Recognized as the first kinetic public architecture in Hong Kong, Harbour Kiosk’s cinematic transformation activates the surrounding public space while paying tributes to the action movies that the local film industry is famous for. Designed by LAAB Architects, Harbour Kiosk fits neatly into its natural surroundings at the Avenue of Stars, a promenade along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront that celebrates the Hong Kong film industry.

Inspired by the local market stalls in Hong Kong, which expand and engage with the public when they are open and return to their compact and secured form when they are closed, Harbour Kiosk automatically transforms its “gate” into “awning” during the day and returns to its compact shape at night. The 49 robotic arms behind the profiled timber fins magically perform the cinematic transformation. The wave generator system also moves the timber fins in waves throughout the day to resonate with harbor waves and to establish an emotional connection between the people, the architecture, and the surrounding nature.