HIKE & SEEK - Hiking Supporting Facilities at Lantau | Hong Kong

HIKE & SEEK - Hiking Supporting Facilities at Lantau

  • Category: Placemaking, Public Space & Architecture, Design Thinking & Engagement

    Type: Co-creation Workshop | Prototype

    Location: Lantau Island, Hong Kong

    Client: Sustainable Lantau Office of the Civil Engineering and Development Department

    Completion: 2023

In 2021, the Sustainable Lantau Office (SLO) of the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) hired One Bite Design Studio to carry out the consultancy project "Design on Hiking Supporting Facilities at Lantau through Design Thinking Study."

This project lasted 18 months. It aimed to improve the hiking experience on Lantau Island, an area known for its natural and cultural wealth. We engaged 60 members of the public and invited expert members to work together and created solutions that met the needs of hikers and also supported the local ecosystem.

  • The programme focused on six hiking trails at Lantau. These were:

    • Cheung Sha to Shek Pik

    • Mui Wo Local Loops

    • Tai O Local Loops

    • Fa Peng Deng Local Loops

    • Nei Lak Shan Hiking Trail

    • Lantau Peak Hiking Trail

    These were categorised into Easy, Moderate, and Strenuous trails. The selection considered many factors such as accessibility, historical value, and nature's beauty.

    Our Design Thinking Engagement programme found that people hike for different reasons. Some enjoy nature, some like the social opportunity, and others look for challenges. Through engagement, we also learnt that many hikers could not correctly judge the risk of a trail. So, providing better information became an important takeaway. We also realised that the whole hiking experience, from planning to post-hike, needed attention and should be holistically planned.

  • Next came the Design Phase. From the engagement workshop, our team identified five criteria to enhance hiking:

    Identity: This meant creating a consistent brand.

    Narrative: This was about connecting hikers to Lantau's culture.

    Shared: This arose from how hikers want to gather and have group activities.

    Sensory: Hikers want to enjoy hiking through engaging their different senses.

    Functions: This focused on making hiking safer and more comfortable.

    From these criteria, onebite created design objectives like family-friendly experiences, nature-friendly resting spots, and better signage, leading to the creation of different types of hiking supporting facilities, such as: Visual Identity, Map, Stamp Point, Introduction Panel; Signages and Wayfinding, Inclusive Signage, Hammock Seating, Resting Deck, and Gear Hub Trolley.

  • On 18 February 2023, we held a User Test Day, inviting 28 people to test our hiking supporting facilities prototypes, including visual identity, maps, seating, and more. They included attendees from previous workshops along with their companions, habitual hikers, and professional observers from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the Home Affairs Department (HAD), and the Sustainable Lantau Office of CEDD.

    Those present were highly appreciative of the prototypes' design and functionality. Government observers also gave advice, especially about the durability of materials and the possibility of misuse. Their feedback and constructive suggestions would shape the final improvements for hiking support facilities to be placed on hiking trails on Lantau Island.

    The two-year long "Design on Hiking Supporting Facilities at Lantau" consultancy was a thoughtful effort launched by SLO. It worked to make hiking in Lantau a better experience. By focusing on the needs of the hikers and the environment, the participants we engaged have made trails more accessible, enjoyable, and safer. Now, anyone looking to enjoy a hike on Lantau Island can look forward to a well-rounded experience pegged at the right workout intensity. Whether you hike for fun or challenge, we hope there will be a Lantau hiking trails that is suitable for you!

A Humorous and Provocative Journey of Co-creation

  • In 2021, the collaboration between the Sustainable Lantau Office (SLO) and One Bite Design Studio marked a significant step towards enhancing the hiking experience on Lantau Island. It successfully demonstrated how thoughtful planning and respect for both social and environmental considerations can lead to a richer hiking experience on Lantau Island. The enhanced trails now offer a more accessible, enjoyable, and responsible way to explore one of Hong Kong's most beloved natural landscapes.

    In terms of Social Impact, we engaged over 60 members of the public and experts, reflecting a community-driven approach to development. Design considerations catered to a wide range of hikers, including young families, the elderly, and people with disabilities, promoting a more inclusive outdoor experience.

    We also cared about environmental stewardship. Our design prioritised the preservation of Lantau's unique environment, promoting responsible hiking behaviours such as the 'Leave No Trace' principle. Careful crafting and testing of prototypes ensured that the final installations would be durable and not subject to misuse, reflecting long-term environmental sustainability.

    Design for Good Values

    • Reinvent Space

    ESG/ Sustainability Factors

    • Community
      - Civic Engagement & Giving

    • Environment
      - Environmental Management
      - Environmental Education

    • Customers
      - Health & Wellness

  • Photographer: Tai Ngai Lung

    One Biters: Alan Cheung, Ashlyn Kwok, Edward Chan, Elmo Ho, Eva Cheung, Jane Lam, Kelly Tang, Kelvin Chan, Rainee Wong, Sarah Mui, Sherman Sun, Tiffany Chin

    Contributors:
    Professional Guests:

    Mr. Tugo Cheng (National Geographic Photo Contests Awardee),
    Mr. Kevin Au & Mr. Tsang (Direction Association for The Handicapped),
    Ms. Vivien Cheng (Green Earth),
    Mr. Sunny Leung (Mountaineering Council of Hong Kong),
    Ms. Emily Tang (Studio Dozzy),
    Mr. Matthew Au & Ms. Rebecca Wong (TrailLight),
    Ms. Yui Leung (Trailwatch)

    Guests from SLO : Ms. Connie Cheung, Mr. Winson Chow, Ms. Vienne Ma, Ms. Pauline Tong, Mr. Mike Yim

    Guests from AFCD: Ms. Helen Hui, Mr. Felix Yeung

    Public Guests: Ms. Moonie, Mr. Manson Fung, Mr. Alan Wong, Ms. Grace Wong, Mr. Kit Yeung

  • #urban #landscape #Lantau #publicfurniture #designthinking #cocreation #engagement #hike&seek #Lantau #hikingfacilitation

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