Ming Tak Sports Court | Hong Kong

For a long time, the contrasting white lines that cover a basketball court do not just indicate positions and rules; they are also silent dividing lines between genders. That is, until Ming Tak Playground puts on a new look that blurs gender and breaks ability barriers.

Women in Hong Kong are no strangers to competitive sports. While the society has  progressed by leaps and bounds from the era where sportswomen were frowned upon and enjoyed far less prestige compared to men, various barriers still exist within the society which prevent more women from participating in sports. According to the Women’s Sports Foundation, some of these barriers include the absence of equal access, as well as health and safety measures. 

For the fourth time, Gaw Capital Partners has commissioned One Bite Design to revamp an existing basketball court at Ming Tak Estate in Tseung Kwan O into a ‘Girls Prioritised’ space for basketball players of all genders and abilities to enjoy. The project wanted to create, not only a safe space for athletes – girls in particular – to enjoy sports without any constraints, but also encourage female participation in sports. 

Design for Equality and Inclusivity: The conventionally solid colour sports court has given way to pixelated gradients forming a double V shape, which reads as ‘W’ on one side and ‘M’ on the other, subtly hinting at the court’s identity to prioritise girls’ participation in sports and reaffirm the concept of diversity across the gender spectrum.

What’s so different about Ming Tak Sports Court?

While traditional basketball courts are made for the sole purpose of basketball games, the functionality of the revamped site is elevated with multipurpose amenities such as stretch bars and sit up benches. There is even a dedicated rest zone for warm-ups and cool-downs. 

The spirit of the whole design focuses on how a basketball player would interact with the basketball court and what types of facilities, no matter how small, which are needed to enhance the game-playing experience. Discreet mirrors are installed for players to use pre and post-game. Hooks are attached to existing railings for players to keep their personal belongings nearby. To ignite the motivation, passion and energy every player has, the fences and floor are decorated with motivational quotes written by the ‘Mediators’, a basketball team led by sport enthusiasts in the media industry.

As a sports facility created specially for the Ming Tak community, onebite felt it is essential to engage members of the community to feel a sense of ownership towards the project. Youth S.P.O.T. was invited to assemble upcycled furniture pieces for the basketball court and the Ming Tak Plaza underneath. To equip local youth with practical woodworking skills, onebite collaborated with Coutou Woodworking Studios to host two workshops for young makers at the HKFYG Jockey Club Tseung Kwan O Centre.