20 Art

A seed to grow with infrastructure bioremediation system in
Title Hong Kong
Author(s) So, Ho-lung; 蘇浩龍
Citation
Issued Date 2014
URL http://hdl.handle.net/10722/207141
Rights Creative Commons: Attribution 3.0 Hong Kong License

THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, DIVISION OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
A Seed to grow with

Infrastructure
Bioremediation system in Hong Kong
Thesis Advisor: Leslie Chen Candidate: Bosco So Ho Lung
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

Master of Landscape Architecture at the University of Hong Kong in June 2014
OFFICE BLOCK
WATER TANK SYSTEM
LANDSCAPE
PRECAST CONCRETE PRODUCTION AREA
II
A Seed to grow with Infrastructure l Remediation Landscape system
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This thesis represents not only my work in the specific area, it is also an essential
future exploration of landscape architecture disciplines at The University of
Hong Kong at the Division of Landscape Architecture. My studies in Master of
Landscape Architecture have been nothing short of incredible. After these two
years of intense studying, I have learnt that what are the important aspects and
primary landscape aspects to design with. The thesis examines what I have learnt
through the application of Biomimicry design in this Landscape architecture
project.
Bioremediation adaptive uses in infrastructure are the result of my studies by

dozens of explorations and interviews of multi-disciplinary expertise, whom I
wish to thank. Meanwhile, this thesis is also the result of many experiences I
have had at The University of Hong Kong from dozens of remarkable individuals
whom I would like to acknowledge.
First and foremost, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to my thesis supervisor,

Leslie Chen, for his insights and invaluable advice, patience to supervise the entire
project, also for the guidance he has given me. He has been extremely supportive
since I began researching on the topic of Bio remediation landscape. Ever since,
Leslie Chen has supported me not only by providing a practical comment, but
also academically and theoretically through the rough road to finish this thesis.
Besides my thesis supervisor, I would also like to extend my thanks to my thesis

committee who guided me through all year round. Thank you to Mr. Pryor,
Matthew, Mr. Melbourne, Scott, Ms. Tang, Dorothy, Ms.Mak, Vincci, Mr. Scott
Kelly, Ashley, Ms. Cate Christ, Melissa, Ms. Apte, Suvarna and Mr. Bobbette,
Adam for their critical comments and questions.
My heartfelt appreciation also goes to Chris Fannin and Barry Day for offering
me the landscape designer graduate opportunities in their company and inspiring
me a lot with diverse exciting projects.
I wish to thank my fellow classmates, Ada Tong and Nathan Cho, for their
encouraging discussions and for all the unforgettable memories we have had in
the last two years. Also I would like to thank my friends including Kaspar Lam,
Viki Hui, Tim Fu and Andrew Law for enlightening me in the beginning stage of
my research.
Last but not least, my sincere appreciation goes to my family members for
supporting me spiritually throughout my life. Thanks God!
Positioning l Research l Speculation l Programs 1

Grateful acknowledgement is made to the following individuals for their genuine
assistance in interviews, offering valuable knowledge and materials.
Without their help, this thesis proposal would not have been completed:
Assistant Professor
Dr. Chu, Cecilia Louise
Department of Urban Planning and Design,
Faculty of Architecture, the University of Hong Kong
Dr. Hung, Samuel

Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society
Mr. Day, Barry

Senior Associate/ Senior Landscape Architect
HOK International (Asia/Pacific) Limited
Miss Li, Hiu yan

Marine Parks Officer (Development)
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
Miss Sin, Connie

Corporate Communications, Airport Authority Hong Kong
STATEMENT OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
I declare that this thesis represents my own work, except where due
acknowledgment is made, and that it has not been previously included in a
thesis, dissertation or report submitted to this University or to any other
institution for a degree, diploma or other qualification.
(Signature)
2
CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 1
Statement of Academic Integrity 2
CONTENTS 3
1.0 Synopsis 7
2.0 Positioning 13
2.1 Proposition/Hypothesis 14
2.2 Literature & Precedents 15
2.3 Research Methodology 17
2.4 Design Methodology 19
2.5 Proposed Project Brief 21
2.6 Guideline 23
2.7 Fieldwork 23
2.8 Design Area 24
3.0 Research Field Work 26

3.1 Typology of Aquaculture reefs 30
3.2 Conditions Required for Aquaculture reefs 31
3.3 Habitats Equipment 31
4.0 Speculation 34
4.1 Influences 38
4.2 Site Location and Historical Background 39
4.3 Site Analysis and Field work 40
5.0 Design Programs 42

5.1 Future Development and demand 45
5.2 Design Component 48
5.3 Site program 51
5.4 Application area 52
5.5 Master Plan 53
6.0 Case Studies 68

6.1 Case studies Marine Park 70
6.2 Case studies, International 71
7.0 Appendices 73
7.1 Bibliography 74
7.2 Records of interim reviews & responses 76
7.3 Presentation Panels 82

“Hong Kong is a Tiny Place but with
a huge biodiversity ecology”
—Professor Brian Morton
4
A1.0 SYPOSIS

INFRASTRUCTURE
VILLAGE AND NATURAL AREA
6
1.0 SYNOPSIS
In recent years, Hong Kong has had aggressive results in constructing various
infrastructures such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, the Hong Kong
third runway expansion, Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Express Rail Link,
etc. For such constructions, it improves the quality of human life and enhance
transportation networks to another level in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, it creates
some negative impacts and those infrastructures make the surrounding area
become “over-industrialized” and destruct the comprehensive ecosystem which
caused many endangered species hard to sustain. These impacts cause a lack
of social communication between citizens and nature habitats, which include
terrestrial ecology, avian ecology and marine ecology.
Subject to the problems of the mega infrastructure that have been created
in today’s situation, water pollution and natural habitat living condition have
been destructed. Particularly, this thesis attempts to study how to expand the
function of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge in balancing the marine habitat
and infrastructure development. With the objective of rehabilitating the infected
ecosystem, restoring the broken connection of nature and human activity,
restoring traditional fishing techniques, social education and future marine
research, these ideas hope to be delivered through establishing and applying Bio
remediation techniques.
This thesis, through crossing with Marine research centre, attempts to generate an
interaction among the marine habitat of an out-of-the-boundary to have mutual
support. At the same time, it aims at deriving a balance towards infrastructure
development and taking the traditional fishing culture as compensation to guide
visitors and demonstrate the fishing techniques in Hong Kong. The configuration
of Bio remediation is targeted to transform infrastructure’s negative impacts into
positive ones.1
Figure 1 - Newspaper clip at 1996 source from: www.thestandard.com.hk

Reclamation development is seriously destructing Chinese White Dolphin’s life. Overfishing is another big problem
1
Water, ecology, pollution, and management, P. Sankara Pitchaiah and B. Sankara Rao., Allahabad, India : Chugh Publications, 1991. P.151

Dolphin distribution points in Pearl River Delta
Photo source: www.wwf.org.hk/
Figure 2 - Dolphin distribution in Pearl River Delta source from: AFCD drawn by Bosco So
The above diagram is indicating dolphin distribution in Pearl River Estuary, China
Dolphin migration points in different seasons
Figure 3 - Dolphin distribution in Hong Kong source from: AFCD drawn by Bosco So
The above diagram is indicating dolphin distribution in Hong Kong
8
Dolphin Monitoring Data in Hong Kong
Figure 4 - Existing vessel fairways in Hong Kong Figure 5 - Existing Dolphin swimming route
Source: Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society Source: Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society
Figure 6 - Chinese White Dolphin in Lantau Island Figure 7 - Seabed level

Source: Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society Source: Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society
Figure 8 - Analyze the number of Dolphin re-sightings

Source: Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society

“One of the best ways to save dolphins
is to avoid all industries that exploit
sea life.”
—Ric O’Barry’s Dolphin
10
B
2.0 POSITIONING

12
2.0 PROPOSITION
[Recombinant hybrid ecologies]
Subtitle: Urban Dwelling for co-existing habitats
Urban infrastructure: Hong Kong Zhuhai Macau Bridge, Hong Kong International
Airport third runway expansion
Habitats with infrastructure: (terrestrial: Squirrels, Monkeys; Marine Habitats:
Chinese White Dolphins and various types of fish)
The project proposition: In recent years, Hong Kong people are eager to argue the
contest on the topic of utilizing zones of Country Park land and Coastal recreation
development for developing residential house expansions and infrastructures. It
seems that HK’s natural environments are a sufferer of a lack of strategic, urban
development control. Moreover, some certain updates has been shown in WWF’s
work lately. They are going to protect Hong Kong’s Country Parks and coastal
recreation area including 77 Country Park enclaves and 5 coastal marine zones. In a
way, we should re-think what kind of negative aspects will occur when developing
these natural spaces without any strategic planning. Some organizations claimed
that Hong Kong had plenty of lands outside country parks that could be used for
development. Is it true or not? Before looking at the proposal of the development
of residential construction in country parks and coastal recreation zones, the
HKSAR government has been establishing vast alternations. Major land uses are
already reserved for exploiting Housing, Green belt and Brownfield.
A new challenge for nature conservation in Hong Kong

My quote: I believe urban growth doesn’t have to destroy nature at all. On the
opposite, urban and nature can work coherently with in-depth studies and wise
strategy to work out the best living environment.
Narrative: This study found species diversity in single multi-habitat environments.

