[News from Institutions] Nurturing the Next Generation of Designers: Kai Tak Sports Park Collaborates with Hong Kong Design Institute for an Outdoor Sculpture Design Competition

Kai Tak Sports Park and the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) recently co-hosted the "Kai Tak Sports Park Outdoor Sculpture Student Design Competition Scholarship" and selected ten creative works by the students that are displayed at the Pier Gallery of the Sports Park, injecting local innovative energy into the area and enhancing the park’s artistic ambience.

The ten award-winning pieces were created by three graduates of the HKDI Higher Diploma in Architectural Design programme: Ethan LAW, Jeff LEUNG, and Millie WU. In addition to having their works permanently exhibited in the Sports Park, they were also awarded the "Kai Tak Sports Park Outdoor Sculpture Student Competition Grant.” The winning designs are under the theme "Sports and Senses" that consists of four elements:      aviation, sports, cultural heritage, and human spirit, creating a series of sculptures rich in local character. These sculptures beautifully integrate the themes of sport and culture, movement and stillness, reflecting the unique architecture of the Sports Park and elevating the overall ambiance to attract more visitors.

Paving the Way for Students' Future in Art and Design

This competition provided students with the opportunity to step beyond the classroom and, under the guidance of HKDI instructors, learn how to apply theoretical knowledge to design while balancing aesthetics with safety. Through HKDI’s Centre of Innovative Material and Technology (CIMT), students were exposed to a variety of materials, integrating architectural knowledge into public art design and putting the concept of "think and do " into action. Additionally, they visited factories in Shenzhen to gain insight into the production process and understand the properties of different materials. Engaging directly with industry professionals further enriched their hands-on experience.

Award-winning student Ethan LAW shared, "This experience has been invaluable, broadening our horizons and inspiring us to pursue a path in public art. It has encouraged us to merge architectural design with artistic creation, bringing new design perspectives to the city."

Mr Simon LEE, Director of Design Management at Kai Tak Sports Park Limited shared, "We are very pleased to collaborate with HKDI and showcase sculptures by the winning students in the Park. The sculptures not only demonstrated the creativity and talent of local youth but also embodied the Sports Park's commitment of integration of sports, culture, and the community. We hope the artworks can inspire more people to explore different types of sports and arts."

Dr ONG Lay-lian, Principal of HKDI and IVE (Lee Wai Lee) shared, "We have always been committed to promoting and encouraging cultural heritage. The Kai Tak Sports Park was once the former Kai Tak Airport, which holds a wealth of collective memories for Hong Kong and is a state-of-the-art, world-class sports venue. This collaboration provides students with a valuable opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills on this internationally significant stage, rich with historical meaning, making it particularly meaningful."

Continuing the Glory of Kai Tak's History with "Turbulence"

As the "Home Ground" of Hong Kong, the Sports Park is the new and largest sports and leisure landmark in the city that is also deeply connected with Hong Kong's aviation history. Therefore, HKDI students strived to find common ground between the two themes in their sculpture designs. The team drew inspiration from the wake vortices generated by aircraft during takeoff and the airflow created by athletes running at high speeds, designing a series of sculptures with "Turbulence" as the theme. These sculptures have reflected the speed generated by the athletes and the glory moments of their perseverance, continuing the brilliant history of the old airport and the Kowloon City as well as the Kai Tak community.

Incorporating Chinese Ink Painting Techniques to Convey Grandeur

Considering that the Kowloon City area is rich in historical relics, including Sung Wong Toi and Lung Tsun Stone Bridge, and is steeped in cultural heritage related to dragons, students referenced Chinese ink painting to depict the flow of air created by dragons weaving through wind and clouds in order to present a majestic imagery. The sculptures were incorporated with the dynamic brushstrokes of ink painting, emphasising the connection between the works and the region while highlighting elements of cultural heritage.

Honouring Ten Sports That Shaped Hong Kong's History

The ten sculptures feature ten Chinese characters (and their meanings in English): "流" (Flow), "斬" (Cross), "躍" (Leap), "風" (Wind), "撲" (Strike), "破" (Cleave), "刺" (Lunge), "滾" (Roll), "旋" (Whirl), and "沖" (Sprint), each represents a type of sport that has contributed to the history of Hong Kong athletics: swimming, football, equestrian, sailing, rugby, cycling, fencing, bowling, table tennis and track and field, showcasing the contributions of athletes to the Hong Kong sports scene.

Sculpture "躍" (Leap)

Jumping is a fundamental motion in equestrian, and this piece depicts an athlete soaring in the arena, inspiring a spirit of excellence. It also symbolises the determination to forge ahead and continually surpass oneself. This work pays tribute to Hong Kong’s first successful host of the equestrian competitions during the 2008 Olympics.

Sculpture "剌” (Lunge)

This piece illustrates the agility of a fencer, highlighting the quick reactions and the forward-leaning posture required to score points, symbolising the need for proactive action and steadfast confidence to succeed. It honours fencer Edgar CHEUNG Ka-long, who won gold medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Sculpture "風” (Wind)

In windsurfing competitions, athletes angle their sails to align with the changing wind direction and force to achieve optimal speed and performance. This work symbolises the importance of adapting to environmental changes and adjusting one's direction and strategy with calmness and flexibility to overcome difficulties and achieve success. It pays tribute to LEE Lai-shan, who won Hong Kong's first Olympic gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. 

About Hong Kong Design Institute 

Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) is a member of VTC Group. HKDI was established in 2007 with the mission to be a leading provider of design education and lifelong learning, including architecture, interior and product design, communication design, digital media, and fashion and image design. With a view to providing professional designers for the creative industries, it promotes the “think and do” approach and encourages interdisciplinary synergy in its broad range of design programmes that cultivates students’ cultural sensitivities and sense of sustainability. HKDI maintains a strong network with industry and provides its students with essential practical experience. Overseas exchanges are actively arranged for students to broaden their international perspective.

Website: www.hkdi.edu.hk 

About Kai Tak Sports Park

Kai Tak Sports Park is a fully integrated sports, leisure and entertainment destination. The 28-hectare Sports Park will be part of the redevelopment on the site of the old Hong Kong International Airport in Kai Tak. The Sports Park features a 50,000-seat Main Stadium (named Kai Tak Stadium) with a retractable roof, Indoor Sport Centre (named Kai Tak Arena) with the flexibility to host community sports and events of up to 10,000 seats, and a Public Sports Ground (named Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground) with a capacity of 5,000 seats. These venues will be complemented with extensive public open spaces for events and leisure together with retail and harbourfront dining spaces.

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