News: Foster and Partners starting New Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Construction in Hong Kong

Foster + Partners announced yesterday on its website to have started the construction of the new Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong, a redevelopment that they are in charge of with Dragages team. Reinventing the site of former Kai Tai airport as one of the world's foremost cruise terminals, the project will create a sustainable new gateway to the city and a major entertainment destination for residents.

Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, Hong Kong, © Foster + Partners

The site on the south-western tip of the old runway has dramatic unobstructed views of the eastern entrance to Hong Kong harbour, framing both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The terminal has a large, rectangular footprint and is arranged over three main levels, punctuated by by four atria that draw daylight deep inside the building. A pedestrian promenade rises up through the terminal and opens onto a large public roof garden, with open and sheltered spaces for picnics, outdoor dining and more formal events such as wedding banquets, all set against the stunning backdrop of the city.

© Foster + Partners

The terminal will have the capacity to disembark a total of 8,400 passengers and 1,200 crew and its design also anticipates the demands of a new generation of larger cruise liners currently being designed.

© Foster + Partners

The spacious interior, which spans 70 metres, is highly flexible — the concourse areas can be converted into a venue for performances, events, and exhibitions, concourse areas can be converted into a venue for performances, events and exhibitions, supported by the terminal's wide variety of restaurants and shops — this ensures that the building will be used all year round and can fully utilise down time. 

© Foster + Partners

Source: Foster + Partners