Multi-habitat landscapes by composing species-area curves for various ecologies
in recent year, the HK government tended to develop the Coastal area and
Country Park to substitute the needs of rapid urban development. Due to huge
human population in the next 20 years, the proposal on developing alternative
land uses in country Park and coastal area is now developed in Lantau Island
and new territories. This design manual aims at exploring crunching data from 3
categories to determine a city’s identity. From commerce to transportation, urban
to nature, atmosphere to water, these aspects reveal a condition’s strengths and
weaknesses.2 I hope to find out ecosystem functions, deem them crucial enough
to substitute. It is actually also decided to look for ways to achieve in preserving
ecology in the built situation. Besides, in a city full of people, the urban ecosystem
catalyzes connections that lead to healthy communities and economic bloom.
The project is going to get closer to achieving a city where living conditions and
biodiversity blossoms promote well-being.
2
Beatley, Timothy. Biophilic Cities: Integrating Nature into Urban Design and Planning. Island Pr, 2010. P.81

2.1 Proposition
This petition targets to encounter with the work of growing the undeveloped zone
in Hong Kong. A research question is going to explore how we can limit the urban
development of a complete habitat when utilizing productivity and promptness.
Strategic sustainable development for urban which are the growth boundary,
urban green belt or urban infrastructure. Most of them are limited in development
passively. Rather than to develop a natural edge to some city boundary, my
attempt is to attain the ecology power in center development and improve the
environment so as to create more hubs for the surrounding ecologies. A trans-
species approach would make certain positive effects to the city by introducing
non-native species into urban, from nature to the city. An introductory
approach also creates a suitable environment to raise the ecological health of the
surrounding habitats.
Introducing ecology to live in an urban idea conflates strategies of landscape and

biodiversity with infrastructural planning design. It will shape intelligently the
future development in HK with the aggressive metro construction.
Figure 9 - Fisheries production Survey source from: AFCD drawn by Bosco So

This above map is showing the distribution operation overall at 2012/13
14
Figure 10 - Reclmation map and influence surrounding habitat source from: AFCD drawn by Bosco So
Reclamation development is seriously destructing many natural habitat’s life.
2.2 Literature & Precedents
Nowadays, the edges between nature and humans are obviously fading out
as human activities seriously invaded in the wildlife’s area. This project is a
critical thinking petition for the construction of a productive and multi-trophic
ecosystem based on natural and ecological systems of life. Since the demands
of the human population will transform the potency of future urban cities, a
possibility of sustainable growth approach is preferred. That being said, a new
system will serve qualitative growth in the world for incorporating “forbidden”
habitats into the urban which fosters a more intimate relationship between men,
forbidden nature and complete freedom.
The ambition of this project aims at selecting various natural habitats and
evolution of the architectural typologies for the sake of opportunities of new and
hybridized types to form a contemporary living system. 3
3
Oyster Restoration Reaches New Depths,
http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/newhampshire/explore/oyster-restoration-reaches-new-depths.xml

Figure 11 - Pollutans Diagram source from: www.wwf.org.hk drawn by Bosco So
This diagram is showing the portion of different pollutans in Lantau sea
Figure 12 - Marine traffic classification source from: Marine Department (Hong Kong) drawn by Bosco So
This diagram is going to show the marine traffic classification in Lantau Sea
4
Biotechnology and the ecology of big cities, Sergey D. Varfolomeev, Gennady E. Zaikov, and Larisa P. Krylova, editorsRussia.,
New York : Nova Science Publishers, Inc., c2011. P.80
16
2.3 Research methodology
At this stage, the research methodology tends to find out the relationship of
habitat heterogeneity/diversity and animal species diversity, trans-species urban
theory and the application of multi-trophic ecosystem via GIS data analysis,
dynamic mapping and case studies.
Three types of methodology that I will attempt to use: Demographical analysis,
case studies mapping and ecological population analysis will be adopted. All of
these aspects will attempt to attain the incorporation of hybrid ecologies future
life. Such basic issues will be delivered through empirical methods and scientific
experiment in order to establish four terminologies.4
In demographical analysis which is related to habitat heterogeneity, some

species-specific habitat preferences (such as vegetation, other fauna, hydrology,
climate and topography) determined animal’s geographic distribution of animals.
Secondly, ecological population analysis, which means the trans-species urban
theory, targets to examine how the forbidden habitats can bring a certain benefit
to human or future. By studying human-wildlife interaction and cultural diversity
(Mapping) in attitudes toward forbidden nature, in order to generate a new master
planning strategy. Urban moral landscape and human-animal relations are the
main gaps which can be bridged by the physical environment and propelled the
natural society relations to the fore in the city framework.
Figure 13 - source: www.wwf.org.hk

Pollutans Diagram
This picture is showing a process of
water harvest
“The fostering of wildlife areas in

cities is too complex an operation to
be left in the hands of ecologists.”
-O.L. Gilbert

Figure 14 - Marine Traffic source from: Marine department, Highway department drawn by Bosco So
This diagram is showing the marine traffic development in HK
Figure 15 - Handling Public Fill source from: Marine department, Highway department drawn by Bosco So
This diagram is showing the route of delivering public fill in HK
18
2.4 Design Methodology
Proposed Design-Research Process: Space for urban wildlife
Abstract
This research focuses on the biodiversity being applied to an existing greening
or environmentally-friendly place such as a green roof or sky garden. All of these
are leading to an amendment in Hong Kong. Being part of an urban biodiversity
strategy, sky gardens and green roofs are currently situated on high-rise buildings
with flat roofs. Furthermore, the guideline is also providing the place with various
vegetation and animal habitats on the sky gardens and green roofs.
Different substrate thicknesses and natural soils also create an opportunity for
benefiting biodiversity locally. As a result, sky gardens and green roofs can also
re-create an alternative close cooperation among the species that have been
involved. In the way, it creates an alternative dwelling for urban nature.
Current Situation
Highly-dense buildings caused by Hong Kong high-rise development building.
It is often easy to see that there is a group of high-rise buildings in Hong Kong
urban area. According to the high density of Hong Kong’s population and the
aggressive economic evolution, it creates a “wall effect” in this urban jungle.
Fortunately, some urban wildlife still can adapt to this hardest situation in Hong
Kong.
Anyhow, wall effect creates a clear boundary for urban and nature. But then, the
situation is going to be changed if Country Parks are exploited into residential
developments. This project is going to study how we can dissolve the problem
when connecting urban to the country parks and natural areas. Also, the project
aims at studying how to avoid the influences to the natural habitat, which lives in
the country park and natural areas.
Figure 16 - Tidal change diagram source from: Marine department drawn by Bosco So
This diagram is showing the tidal level change in South Lantau Island

30% sea level
change
Annual sea level change is about 30% of the amplitude
Figure 17 - Distribution of Seabed level source from: Marine Department drawn by Bosco So
This diagram is showing seabed level in Hong Kong
Figure 18 - Marine Biodiversity Map source from: www.wwf.org.hk

This diagram is showing marine biodivresity map in Hong Kong
20
2.5 Proposed Project Brief
Definition of Green infrastructure
Green infrastructure can be defined as a network of multifunctional open spaces,

parks, waterways, trees and woodlands needed to support a high quality of life
in and around our towns and cities.5 Infrastructure can bring about many side
effects to natural environment but we can also thoroughly use the structure
to make some positive contribution to nature. There investments are in green
infrastructure valuable and do they deliver economical, ecological and social
advantages and added –value? In addition, can a multi-functional approach with
sustainable place keeping when planning green investments safeguard its success.
Target urban ecology

1. The types of habitats that are living in the urban area especially marine
ecology (Chinese White Dolphin)
2. The types of habitats that pay seasonal visits to the urban area
3. Wildlife/ living in the suburb area
Figure 19 - Major habitats in the Southern Lantau Island side drawn by Bosco So
The above habitats diagram is showing the life condition in a year
5
Environmental biotechnology : theory and application, Gareth M. Evans, Judith C. Furlong., Chichester, West Sussex,
UK ; Hoboken, NJ : Wiley-Blackwell, 2011. P.241

