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An "Open International Ideas Competition for Noise Barrier/Enclosure Design", inviting people to contribute ideas and concepts on aesthetically vibrant noise barrier/enclosure designs, was launched today (January 6).
The competition is jointly organised by the Highways Department, the Environmental Protection Department, the Hong Kong Institute of Architects, the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, the Hong Kong Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects.
"The Highways Department started the construction of noise barriers in the 1980s with the main initial focus on their function and maintenance. With time, Highways Department places more attention on the aesthetics of noise barriers and enclosures in line with the requests of the community," the Director of Highways, Mr Wai Chi-sing, said at the launch ceremony.
For the next 10 years, the Highways Department will implement road and railway projects at a total cost of $200 billion. These will include the construction of noise barriers and enclosures. Mr Wai expected that, through this competition, creative ideas for designing aesthetic effective noise barriers/enclosures suitable for Hong Kong environment would be obtained.
He also hoped that the competition would provide a platform for all professionals and the general public to contribute their innovative ideas to achieve the competition's goal: "Design for a cause, Unite our community".
To cope with Hong Kong's unique environment, both the densely populated urban area and new town are - Gascoigne Road flyover, Tuen Mun Road and Tai Po Tai Wo Road - were selected as the settings of the competition. They represent different district settings in Hong Kong and their design concepts developed in the competition will serve as reference for the Highways Department for designing noise barriers/enclosures in other districts as well.
The competition is divided into two different groups. The Professional Group is open to all members of the professional institutes of Architects, Engineers, Landscape Architects and Designers in Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas while the Open Group is open to the general public. Registration starts from today until February 6. Entries should be submitted to the Highways Department, 6/F, Ho Man Tin Government Offices, Kowloon, Hong Kong, by post or delivery by hand by noon on March 6.
For competition details, please visit the website: www.noisebarrier-competition.hk.
Ends/Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:12
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