2024
Location : Tao Fong ShanDate : Fall 2024 Tao Fong Shan : Elder Dr. Wong Fook Yee, Reverend Dr. Philze Lau, Edmond So, Chiyan Li, Daniel Yeung, Barry LaiDesign : Lily Zhang and Wataru ShinjiLandscape Contractor : Bluet Garden : Director Alice Au, with Leonardo Reffy VenusFirst Planting Ceremony
In fall 2024, we successfully conducted a small pilot trial by planting the first ten native species trees on site, marking an important step in our reforestation efforts. Since that time, we have been diligently monitoring, watering, and providing ongoing care for these ten trees to ensure their successful establishment. They are all growing well and thriving in their new environment, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of native species in promoting biodiversity.
2024
Commissioned by : Chubb Life Hong KongLocation : Art Basel Hong KongDate : Spring 2024 Design : Lily Zhang and Wataru ShinjiProject Management : Ivy CheungProject Coordinator : PROJCT Limited : Mikkel HansenFabricator : Mitsuhiro SakaVideographer : Masataka KiyonoLandscape Contractor : Bluet Garden : Alice AuContractor : Chau Leung FaiPartner : Hong Kong Government Environmental Protection Department, Y.ParkDesign Team Lead : Chung How Yu JonathanDesign Team : Tang Hiu Ching Coco, Lo Wing Hei Rosa, Tsui Ho Yin Tony, Lim Wing Kwan TanyaChubb Life Forest
For Art Basel Hong Kong 2024, we created a small version of Forest for All. Like in Tao Fong Shan, we designed the landscape elements at Art Basel to include only native and naturalized plant species that are ecologically beneficial and suitable for the local environment, so that they contribute to biodiversity and carbon sequestration. We created this little forest in the city center, and made the space with all natural materials, such as upcycled local wood and stone, to correspond with the living trees and plants. After Art Basel closed, the plants were transplanted and returned to nature in Tao Fong Shan through the design of Forest for All.
2023
Award : First Place AwardPlatform : Shinkenchiku Central Glass International Architectural Design CompetitionLocation : Tokyo, JapanDate : Fall 2023 Design : Lily Zhang and Wataru ShinjiTeam : Yeung Hei Marco, Law Pak Lun Parco, Lo Wing Hei RosaJury : Kengo Kuma (Chief Judge), Junya Ishigami, Yoshiharu Tsukamoto, Jun Aoki, Tadao Kamei, Goichi KamochiMountain Space and Tools
The Shinkenchiku Central Glass Design Competition is a prestigious architectural design competition in Japan, and we received the First Place Award for the design of Forest for All in autumn 2023 under the competition theme of “Mountain Space and Tools.” Forest for All was selected as the competition winner for its innovative approach of designing for the environment to restore deteriorating land and benefit an ecosystem. The competition jury included renowned architects including Kengo Kuma as the Chief Judge, as well as Junya Ishigami, Yoshiharu Tsukamoto, and Jun Aoki.
2023
Removal of Exotic Trees
Based on the survey of the existing site condition and trees, a number of deteriorating exotic trees were removed in order to prevent any further damage to the site and to ensure the long-term health and vitality of the surrounding ecosystem. Some of the cut trees were retained and repurposed as new site elements to enhance the experience and accessibility of the area. We carefully removed the dead and decaying trees to minimize further negative ecological impact and clear space for new native species trees to be planted.
2023
Ground Cover Test for Soil Restoration
The existing ground condition was negatively impacted by the fallen leaves from the exotic tree species. To address the issue, we conducted an initial test of ground cover to prepare and restore the soil. We utilized woodland clover species, which are widely recognized for their positive effects on soil health and overall fertility. Clover’s nitrogen-fixation properties work to benefit and nourish the soil on site.
2022
Initial Design Proposal
The site survey revealed that many of the existing trees were older deteriorating exotic species. When the acidic leaves of these exotic species fall to the ground, they change the soil pH level resulting in areas of nutrient-deficient soil where other plants cannot grow. Therefore, we proposed to remove these aging decaying exotic trees, and plant only native and naturalized species in their place to restore the land and benefit the local ecosystem. The design for Forest for All considers factors such as height, leaf density, color, and lifespan for the new tree species to grow with longevity and create new mountain forest scenery for future generations.
2022
Existing Tree Survey
We measured, surveyed, and identified the species of all the existing trees on the site. We produced documentation and drawings of all trees with university collaborators including ecological experts, as well as students. This analysis revealed that a majority of the existing trees were older deteriorating exotic species, raising concerns about their detrimental ecological impact on the site. The highly acidic fallen leaves from these exotic trees had altered the terrain, resulting in large barren areas of nutrient-deficient soil where other plants cannot grow. Few native species were found to survive on site.
2021
Initial Site Survey
By invitation of Professor Wong Fook Yee from the Department of Geography at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, we conducted an initial site visit and survey of Tao Fong Shan. We examined the tree species and quantity, as well as the condition of the soil and plants on site, with Professor Wong’s guidance. While the existing mountain forest initially appeared to be lush and green from afar, closer inspection revealed various problems. Therefore, it was necessary to conduct a more detailed investigation to propose a suitable selection of tree species and a planting plan, with the objective of restoring the deteriorating land.