Figure 20 - Country Parks Map source from: Planning Department
This diagram is showing country parks in Hong Kong
Country Park in HK
1. Shing Mun 15. Ma On Shan
2. Kam Shan 16. Kiu Tsui
3. Lion Rock 17. Plover Cove (Ext.)
4. Aberdeen 18. Shek O
5. Tai Tam 19. Pok Fu Lam
6. Sai Kung East 20. Tai Tam (Quarry Bay Ext.)
7. Sai Kung West 21. Clear Water Bay
8. Plover Cove 22. Sai Kung West (Wan Tsai Ext.)
9. Lantau South 23. Lung Fu Shan
10. Lantau North 24. Lantau North (Ext.)
11. Pat Sin Leng 25. Tai Po Kau Special Area
12. Tai Lam
13. Tai Mo Shan
14. Lam Tsuen
22
2.6 Guideline
I. Apart from a park, any existing interface or platform which is designed

for urban habitats to live in?
II. Can the coexisting urban habitats live with humans?
III. Where should we create an urban dwelling for urban habitats?
IV. Is it necessary to design an interface for urban habitats?
V. Is it possible to design some checkpoints for urban wildlife to accomplish
their trail (for seasonal species)
Figure 21 - Country Parks Map drawn by Bosco So Figure 22 - Country Parks Map source: Marine Department
This diagram is showing the future connection in Hong Kong This diagram is showing Dolphin, Seastar and Coral’s status in HK
2.7 Field work
• Lantau Island Coastal Development

• Country Park (urban area/ transport Station)
• Kai Tak River linking with ecosystem & new CBD development
• Plugin some intervention in infrastructure for urban nature to live
(or urban skyscraper buildings)
LANTAU ISLAND COASTAL

2.8 Proposed design area
The district of South Lantau Island. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge

(HZMB), straddled across Pearl River Estuary, connects the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region (HKSAR), Zhuhai City of Guangdong Province and Macao
Special Administrative Region. The length of the bridge in total is 42km, from
the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities to the Zhuhai/Macao Boundary
Crossing Facilities. This project offers the potential to attract eco-tourism from
the surrounding Asian metropolitan areas, particularly tourists from Zhuhai and
Macau.
The complex ecosystem and construction environment in HZMB is facing many
restrictions. Limited restrictions such as environmental standards, typhoons,
crisscross navigation—all of these aspects—need to be taken into consideration
frequently.
This project aims at raising public awareness that to build up an inveterate
perception in ecology related to the intensity and age of urbanization. From the
core to urban fringes, it is complicated to adopt contemporary urban patterns.
Not surprisingly, cities are being developed abruptly, are dispersed aggressively
and are sprawling cruelly in suburb and non-urban areas. Crossing large distances
and embedding ruins of different land uses in the emerging landscape, which
result in decreasing the natural habitat’s living condition.
Even though, there are some existing assessments but mostly they refer to the
historical data instead of having up-to-date urban pattern analyses. Nowadays,
the dramatic expansion is changed for the ecological habitat.
Urban ecology model is delivering the huge scale loss and fragmenting natural
and semi-natural habitats globally. Urbanization is one of the major chauffeurs
for causing biodiversity loss in some countries, for example, the United States
and Australia.
Figure 23 - Hong Kong Zhuhai Macau Bridge source: HyDD

This diagram is showing the future connection of HKLR
24
Goals of this thesis
1. To analyze and research the biodiversity between a country park and an

urban context
2. To provide a strategic design for adapting urban habitats and a
3. country park habitat
4. To enhance the awareness of living with urban nature
5. To propose a flexible interface, nature sightseeing and living
environment for humans and urban nature
Figure 24 - Nature relationship diagram drawn by Bosco so

This diagram is showing the relationship between nature and human activity
Synthesis
This thesis aims to explore new approaches to making and maintaining high-
quality natural spaces in urban areas and enhancing community involvement and
awareness. It hopes to allow the general public to experience the improvement
and shorten the distance between men and nature. All of these measures will be
implemented on the sites involved: the future ecological system with residential
development in suburb areas such as country parks.6
This thesis hopes to enhance the Public awareness of living with urban wildlife
and understand the importance of the balance of urban and natural biodiversity
protection. After finishing the research, this proposal will then develop
interventions for enhancing public engagement with expanding urban natural
zones.
The initial ideas include an education package and public awareness of the urban
habitat sites. The findings of designing an urban habitat will be disseminated
through nature managing profession skills, urban planning and policy making
for developing the future of Hong Kong.
6
Animal social complexity : intelligence, culture, and individualized societies, Frans B.M. de Waal and Peter L. Tyack.,
Cambridge, Mass. ; London : Harvard University Press, 2003. P.68

26
C
3.0 RESEARCH FIELD WORK

“A man-made mobile island for
marine life research. Disappeared
mysteriously after much wandering.
Since the facility members are still
alive, it is assumed to be concealed
intentionally.”
—FFVIII Info Corner
28
3.0 RESEARCH
Background: In this centre, a facility focuses on making Hong Kong and other coastal
cities sustainable by helping them adapt to climate change, become more energy-
efficient and reduce marine pollution. Likewise, it aims to create a hybrid lab around
the fundamental challenges inherent to coastal cities.7
Introduction
In the 21st century, our oceans are under siege. Human impacts have destroyed nearly
a third of the world’s marine life such as coral reefs. Pollution has damaged marine
ecosystems around the globe. And overfishing has pushed many marine species toward
extinction. This neglect has not only put our oceans at risk, it has put us at risk as well
- shortening food supplies, threatening fishermen and their industry, exposing coastal
communities to storm damage - and that is only the starting point of negative impacts.
This Marine Science is dedicated to making a difference by protecting our oceans.
Through ocean research and education, the public can be informed and encouraged
to take action. Scientists, students and educational groups visit our facility from
around the world to conduct ocean research in this international, pristine stretch of
Hong Kong. In the areas on and around our island, the study things like coral reefs,
fisheries, ecosystems and the biodiversity of marine life. This project is conducting
ocean research and informing the world on the status and importance of our oceans,
especially the research on the Hong Kong marine ecology.
What
The Lab serves as a national, regional, and community resource for research,
information processing, and education.
Programs in Marine Research Lab
1. Marine Research Lab: ocean currents, wave formation, tidal impacts, Euducation
2. Food waste to fish feed factory (Main lab), Mutation
3. Oyster reef, Filtration
4. Seaweed Garden, Observation
5. Mussel Reef POD, Absorption
6. Fish fry farm and Reef, Production
Why
The future of our oceans depends on our accumulated knowledge. The ocean research
will be conducted and the information will be given to users - as well as government
leaders, decision makers, conservation groups and more - with the information you
need to understand how the oceans work, why they are vital to our survival. Ultimately,
how they can be repaired and protected.
When
It will be developed into a facility for urban marine research and education purposes,
with the first phase slated for completion in 2020.
7
Between species : celebrating the dolphin-human bond, Toni Frohoff and Brenda Peterson., San Francisco, Calif. :
Sierra Club Books, c2003. P.32

3.1 TYPOLOGY OF AQUACULTURE REEFS
Figure 25 - Reef type drawn by Bosco So

This diagram is showing different reef typologies
MUSSEL REEF OYSTER REEF SEAWEED REEF FISH REEF
Aquaculture species and agriculture product drawn by Bosco So

This diagram is showing different species growing condition
30
3.2 CONDITIONS REQUIRED FOR AQUACULTURE REEFS
Figure 26 - Habitats studies drawn by Bosco So source: www.jstor.org

This diagram is showing different successful case studies of these habitats
3.3 HABITATS EQUIPMENT
Figure 27 - Habitats studies drawn by Bosco So source: www.jstor.org

This diagram is showing different functions of these habitats

Figure 28 - Hong Kong Link Road source: HyDD
This diagram is showing Hong Kong Link Road’s direction
Figure 29 - Hong Kong Link Road drawn by Bosco So source: HyDD

This diagram is showing the accessiblity of Hong Kong Link Road
32
Where
South of Lantau Island next to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge
Which
The ocean research we conduct in Hong Kong, and the knowledge we provide, are
relevant and valuable to nearly every marine ecosystem in Asia Pacific - and the world.
This project aims to design an ocean research which helps increase awareness of
threatened species, restore the destructed edge of island and support Marine Protected
Areas.
How
The main focus of the project is enable the airport and dive operators to monitor the
coral reefs using the established Reef Check protocols and then to enter the collected
information into a web-enabled database. Also, food Waste Recycling Trolleys: to
collect food waste by a contractor for recycling into fish feed in order to protect the
environment by diverting the food waste.
Who
When students and educators – from primary education to post-graduate – all have
access to world-class education research facilities in an urban ocean laboratory, ideas
become the currency of inspiration.
• Higher educational programming, including public and all university graduate
and faculty research, undergraduate classes, community college programmes,
occupational training for veterans and the unemployed.
• Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) elementary and high school
programming and field trips, educating future workers to replace the 50% of
STEM-industries-related workforce eligible for retirement over the next twenty
years.
Hypothesis
This project hypothesizes that Hong Kong need a multi-dimensional marine centre
which serves education, scientific research, preservation and production purposes. The
project will be experimentally located in a secured costal line adjacent to the future
infrastructure. It also hypothesizes that the secured costal line could be reconfigured
for students and the general public for maximizing its value.
Separation Function
Present Future
Figure 30 - Future development drawn by Bosco So

This diagram is showing HK future development

“Dolphins are threatened critically
by widespread habitat degradation
and habitat loss caused by pollution,
deforestation, dam construction and
other destructive sea development, and
over-fishing”
—Elizabeth Carpino
34
D
4.0 SPECULATION

