Victor Gu Architecture Portfolio


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A01 → Shared Spaces in Hong Kong

A Thesis on Perforation


Providing openings in the otherwise monolothic volumes of this mixed-use complex references Hong Kong’s prevalent feature of public spaces in commercial buildings, creating spaces that can provide public benefit in addition to monetary land value.



The structure of this research group was based upon directed research, which required investigating existing conditions to identify a suitable project for its location in both its immediate and greater local context.

Exceptions to the norm of privatised spaces take the form of Municipal Serviecs Buildings, multi-programmed structures provided by the Urban Council
Whereas older Municipal Services Buildings were known for their markets and local shops...
...we now see those spaces of spending being replaced by sports facilities
The result is the introduction of public services and a departure from retail
Mapping the population density, MTR services, and municipal services building locations simultaneously establishes a general trend of accessibility via mass public transport
The district of Wong Tai Sin as a whole contains only one municipal services building, despite neighboring districts to the east and west having many more. For example, Kwun Tong, directly south east,has similar density and land price to Wong Tai Sin, but four municipal services buildings. Wong Tai Sin is thus a case study of underserved community in terms of public service architecture.


The density of Hong Kong is evident from a quarter of its land area being built upon. As the government leases (rather than sells) plots of land to property developers, the latter tends to prioritise maximising the value of each square foot of their leased property, to ensure the flow of capital for the duration of their contract. As a result, they forgo spaces that provide public services—things that do not generate as much (if any) capital. 






Quick collages and single-point perspective sketches helped test ways of using material qualities and layers to place this building within its Hong Kong context.


Section cuts reveal the presence of larger open spaces, creating moments of respite in an otherwise dense volume from the outside.