Bridging the Gap: How ACABAS Can Elevate Hong Kong’s Cityscape
Photo by Yao L via Pexels
Construction professionals work collaboratively to improve the city we call home. Engineers ensure structural safety and stability, surveyors provide data precision, while architects are essential in shaping the aesthetic appeal of our urban environment.
The Advisory Committee on the Appearance of Bridges and Associated Structures (ACABAS), established under the Highways Department, plays a key role in enhancing the visual and environmental quality of Hong Kong’s cityscape. This standing committee brings together experts from government, academia, and professional institutes to review and advise on bridge and associated structure designs with a focus on aesthetics and greening.
Having proudly served on ACABAS for three years, I’ve had the privilege of reviewing a wide range of proposals—from the striking bridge design of The Henderson, to dozens of packaged submissions for standardized lift towers for footbridges across the city.
Elevated Walkway at The Henderson (Photo via Henderson Land)
A Gap in Our Cityscape
A clear distinction in quality often emerges. Proposals crafted by architects consistently stand out in terms of drawing precision, material selection, color harmony, and overall design comprehensiveness. These designs reflect the thoughtful processes embedded in architectural practice and contribute significantly to the aesthetic integrity of our cityscape. Submissions by non-architects, by contrast, often lack the same level of depth.
ACABAS currently provides technical comments on material appropriateness and maintenance considerations. The aesthetic quality of each proposal, however, rests entirely with the design proposer — and that is where the gap lies.
Compared to our neighbouring city of Shenzhen, whose bridge infrastructure reflects a clear commitment to design quality and visual cohesion, our city’s approach falls noticeably short. In Hong Kong, design effort tends to be concentrated in key districts, where bespoke light-poles, pedestrian railings, and paving materials receive thoughtful aesthetic attention. The majority of districts, however, are left with standard, uninspired designs.
Floating Archipelago - Pedestrian Bridge Design in Shenzhen (Photo by Tianpei Zeng)
Shenzhen Baoan Baywalk (Photo: ©直角建筑摄影)
The Role of ACABAS in Shaping the Cityscape
This disparity is neither fair nor reflective of our city's ambitions. Good design does not have to mean higher costs. Thoughtful, well-considered solutions can achieve outstanding results without extravagant budgets. Bridges and associated structures are prominent, everyday elements of our cityscape. Their appearance shapes the quality of our living environment and speaks to the standards of our urban governance.
Photo by Gigi via Unsplash
ACABAS has the expertise and authority to elevate the aesthetic quality of Hong Kong’s cityscape. By emphasising thoughtful design and mandating the involvement of architects where it matters most, we can create a more cohesive, visually appealing urban environment.
Our city deserves better. We need to empower architects to lead the design of our public infrastructure, to create a more liveable and visually inspiring city — for every district, not just a privileged few.
– Thomas