This diagram is showing the form and structure of Hong Kong Link Road

This diagram is showing the Elevation view of Hong Kong Link Road

This diagram is showing the dimension of Hong Kong Link Road
8
Therapeutic landscapes : an evidence-based approach to designing healing gardens and restorative outsdoor spaces, Clare
Cooper Marcus, Hoboken, New Jersey : Wiley, 2014 P.98
36
4.0 SPECULATION
Absorptive Edges
Site: Southern side of Lantau Island, San Shek Wan
Area: 40ha
Taking advantage of Lantau Island’s geographical environment for aquaculture

and farming system, fishery and tourism are regarded as a twin-engine, the
interaction of which leads to a new system, including eco-aquaculture, and
marine research lab. “Productive” and regenerated edge are the major concept
of the design, are combined with a series of spatial programmes related to both
fisherman and visitors. Visitors will experience fishing village on the Island
through unique tour route which is developed by regenerating local fishing
industry.8
Meanwhile, the goal is to revitalize the fishery and tourism industry on Lantau
Island, to enrich marine species by product addicting, food waste recycling and
preserving marine ecology; transportation, catering and recreation for tourism.
After researching on the coastal edge condition and trail route system on the
Island, the San Shek Wan beach area will be converted into a marine lab, which
focuses on marine medical science and provides a development with small parts
of the aquatic plant industry. At the end, the marine envision will be transformed
into a production lab that manufactures aquaculture products with marine
elements.
In terms of solving the problem of different pollutions from reclamation and

residential release, this project aims to grow different natural bio filters to
purify water quality form South Lantau Island. Oysters are designed as a new
absorption edge to purify the polluted water from local villages. In order to
solve the pollution from the reclamation and construction from HKIA/HZMB,
mussels are proposed to cultivate and filter the pollutants. The goal is to not only
focus on softening the pollution from tough conditions, but to also design some
production centres and educational programmes such as oyster reef, fish reef,
mussel, seaweed aquaculture and underwater experience.
Together with production and sightseeing, a positive cycle is generated by fishery

to attract and driven by visitors.
Figure 34 - Mussel shell source: www.oyster-restoration.org

This diagram is showing the mussel shell pavement

4.1 INFLUENCES
From mapping -> Costal line destruction -> Pollution map -> Reclamation
Map requires: Pollution -> Construction -> human being
What type of pollution influences -> water -> marine ecology -> Dolphins?
Construction impact:
Noise impact:
Water impact:
Food chain:
Analysis
Technical sound marine
Change of all of the education models
Rehabilitation of the marine life is based on different contributing factors. The
following sentence is considered the design criteria to make consolidate design
implementation.
“People can go to the marine lab is not true”
• Why are dolphins’ lives being put at risk?

• How construction endangers dolphins and what is the technical problem
Seaweed nursery, propagate (Fish farm)
• Food waste -> food for fishes
• Spatial experience
Completely urbanized -> in-between -> completely natural
Infrastructure compared with ecological factors

Figure out ways to bridge it and test it
Where pollution comes from?

Where sediment goes?
PULLTION IMPACTS
VESSEL OIL TANK PRECASE COLUMN AVIATION NOISE DREDGING

Figure 35 - Marine Pollution drawn by Bosco So
This diagram is showing the different pollution from marine transportation
38
4.2 SITE LOCATION AND HISTORICAL

4.3 SITE ANALYSIS AND FIELD WORK
40

“Bioremediation is a waste
management technique that involves
the use of organisms to remove
or neutralize pollutants from a
contaminated site”
—R Maheshwari
42
E
5.0 DESIGN PROGRAMS

44
5.0 PROGRAMS
Absorptive Edges
Site: Southern side of Lantau Island, San Shek Wan
Area: 40ha
Introduction: This thesis landscape project category is related to landscape

infrastructure. The project is titled: A seed to grow with infrastructure, a bio-
remediation system in Hong Kong. Before starting to explain the design
methodology I would like to point out how my presentation sequence will be in
the next session. The Project presentation will be divided into 4 sections:
a) Research and Problems defined

b) Project statement
c) Design strategy and suggested solution
d) Exploration
To begin with the research background, a story of reclamation development of

HK background is explained below. Research stage: The Hong Kong government
started reclaiming land from the surrounding sea as early as in the 1860s.
According to the lands that have been reclaimed, different finance and working
areas are distributed in various districts. Not surprisingly, land traffic is no longer
sufficient for human uses anymore, which causes marine traffic to be used more
often. Historically, the Lantau Island had been a landscape regularly in flux, and
was influenced by marine habitats, corrosion, and sea water. Over the past decade,
the edge condition of this Island has turned more static. This edge was created as
an ecologically abundant hub for a decade vibrantly - owning to the reclamation
construction and water pollution, and is no longer relevant ecologically, socially
and economically. However, this constructed edge had been composed for over
16 years, through the development of a complex framework for aviation use and
silt processing. Unfortunately, dredging sediment pollution, coastal development
and overfishing have seriously destructed dolphins’ migration paths and living
conditions. Thus, dolphins cannot survive in the sea in the near future. In response
to preserving our marine ecosystems, the possible way of saving dolphins is to re-
form the food chain crisis and minimize the waste in the sea.
Narrative
This edge was created as an ecologically abundant hub for a decade vibrantly -
owning to the reclamation construction and water pollution, and is no longer
relevant ecologically, socially and economically. This thesis hypothesizes to create
a new way of engaging the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and to stimulate
new ecological, economic, social and education opportunities. As a result of the
opportunities, a new productive landscape that incubates the bio-mimicry design
can be used to rehabilitate the destructed edge. According to an operational
strategy, a new framework has been designed to recover the devastated edge and
establish chances for remediation and production.

5.1 FUTURE DEVELOPMENT & DEMAND
1
RECOMBINANT HYBRID ECOLOGIES
2
TRANS-SPECIES
3
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
4
BIOMIMICRY ADOPTION
HKLR
46
A SEED TO GROW WITH INFRASTRUCTURE

Bio remediation system in Lantau Island
Argument of the existing EIA report:

• To critique the proposed edges of Hong Kong-Zhuhai Bridge near San Shek Wan area
• Mitigating rather than minimizing the edges between the infrastructure and the sea
• How to reconstruct/reform marginal ecology into the infrastructure
• Addressing the negative aspects of current situation
• Because the project’s EIA report did not assess the feasibility of new impact mitigation
proposals
Political issue, Finance issue, Ecological issue

Since the proposed environmental protection of the coastal line of HZMB is restricted for
human and infrastructure usage. The place of looking at marine nature is seriously decreased
and loss of marine habitats. In the existing proposal, there are too many investments in
reclamation but the proposal does not concern about the preservation of marine boundary.
Due to the construction impact to the coastal line of the northern Lantau Island, is there
any alternative to recreate edge condition for marine ecology and a place for Chinese White
Dolphins, shallow fish, corals, sea grasses, artificial reefs; to change the sea wall, depth of
water/ mussels/ some place for educational use/ Vertical sea wall/ Centre and reconfiguration
of edge of facilities centre for Bridge.
Mitigation taken to solve the destruction of the marine boundary.

Standing from the point of a Landscape Architect, I would like to propose a minimal landscape
approach and work on the mitigation of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai Bridge infrastructure.
I would also like to suggest the establishment of affordable and recreational edges for the
proposed HZMB area.

5.2 DESIGN COMPONENT
Figure 36 - HKLR to China source: HyDD

This diagram is showing the HKLR connection to Mainland China
SHA LO WAN
HK AIRPORT
Figure 37 - 1 to 20,000 Section drawn by Bosco So

This diagram is showing the spatial relationship between HKLR, HK airport and Lantau Island
48
Question to draw out in the research stage: We have to develop several

infrastructures to sustain the city’s future development, but it brings a series of
problems to our nature such as water pollution. (1. Dredging from reclamation,
gravel and sand, 2. Oil spills from vessels and oil tanks, 3, Fertilizer run-offs
from cultivation). These problems are affecting 18 natural habitats. For HZMB,
Chinese White Dolphins are the direct victims from this construction. Can we
lower water pollution by turning negative impact of bridge into positive ones?
As landscape design professionals, can we take it as another opportunity

to turn this as a tool to restore the infected ecosystem in South Lantau Sea?
HZMB creates some negative impacts such as water pollution to Lantau

Island habitat and citizens. In terms of citizens, Tung Chung Bay, Tai Ho Wan,
Sha Lo Wan, San Shek Wan are part of the villages that are being affected.
According to an operational strategy, a new framework has been designed to
recover the devastated edge and offer chances for remediation and production.
After establishing this process, it can benefit both the aquatic life and the people
that live next to the site. San Shek Wan has been selected as a catalyst site for a
more elastic and resilient edge. To apply landscape skills in degrading the water
pollution can balance the urban development and natural ecology.
SAN SHEK WAN
9
Molluscan shellfish farming, B.E. Spencer., Oxford ; Malden, MA, USA : Blackwell Science, 2002 P.52

