Central Yards, Hong Kong
Plans the glass building of Central Yards have been unveiled by a consortium of architecture practices, including AL_A and UNStudio. Centred on a powerful concept of 'the bridge' that unifies the surrounding neighbourhoods and the harbour, Central Yards is an iconic groundscraper spanning approximately 400 meters along Victoria Harbour. The mixed-use Central Yards development will encompass 148,600 square metres and have a "biophilic" design. Renders reveal a series of soft-edged, glazed volumes, connected by raised walkways shrouded in lush greenery. Lofty openings will carve through the volumes to form sheltered terraces that double as event spaces on the upper floors.
At ground level, outdoor spaces will wrap around a promenade of "purpose-designed" stores that contribute to the project's 83,600 square metres of retail space. Contained within the building will be 65,000 square metres of office and ancillary space. Other spaces include a 1,100-seat theatre fronted by a dynamic, reflective facade. Alongside its interior programmes, Central Yards will have a sky garden extending 300 metres across the roof. Meanwhile, at the building's front, a pair of terraces will serve as al-fresco dining areas overlooking the adjacent harbour. According to the developer, Central Yards has "registered for the highest standards from nine of the world's most respected green and smart building certifications". The project's first phase is set to begin in 2027, followed by a second phase in 2032.
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