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SCMP Reporter

I refer to the recently published Urban Design Study for the new Central harbourfront.
It does not take a rocket scientist to appreciate the human need for space and nature, relaxation and comfort, and peace.
This is especially important in a city where we have high-density lifestyles.
Hong Kong has hot and humid summers and because of the high density in this city, there can  be an intraurban microclimatic temperature that can be a few degrees higher than the ambient environment.
This makes walking outdoors uncomfortable.
Air-conditioned spaces provide relief, but given  the need to reduce  greenhouse gas emissions and our impact on global warming, this  cannot be regarded as a sustainable alternative.
The design study's proposals for the  waterfront take account of prevailing winds coming from the east along the waterfront, to have  good air ventilation for outdoor thermal comfort - even on hot days.  Greenery is also important, with grass and  tree canopies for shading.
Pergolas with climbing plants can be very effective. The use of lighter and 'cooler' materials ensures that the radiation heat gain for people is minimised.
I believe the concept of smaller-scale diversity is important on the waterfront, in order to provide variety.
It is important to design the outdoor spaces with a mixture of thermal environments at close proximity that offer people a choice. So, we should have  exposed spaces, shaded spaces, cooler corners and so on, making up the urban landscape.
An empty uniform ceremonial type of large open space, even with a lot of trees, is unlikely to prove popular.
The embryonic elements of good air ventilation, greenery, cool materials and diversity are all in the Urban Design Study's harbourfront plan.
In effect, the study envisages what I would call an oasis.
Edward Ng, director of environmental and sustainable design unit, Department of Architecture, Chinese University of Hong Kong



Study offers harbourfront vision that would provide green oasis