Existing Site Photo
Project statement: The main goal for this experimental project is to improve the
comprehensive ecosystem in Southern Lantau Island Sea, especially the original marine
habitats, traditional fishing culture and the living condition of Chinese White Dolphins
in Hong Kong. Before that, it aims to improve fish’s life condition by improving water
quality. As far as the future infrastructure – Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB)
has created negative environmental impacts on the surrounding area. Responding to
the issues, I attempted to attach a natural filtration system along the existing 21.4km
design. These natural filtration systems will be an aquaculture platform, which can
benefit both marine ecology and fishery resources. It brings the low-value boundary
to a higher level.
Thus, my Design strategy is to apply landscape skills to make another opportunity

to turn the unfavorable facts into favorable. This thesis hypothesizes to create a
new way of engaging the Bridge and to stimulate a next ecological, economic, social
and educational opportunities.10 As a result of the opportunities, a new productive
landscape that incubates the bio-mimicry design can be used to restore the destructed
edge.11
10
Green business opportunities in the Pearl River Delta, Research Department,
Hong Kong Trade Development Council. 2011 P.23
50
5,3 SITE PROGRAM
Design implementation
A seed to grow with infrastructure
Bio-remediation System in South Lantau Sea, HK
Scene 1
When visitors arrive at the San Shek Wan, they can walk
along the Pavement with oyster shell pattern to start their
exploration trail. Since the sun exposure is high in San Shek
Wan. Therefore, the Oyster Shell Pavilion is provided.
Scene 2 & 3
In the Maine Lab, 1/F of the lab provides sea water quality,
water clearance rate and Marine habitat species distribution
in Hong Kong. In UG/F, Visitor can appreciate the undersea
seaweed garden. It examines how seaweed and other marine
habitat systems cooperated well in this experience session.
Scene 4
Since the HZMB construction brings some inappropriate
influence to Tai O which causes Tai O’s brackish marshland in
red and potentially in danger of extinction. Thus, the floating
PODs of translocation of brackish marsh along the HZMB
can maintain this endanger biodiversity. Also, it can build up
a protective seascape profiting citizens and the environment.
Scene 5
During the mega infrastructure construction, fish resources
have been destructed. Meanwhile, Chinese White Dolphins
relie on searching food within this boundary. Thus, a fish farm
idea was obtained. Fish farm POD provided Dolphin watch
pathway and Dolphin Swim Therapy idea. By using the food
and sound echolocation technique to attract Dolphin to stay in
touch with human.
Scene 6
In this scene, Oyster POD examined the Bio-absorption
function of oyster species which helped to main the marine
system in South Lantau Sea. In phase two development, oyster
has been considered to sell for editable uses.
Scene 7
When different flights transiting to Hong Kong International
Airport at night, the illumination of PODs is actually lightening
the sea and offering a new experience.
11
Pickett, Steward TA, William R Burch, Shawn E Dalton, and Timothy W Foresman.
“Integrated Urban Ecosystem Research.” Urban Ecosystems 1, no. 4, 1997 P.21

5.4 APPLICATION AREA
POD: Mussel/ Fishreef

Area: San Shek Wan
POD: Oyster reef

Area: Sha Lo Wan
POD: Kelp reef

Area: Hau Hok Wan
POD: Brackish marsh

Area: Tung Chung Bay
In related to the site condition, some PODs will be working as a dominant

cellular in particular location
52
5.5 MASTER PLAN
*Bio-filtration cellular
symbioses with infrastructure as a remediate affordance

CONCEPT DIAGRAM
IMPROVE THE ECOLOGICAL CYCLE

Phase one
1. Waste Cleanup -> Improve water quality -> Save fish -> Save Dolphin Impacts
2. Initially the system is attached to grow along the bridge
3. New platform of Infrastructure
4. Filter the visible garbage such as: Plastic bag/bottle/Dredging sediment/Vessel oil from Oil Vessel and Oil
tanker
5. Localize and improve the water quality
6. Attach Bio-filter theory to bridge
Phase Two
1. Marine lab operated by scientists and researchers to record the water clearance rate and regularly
observe the Bio-filter workable status
2. Repetition of the modular system is flexible and some of them create a new layer for human activity
and marine habitat. The system is implemented to create the mobility and flexibility of each unit.
For each unit to invade and sail as a single structure or as a colony.
3. Growing ediable osyter/ mussel/ Kelp after developing Phase one development
54
Scene 1
Arrival/ Departure
Education
“Oyster/mussel pavement/ oyster shell Pavilion” as hints when people get off to the San Shek Wan Pier. These materials
create a new trail when walking along the shoreline. It aims to create varies exploration level for users to see the Bio-
filter platform in multi-angle. After finishing the trail, users will walk the floating dock to the Marine Lab.
Below are the natural habitats that visitors can observe in San Shek Wan:
Butterfly
Seastar
Chinese White Dolphin Horseshorecrab
Crab

Scene 2
Marine Research Lab
Education
Undersea sea weed garden
How people use the marine lab?

Marine Lab is composited by the three layers of different uses. In the first layer, a marine recreatuin
research lab is receiving and delivering the sea water anlaysis in the sea daily.
In the Second layer, there is an education platform (Seaweed Garden) which provides catering and marine
education guide. It demonstrates how the fish reef could benefit to both marine ecology such as coral, sea
grass and other marine habitats. Visitor could learn how human being could contribute to the sea. The
idea of participated on fish grazing, user can experience a unique fish grazing experience in an urban area
with infrastructure.
“ Dolphins are threatened critically by widespread habitat degradation and habitat
sea development, and over-fishing. quote from Elizabeth Carpino

“
loss caused by pollution, deforestation, dam construction and other destructive Scene 3
Seaweed Garden UG/F
56
Scene 4
Translocation
Reintroducing Habitats and maintain biodiversity
*Variation/
Size of POD: 25m X 25m X 6m
Depending on the PODs type, the surface of POD
will be changed according to the function uses
Scene 6
Scene 2,3
Scene 7
Scene 4
Scene 5

Scene 7
Dolphin watch
Preservation
*Dolphin Watch/ Recreation PODs

Designing a touchable seascape
The POD gathers in that particular location as Pearl River Delta currents convene in the Subtropical
Convergence Region, and is causing grave damage to the marine ecosystem and for those within a broad
surrounding swath. A remediation is a circular floating structure on the sea surface with the function of
collecting and reprocessing different wastes in the phase one development. For instance, Seaweed POD
can abort 40.8% oil waste from vessel operation or oil tank spills accidents. It is estimated that the mass
is comprised of 40.8% oil and it is ingested by fish and other habitats.
Mussel POD can abort 36 % dredging sediment pollution via the POD operation. It is estimated that the
mass is comprised of 36% of sediment and it is ingested by fish habitats. Oyster POD can abort 30.6 %
fertilizer runoff pollution via the POD operation. It is estimated that the mass is comprised of 36% of
sediment and it is ingested by fish and other marine habitats. In phase two of the development, the filters
will be transformed from Bio-diesel into edible seafood and which will eventually restore the marine eco-
system.
Firstly, the system attempts to improve the water quality by filtering visible and invisible wastes.
Secondly, I am going to expand the function of HZMB without interrupting the existing habitats of its
operation. Ecologically, the system will serve with a water purification function and create more nutrients
for habitats to sustain.
Thirdly, the management unit will give local people an opportunity to further develop the tourism by
welcoming visitors in the fish reef and demonstrating some traditional fishery techniques. Tourism as
the main local economy source can help to support these marginal communities, for instance the existing
villages Sha Lo Wan and San Shek Wan Village by contributing to their economy. The scalable array of POD
is designed for large-scale deployment, covering millions of square kilometers. (Taking the Urbanism).
Standing at the point of citizens, it is no doubt that these infrastructures do not help their life much. In
contrast, it creates noise and water pollution.
58
Scene 6
Illumination
*Eco-infrastructure PODs Developing a productive seascape

Landscape as Ecosystem Accretion - Unlike other fish farm precedents —
where individuals each form a cluster land in a common space - the scale of the
incubator prototype allows for raising productivity and efficiency in a flexible way.
Depending on the edge condition, a new framework is able to be placed on the
injured edge and accrete the suitable eco-condition. The site also offers multiple
scales of cultivation, allowing expansion of different coastal edges.12
Ultimately, this edge can work as an experimental prototype for new type of hybrid
programmes which are ecological, productive, educational and recreational.
Going back to the question that I set up in the research stage. Can we lower the
water pollution by turning negative impacts of bridge into positive ones? Yes, it
could lower the water quality approximately to 50%.
12
Biofilter in Water and Wastewater Treatment, D.S. Chaudhary, S. Vigneswara, H.-H. Ngo, W.G. Shim and H. Moon, 2003 P.33

Scene 7
Oyster Bar
Cultivation
The pool will be designed as an experimental floating unit for production, filtration and harvest.
Basically, there are three layers in the pool which are the nursery layer, walkable pathway and microorganism
farm. The platform attachment beneath existing bridge is a representing harmony in parasite. When the
structures connect together, it will form a series of landscape in the sea.
The productive application and orchestration of a transdisciplinary methodology, demands altered

abilities to structure the variegated system.
The transdisplinary quality of urban pool is capable to reconcile ecology, engineering and design, unified
in my ambition to contribute to the cities as livable, resilient and life supporting human environment.
To ensure water and Oyster quality, the operation of oyster bar will be opened after the phase one
development. This platform provided a trading opportunity for selling oyster to Aberdeen or other
seafood places.
Phase 1 Phase 1 Phase 2

