POCKET SQUARE addresses the pressing need for affordable housing in Hong Kong, a city facing rapid population growth and limited land availability. The design incorporates a flexible housing model that optimizes vertical space and caters to diverse housing requirements. The modular system within the design highlights a modern approach to urban living, focusing on efficiency and community while making the best use of small footprints.

Modular System

The design features a modular system built around a central core, which allows for different configurations of residential units. Each module covers a footprint of 97.5 square meters for larger apartments, while smaller options measure 53.1 and 59.7 square meters. This flexibility allows the buildings to adapt to varying site conditions, promoting height and creating a unified linear superblock that enhances the functional use of space.

Design Inspiration

The concept takes cues from the structure of bamboo, which grows in a rhythmic and organized manner. Each module acts as a segment that contributes to both shared and private living spaces. This design optimizes land use while fostering connections among residents. The careful arrangement confronts the challenges posed by urban density. It blends privacy with opportunities for community interaction.

Floor Plans and Circulation

Layouts are carefully crafted, providing detailed floor plans from the Ground Floor to the Third Floor. The design emphasizes accessibility and circulation within the building, featuring clearly defined pathways that support movement throughout the structure. Safety is prioritized as well, with designated evacuation routes aligned with standard protocols, ensuring both reliability and coherence in the layout.

Materiality

POCKET SQUARE uses select materials, including concrete panels, shipping container metal, and thermowood. The concrete panels provide strength and stability, while shipping container metal supports the modular aspect of the design. Thermowood adds an element of warmth and durability, distinguishing both public and private areas within the complex.

The vertical nature of the design contributes to an enhanced height-to-area ratio. This allows for a better urban living experience, balancing the need for community with the importance of privacy through thoughtful spatial arrangements.