Hong Kong, SAR

Hong Kong-based studio Daydreamers Design crafted a glowing lantern-inspired pavilion that raises awareness of environmental issues for a Mid-Autumn Festival of 2019 in Hong Kong.

The pavilion was constructed from 5,000 bricks made of recycled high-density polyethylene, the same type of plastic commonly used in water bottles.

Wishing Pavilion inspired by the unique custom of the burning tower, the masterpiece of bricks.

The reinterpretation of burning tower transformed into contemporary architecture.

The design with a curved facade formed a double helix structure, which created imagery of rising dragon and burning tower signature architectural features.

Nearly five thousand pieces of recycled plastic bricks made of HDPE used to construct the pavilion.

Manufactured in seven colors, the plastic bricks created a gradient evocative of a flame, an effect enhanced by the use of sound effects, music and LED lights at night.

Daydreamers Design created the pavilion as an evolution of its 2013 “Rising Moon” project, which also called attention to environmental issues.

The pavilion’s 5,000 recycled plastic bricks are arranged to form a rounded, lantern-like structure stretching 18 meters in diameter and 6 meters tall, with no foundation work needed.

The modular design allowed the designers to swiftly assemble the pavilion in just 12 days.

The pavilion’s lantern-like shape references two Mid-Autumn Festival traditions: releasing candle-lit lanterns with people’s wishes written on the sides into the night sky and burning tall, purpose-built structures for good luck and good harvests.

Unlike these practices, Daydreamers Design’s eco-friendly pavilion is fire-free. The recycled plastic bricks were stacked to create a flame-like gradient ranging from yellow to red.

The stacks also form a double-helix layout centered on a “burning lantern” sculpture. The pavilion opens up with a 7.5-meter circular skylight to frame the full harvest moon.

“Mid-Autumn Festival, falling on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, is when the families reunite to celebrate autumn harvests, light up lanterns and admire the bright moon of the year,” the designers explained.

“The rituals and celebration continued for 2000 years; the famous poem by Li Bai signifies the value and meaning of Mid-Autumn Festival.”

“Wishing Pavilion intends to embrace the tradition, recall the harmonious union and raise awareness to today’s social challenge.”

Project: Wishing Pavilion
Architects: Daydreamers Design
Client: Government of Hong Kong