Cultivate Filtering Export to other ports
60
*POD study
Connecting with different components
Hypotheses
Due to the Infrastructure construction

impact to the coastal line of the
north Lantau Island, the fishermen’s
livelihood and the marine ecology’s
boundary have been affected
distressingly. Is there any alternative
way to recreate edge conditions for
marine ecology and reconfigure the
edge of facilities centre for Hong Kong-
Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and increase the
variety of marine biodiversity?
Offer
The thesis attempts to offer an

international oceanic research lab
dedicated to improving mankind’s
awareness of the nature and
predictability of marine ecology
variability and change in the Asia-
Pacific sector. Likewise, the design
aims to explore innovative ways to
mitigate between infrastructure gained
and marine life for the benefit of urban
evolution

Section B’B
According to the mitigation system, fish farms have two major advantages:
The buoyancy structure of plastic fish farms can guarantee to keep the platform afloat because of the
buoyant force of the hollow structure. Secondly, it will also position the platform as one of the leading
tourist attractions to visit the site by ship. At the same time, the collected fish production will then be
delivered to the next port by the same ship.
The platform itself is a circular shape that rises above water and also goes below with a hollow structure
in the middle. The outer round shape holds the user experience platform and is connected at intervals
by bridges that are enclosed underwater. Fishing banks are produced by the recycled plastic funnel up
through the middle of the round shape. This process also helps to maintain the buoyancy of the structure.
62
CONCEPT DIAGRAM
Section A’A
The below section shows the relationship between POD and Bridge

Design Consideration, after using these bio-filters
After mussels, oysters, kelps and marshes utilize their function of purifying
the water system, the material of these debris will eventually become biofuel
or biodiesel. Ultimately, these materials are an original material of providing a
sustainable energy.
How do people use the marine lab?

Marine Lab is composited by the two layers of different uses. In the first layer, a
marine research lab is experimenting and recording the water quality in the sea
daily.
In the second layer, there is an education seaweed garden which provides catering
and coral and seaweed garden. It demonstrates how the seaweed reefs could
benefit both marine ecology such as corals, sea grasses and other marine habitats.
Basically, marine research analyzed a fish feed production and diving is promoted.
By using the food waste transfer into fish feed, visitors could learn how human
beings could contribute to the sea. The idea of participated on fish grazing,
users can experience a unique fish grazing experience in an urban area with
infrastructure.
The HZMB Bridge moves through distinct elements and spaces. By extending the
body of the bridge, this design builds a new dialogue between currently disparate
elements. The landscape becomes structural and elevated, yet grounded in the
human experience as visitors engage the sea and its processes. The structure
becomes a living scaffold; providing the armature for urban activity, energy, and
vivacity to meld with the unique rhythms, cycles, and seasons of the Southern
Lantau sea.
Waste filtering
In the middle of the Lantau Island sits in a mass of garbage that is 18.3% the size
of the entire sea which has been estimated to contain over the (1. Dredging from
reclamation, gravels and sand. 2. Oil spills from vessels and oil tanks. 3, Fertilizer
run-offs from cultivation). The pollutions are listed in the following:
1. 12% of oil entering the seas each year (1.5 million tons) was estimated to
come from vessel, from operation, deliberate discharges
2. 11 tons of Dredging sediment (sand and gravel 60%) 25% of Lantau Island
3. 477 tons of fertilizers runoff (4.7% of Lantau Island)
64
SECTION C’C
0.4 ha can cultivate 1.5 million oysters. Each oyster can filter 50 gallons of water.
In this system 400 SQM can cultivate 7,500 oysters in each POD
Approximately, the water clearance rate is up to 40.8%.
d) Exploration:
The POD will be designed as an experimental floating unit for Cultivation,
Remediation and recreation. Basically, there are three layers in the pool which
are the nursery layer, walkable pathway and working platform. The platform
attachment beneath existing bridge is a representing harmony in cellular. When
the structures connect together, it will form a series of landscapes in the sea.
The productive application and orchestration of a transdisciplinary methodology,

demands altered abilities to structure the variegated system. The transdisplinary
quality of POD is capable to reconcile ecology, engineering and design, unified
in my ambition to contribute to the cities as livable, resilient and life supporting
human environment.

MINI SURVEY
Hypothesis:
A tiny space but it accommodates a wide range of marine biodiversity.
Project Nature: Marine Science Research Lab

Project Intention:
1. To establish a centre with marine landscape/ seascape
2. To rescue the endangered marine species such as Chinese White Dolphin…
3. To improve the water quality and marine biodiversity in the sea
4. To increase the fish production in the North of Lantau Island
Ambition:
This thesis studies attempts to bring out the feasibility of preserving marine
habitats’ life coherent with human activities/infrastructure in the future. Even
though some of the hypothesis in this studies may not be able to be figured out at
the moment, the studies would like to explore various possibilities that we could
achieve in the future. A vibrant city life needs your advice and opinions. Thank
you so much.
Question 1
What is the best way to help scientists and environmental activists plan a
biodiversity strategy for Hong Kong’s sustainable life? To adopt ecological
skirting or nature water filtration system in some infrastructure? (Related to
methodology)
Question 2
Hong Kong is situated in a controversial area in dealing with infrastructure and
nature. Most of the scientists think HK is an amazing place and has a wide range
of marine ecology. Is there an opportunity to form a Marine research Lab and
play a role of advising the Government to eliminate impacts to the environment?
Question 3
To connect with China, Macau and
Hong Kong more conveniently, Hong
Kong-Zhuhai-Macau crossing bridge
construction is necessary to develop.
Likewise, Hong Kong’s third runway
construction is also going to be built in the
near future. As landscape professionals,
can we take advantage of this bridge to
expand it into a remediation system?
66
MODEL MAKING

68
F
6.0 CASE STUDIES

6.1 Case studies, Marine Park
Generally, people misunderstand that Hong Kong Country Parks represented

70 per cent of the city’s territory, including Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, New
Territories and all outlying islands.
The accurate figure for parklands is 40 per cent. Wildlife, uncontrolled woodland,
grassland, barren land, wetland, shrubs land and bodies of water have taken up
the remaining 30 per cent. I would question myself whether our city is reserving
enough use of the remaining 30 percent or not? Absolutely, country parks should
be reserved for future urban development. As our current decision determines
how people live and occupy the space with the natural and urban.
While natural habitats such as birds and butterflies do not have a voice, it is a big
challenge for landscape architects to design what they need. Residents actually
hold the important position to resolve the conflict between communication and
urban development. Besides, based on the Biological diversity, the preservation
formulation of Hong Kong’s first biodiversity and urban renewal planning action
are aimed to establish in the next development.
An active public engagement and the consideration of conservation are adopted

in the entire development project. By all means, Hong Kong’s natural legacy is
what we are going to preserve. Last but not least, we also play a part in writing
Hong Kong’s conservation history.
Reclamation history
Hong Kong has experienced 170 years of land reclamation. Since 1841, the city
growth and population increase stressed the need for new flat land in this hilly city.
This analysis shows the relationship between city expansion and land reclamation
and the factors may influence the decision making of land reclamation methods.
Case studies 1- Hoi Ha Wan

Hoi Ha Wan was set up to take a holistic view of the Marine Science Park. Also, it
is the only one marine research lab in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong’s waters were once abundant with

marine life but today the marine environment
suffers from pollution, development and
overfishing. Air pollution, mainly contributed
by motor vehicles and power plants, is another
serious problem that is affecting local wildlife
and public health.
Thus, it is important to educate the general

public
70
6.2 Case studies, International

Case study 1 - Peberholm
In this case study – Peberholm, this is an artificial island that made by humans
and to be built to preserve ecology. The bridge designs across the Øresund
required extensive use of Saltholm as a stepping-stone for the bridge. Motorway
and railway across Saltholm is required to serve the human activity but it was
finally abandoned in view of protecting the island’s natural habitats.
The site is situated in the belief which can ensure the freest flow of water through
the sound. Furthermore, Peberholm has been protected by strict Demark and
Sweden law. In this situation, it only allows biologists and permitted scientists
to visit the specific area once a year. Biological experiment has been taken in
this island and the island will flourish on its own creation without human
development. As the data collected till June 2007, it has recorded more than
454 species of plants including 20 species of spiders and more than 12 species of
birds, data collected from permitted Biologists.
Case study 2 – Night Safari at the Zoo
Night Safari - Singapore’s No.1 Nightspot

Transport from Singapore airport to Night safari at the zoo
The Night Safari is the world’s first nocturnal zoo and is one of the most famous
attractions in Singapore. As the Night Safari is a really famous attraction at
Singapore, it provides wide ranges of wildlife habitats for visitor to see. Also, it
take 1 hour and 30 minutes from Changi Airport to the zoo. To bring visitors
into the center hub of rainforest, it has settled on a spectacular stage with high
interactive show.

