Invisible Terminus”

LCSDParking

Site Plan (Below Grade)

All modes close together Good weather protection Good vehicle recirculation Smaller PTI compared to today Improved pedestrian access from

Canton Road Mini-plaza near SF terminal LCSD parking relocated outside

pedestrian area Open views at street level More costly to build


The Shiliupu bus terminus in Shanghai, south Bund, improves the waterfront by removing buses from street level with two levels of underground bus bays.


At Principe Pio train and Metro station in Madrid, two levels of bus bays are completely underground, opening up a people-friendly plaza at street level while providing excellent convenience to connecting passengers.


At Union Station in Denver, Colorado, buses are moved from street level to an underground station, improving the urban environment while providing excellent convenience to passengers.



Why not spend more and create a bus terminus underground in Hong Kong’s most iconic and scenic location?


Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry TerminusThe larger Issue

Can we make public transport facilities at the waterfront invisible all along Victoria Harbour?

Designing Kong Kong: Tsim Sha Tsui terminus design illustrations

Design

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