72
G
7.0 APPENDICES

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Books
1. McGrath, Brian, ed. Urban Design Ecologies: Ad Reader: Wiley, 2013.
2. Beatley, Timothy. Biophilic Cities: Integrating Nature into Urban Design and
Planning. Island Pr, 2010.
3. Chinese white dolphin, Lun Chui Yuen, Janice, Hong Kong : Friends of the
Country Parks : Cosmos Books Ltd., 2002, Page 5-10
4. Water, ecology, pollution, and management, P. Sankara Pitchaiah and B.
Sankara Rao., Allahabad, India : Chugh Publications, 1991.
5. Biotechnology and the ecology of big cities, Sergey D. Varfolomeev, Gennady
E. Zaikov, and Larisa P. Krylova, editorsRussia., New York : Nova Science
Publishers, Inc., c2011.
6. Environmental biotechnology : theory and application, Gareth M. Evans,
Judith C. Furlong., Chichester, West Sussex, UK ; Hoboken, NJ : Wiley-
Blackwell, 2011.
7. Green business opportunities in the Pearl River Delta, Research Department,
Hong Kong Trade Development Council. 2011
8. Our airport, our future : Hong Kong International Airport master plan 2030,
Airport Authority Hong Kong, 2011
9. Animal social complexity : intelligence, culture, and individualized societies,
Frans B.M. de Waal and Peter L. Tyack., Cambridge, Mass. ; London : Harvard
University Press, 2003.
10. Whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals of the world, Hadoram
Shirihai, Princeton, N.J. : Princeton University Press, 2006.
11. Between species : celebrating the dolphin-human bond, Toni Frohoff and
Brenda Peterson., San Francisco, Calif. : Sierra Club Books, c2003.
12. Therapeutic landscapes : an evidence-based approach to designing healing
gardens and restorative outsdoor spaces, Clare Cooper Marcus, Hoboken,
New Jersey : Wiley, 2014
13. Molluscan shellfish farming, B.E. Spencer., Oxford ; Malden, MA, USA :
Blackwell Science, 2002
Journals/ Researches
1. Pickett, Steward TA, William R Burch, Shawn E Dalton, and Timothy W
Foresman. “Integrated Urban Ecosystem Research.” Urban Ecosystems 1, no.
4, 1997
2. Wolch, Jennifer. “Anima Urbis.” Progress in Human Geography 26, no. 6,
2002
3. Landscape design for bird conservation in Buntine-Marchagee Catchment,
Western Australia, 2010
4. Landscape Urbanism, Fetish? Department of Landscape Architecture and
Regional Planning, Michael Cote
5. Biofilter in Water and Wastewater Treatment, D.S. Chaudhary, S. Vigneswara,
H.-H. Ngo, W.G. Shim and H. Moon, 2003
74
Journals/ Researches
6. On-site wastewater treatment using unsaturated absorbent biofilters, E.C.
Jowett and M.L. McMaster, 1995
7. Parks for Livable Cities: Lessons from a Radical Mayor, The Urban Parks
Institute’s Great Parks/Great Cities Conference, July 30, 2001
8. Dolphins, Therapy & Autism, Michael T. Hyson, Ph.D. Research Director,
Sirius Institute, 2005
9. Effects of Therapeutic Ultrasound On Osteoblast Gene Expression,
Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine 12. J. Harle & J. C.
Knowles, 200
Websites
1. Jaime Lerner, The design of the Curitiba Master Plan,
http://sustainablecitiescollective.com/global-site-plans-grid/253266/vision-
jaime-lerner-curitiba-brazil
2. Enrique Peñalosa, http://www.pps.org/reference/epenalosa-2/#publications
3. Wetland Plants - High Salt Marsh, http://ccrm.vims.edu/wetlands/teaching_
marsh/wetland_plants/high_salt_marsh.html
4. The Use of Aquatic Plants for Algae Control in Domestic Ponds, http://www.
pondtrademag.com/articles/ar-268/
5. Smart Filter Technology Uses Gravity, Not Chemicals, to Clean Up Oil Spills,
http://www.treehugger.com/clean-technology/smart-filter-technology-
could-help-clean-oil-spills.html
6. Applying 21 st century material science to problems of 20th century
chemistry http://www.absmaterials.com/osorb
7. Research shows seaweed could help improve GBR water quality, http://www.
abc.net.au/pm/content/2014/s3990819.htm
8. Natural Dolphin Swims, http://www.dolphinsplus.com/dolphin-swim-
programs/dolphin-therapy/
9. Oyster Restoration Reaches New Depths, http://www.nature.org/
ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/newhampshire/explore/
oyster-restoration-reaches-new-depths.xml
10. Rife Technologies, http://www.rifetechnologies.com/
11. Hong Kong International Airport, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_
Kong_International_Airport
12. Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities, http://www.hzmb.hk/eng/about_
overview_03.html

RECORDS OF INTERIM
Master of Landscape Architecture, Thesis kick-off meeting l Year: 2013-2014
Student: Bosco So Ho Lung l Supervisor: Mr. Leslie Chen
Assistant Professor: Scott Jennings Melbourne
Presentation feedback summary Date: 28 January 2014
• Scott asked about what was the proposal? And what are the thesis statement
or hypothesis? The topic is interesting to explore the balancing elements
between human activities and natural habitats. It would be great that if the
existing problems can be clarified more critically.
• Bosco replied the proposal aims at figuring out the integration of ecology
and airport infrastructure when developing the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau
Bridge and the third runway at Hong Kong International Airport expansion
in 2030.
• Secondly, the thesis hypotheses are based on the following sentence:

• Is there any chance by making the disadvantages in benefiting the existing
expansion? (When developing the third runway, some native habitats
like Chinese White Dolphins will be affected) This thesis is ambitious in
foreseeing the future urban pattern development; not only does it look at the
urban village, but also attempt to take a parallel evolution with nature and
city model.
• Andrew agreed and hoped the problems would be better defined in the next
stage. The aviation problem has happened in many years but people mostly
would not take it as a duty of a Landscape Architect or find any solution to fix
this matter. When we are talking about the term “sustainable and ecological”,
be careful.
• Scott added as HKIA is built on a constructed island, there are whatever

possibilities. You should study what is recognizing HKIA to another airport?
What makes it extreme?
• Bosco answered that during the preliminary research stages, he found that
the airports in Jakarta/Singapore/Netherland/Norway are facing the similar
ecological management problem like Hong Kong International Airport.
The uniqueness of the Hong Kong International Airport refers to two main
reasons. The first reason is because Hong Kong is the busiest airport in the
world. (Travel/ shipping/ trading/ exchange)
• The second reason is that the Hong Kong airport is actually situated on Lantau
Island which is isolated from urban activities the most when compared to
other airports.
76
• Andrew said that it would be an improvement of the adjacent landscape in

the airport. In a way, there is an important problem when migratory birds
are passing by the Hong Kong airport. Most of the flight schedule will be
disturbed by the natural habitat’s movement seasonally.
• Leslie agreed and headed that the project can even think of the process of
the construction. Maybe it can be minimizing the harms of the construction?
This would be an interesting topic to see how to take the balance management
according to the rapid development of today’s urban infrastructure.
• Andrew asked if it would present another way to develop a better HKIA? A

future prototype model and apply it globally? Revise the hypothesis a bit
in this way: can you build a better airport environment? Minimizing the
disadvantage to the environment and also creating more distinctive moves?
• Bosco answered that the project hopes to set up a future aviation model,
which can possibly be established and adapted in different airport districts.
Another ambition of this thesis is to figure out a better environmental
management and minimize the impact on the natural environment.

RECORDS OF INTERIM
Master of Landscape Architecture, Thesis meeting l Year: 2013-2014
Assistant Professor: Scott Jennings Melbourne
Presentation feedback summary Date: 04 March 2014
Scott’s Comment
• At the moment, it is good for you to make a strong argument for your project
and you can work on the diagrams after this. Those diagrams and studies
can be a compelling case study. Try to be focused. I see you have identified
these areas but try to be focused. Define the specialty of the site. When you
are moving forward - before it is too late - rethink the site and statement.
Normally, when doing a similar project, we will think of how to maximize
the benefits. But in this case, the place is being destroyed, it needs a doctor
to restore it.
• I can imagine shifting the focus and see what might be possible again. As you
have analysed many regions, different species would be found in different
sites. And be focused and use one quote and relevant data.
Leslie’s Comment
• You have a strong reason of choosing the site such as the site will provide
educational programme and provide an experience site to inside out passenger
from the International Airport. In recent Infrastructure constructions, it
brings about huge damages and impacts to marine life. At the same time,
this thesis tends to criticize the existing policy of entering into a secured area
like Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Boundary Crossing Facilities. It leaves a room
for us or government to rethink whether the area should be forbidden for all
audience or it should allow some educational programmes taking place in the
BCF area.
• Furthermore, the project can also be described as a Marine science education

and research lab that provides a genuinely practical and educational
programme to students. Unlike other existing marine centres, it provides
a golden opportunity for educating people when they are experiencing how
landscape is incorporated with infrastructure. In the next step, you should
have a better transition in the design implementation stage.
78
RECORDS OF INTERIM
Master of Landscape Architecture, Thesis 3rd meeting l Year: 2013-2014
Honorary Professor: Li Man
Assistant Professor: Ashley Kelly Scott, Adam Bobbette
Presentation feedback summary Date: 28 January 2014
Comments from Leslie:

• Logical presentation from Macro issue to Micro issue on a particular site.
• The statistics are durable and suitable for applying the universe investment.
• For the presentation, clarifications need to be made for the logistics of the
design programme.
• From the amount of visitors to the whole area’s capacity.
• Better to state out the Value of fishing village impacts will relatively be
bringing out. The relationship among fishing village, tourist and filtering
system should be brought out in the presentation clearly.
• As you mentioned that design programmes should not be a single platform,
you can make various design programmes into a series of programmes. The
contrast of both design strategies should sum up into the same design union.
Comments from Li Man:

• It was a good design strategy that you apply landscape and ecology in dealing
with the pollution problem.
• Meanwhile, you may have to consider how to fit your design into different
infrastructures in response to different site restrictions.
• Your design covers an important issue in Hong Kong because of the
urbanization here has destroyed many primary production and the traditional
culture.
Comments from Adam Bobbette:

• As for the marine lab, you could even take the marine research lab into
consideration. Try to find the differences between an existing and a future
marine research lab that you proposed.
• More site background information would be appreciated
• I would like to know why the fisherman cannot use fast boats to go to other
boundaries to capture fish. As you mentioned that it is because the food chain
which affects the cycle of marine ecology. I am interested in knowing what
species will be affected. For the next step, you can design the unique site.
Comments from Ashley Kelly Scott:

• What are you struggling with now?
• Try to work on Plan first and design the obstacles in a 3D program later

RECORDS OF FINAL THESIS PRESENTATION
Master of Landscape Architecture, Thesis presentation l Year: 2013-2014
Mr. Matthew Pryor, Miss Dorothy Tang, Miss Melissa Cate Christ
Final Thesis Presentation feedback summary Date: 5 June 2014
• Matthew asked about how to determine the structure of the POD remediation.
What problems or aspects inspired you to make this POD remediation? What
kind of materials will you design for this POD? Do think you should take a
generic design or a site-oriented approach? This is a good approach to turn
something bad into something positive as much as landscape design can do.
• Bosco replied, that the proposal aims at figuring out the integration of
marine ecology and Bridge infrastructure in the development of the Hong
Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. During previous case studies, he realized that
the negative impacts produced by our human activity are totally threatening
the marine life’s living condition, which might ultimately bring out a bad
consequence and destruction to us in near future. The configuration of POD
Bioremediation along the 21.4km long Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge
works as a natural filtration system. Taking an advantage of the structure of
HZMB, these PODs are attached beneath the bridge. Depending on different
situations, the POD system is providing flexibility to grow and move to
another area that needs to be restored. As for a landscape design approach,
I suspected this solution can be turned it into a good one which is beneficial
for natural habitats and human beings.
• That being said, the main materials used for making the POD is concrete
with hollow structure which can ensure the buoyant force of the POD.
The ambitious idea of creating a POD system is to turn negative impact
by infrastructure into a positive and good solution to restore the infected
ecosystem. Furthermore, my design intention is to design a generic design
which can be adopted to worldwide situations.
• Dorothy asked about the water flow and main sources of water pollution?
How many phasings will there be? What are the advantages of using this bio
filter? What is the result of using these filters in Lantau? What kind of water
are you targeting to filter?
• Bosco replied the water flow mainly comes from the East to the West and
from the North to the South which caused the vessel oil spills deliver from
Lung Kwu Chau to the South Lantau Sea. Meanwhile, from the east side
to the west side comes the pollution of dredging sediment, which is from
Tung Chung bay to Tai O, to be more specific. Unlike other engineering water
filtrating system, a new remediation system use natural habitats to absorb
waste from human construction sites such as mussels, seaweed and oysters.
In terms of landscape mitigation approach, bio remediation can filter more
than 40.8 % of water with a low-cost investigation.
80
RECORDS OF FINAL THESIS PRESENTATION

• Since different bio filters owe their unique functions to purify water and
grow at varying sea levels, for instance: mussels grow in intertidal and tidal
areas. Mussel can absorb gravel and sand (water pollution from dredging
sediment). Oysters grow in intertidal and shallow areas and absorb chemicals
from village’s fertilizers. Seaweed grows on varies sea levels, from 3 meters to
33 meters. Moreover, Seaweed can actually filter the oil spills at sea and some
chemical spills excess in the sea. Thus, the possibilities of filtering different
wastes in the South Lantau is approachable and can be widely used in HZMB
direction. As a result, when using these bio-filters, the 40.8% clearance rate
of water is estimated, which is 75 million gallons of water out of 150 million
gallons of water in the South Lantau Island water.
• Dorothy replied I can see there is a big potential to solve the water pollution
problem in Hong Kong. I trust that it is a valid project to explore the future
application of landscape in crossing multi-disciplines. To strengthen your
design proposal, I suggested you to investigate more water flow diagrams
and waste flow diagrams to explain how your design can solve the current
problems.
• Leslie replied Bosco has done water flow and waste direction diagrams and I
have seen it in the previous stage during the tutorial class. The intention of
this presentation is to show how the system can cooperate with the bridge
and expand the function approximately in the near future.
• Melissa asked about what is the filtration strategy in the proposal? How
many phasing would there be as I observe there are many activities in the
system? Could you explain a bit how those activities related to each other?
• Bosco replied that he wanted to lower the water pollution and enhance the
water quality after applying the proposed system. In addition, we have to
restore the whole ecosystem instead of only focusing on one pollution to
filter. Otherwise, at the end of the day, the system cannot work without
lowering all water pollutions. The only possible way to rehabilitate the whole
ecosystem is to take note on the existing problems and find a solution to
restore it. As a result, I designed multi remediation of POD appointing to
different pollutions such as sediment, oil spills and fertilizer runoff. Referring
to the food chain crisis theory, Oysters can cultivate bacteria and seagrasses.
Mussel can cultivate microorganisms, seagrasses. Fish farms have enough
nutrients to cultivate because of mussel, seaweed and oyster POD. Eventually,
these remediation POD (BIO remediation system can install refer to different
levels of infected and plug in.

82

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A seed to grow with infrastructure bioremediation system in

Title Hong Kong

Author(s) So, Ho-lung; 蘇浩龍

Issued Date 2014

Rights Creative Commons: Attribution 3.0 Hong Kong License

A Seed to grow with

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

WATER TANK SYSTEM

PRECAST CONCRETE PRODUCTION AREA

Bioremediation adaptive uses in infrastructure are the result of my studies by

First and foremost, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to my thesis supervisor,

Besides my thesis supervisor, I would also like to extend my thanks to my thesis

Positioning l Research l Speculation l Programs 1

Dr. Hung, Samuel

Mr. Day, Barry

Miss Li, Hiu yan

Miss Sin, Connie

STATEMENT OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Statement of Academic Integrity 2

3.0 Research Field Work 26

5.0 Design Programs 42

6.0 Case Studies 68

Positioning l Research l Speculation l Programs 3

Positioning l Research l Speculation l Programs 5

VILLAGE AND NATURAL AREA

Figure 1 - Newspaper clip at 1996 source from: www.thestandard.com.hk

Positioning l Research l Speculation l Programs 7

Photo source: www.wwf.org.hk/

Dolphin migration points in different seasons

Dolphin Monitoring Data in Hong Kong

Figure 6 - Chinese White Dolphin in Lantau Island Figure 7 - Seabed level

Figure 8 - Analyze the number of Dolphin re-sightings

Positioning l Research l Speculation l Programs 9

Positioning l Research l Speculation l Programs 11

A new challenge for nature conservation in Hong Kong

Narrative: This study found species diversity in single multi-habitat environments.

Positioning l Research l Speculation l Programs 13

Introducing ecology to live in an urban idea conflates strategies of landscape and

Figure 9 - Fisheries production Survey source from: AFCD drawn by Bosco So

2.2 Literature & Precedents

Positioning l Research l Speculation l Programs 15

2.3 Research methodology

In demographical analysis which is related to habitat heterogeneity, some

Figure 13 - source: www.wwf.org.hk

“The fostering of wildlife areas in

Positioning l Research l Speculation l Programs 17

2.4 Design Methodology

Proposed Design-Research Process: Space for urban wildlife

Positioning l Research l Speculation l Programs 19

Figure 18 - Marine Biodiversity Map source from: www.wwf.org.hk

2.5 Proposed Project Brief

Definition of Green infrastructure

Green infrastructure can be defined as a network of multifunctional open spaces,

Target urban ecology

Positioning l Research l Speculation l Programs 21

I. Apart from a park, any existing interface or platform which is designed

2.7 Field work