CAN is delighted to announce that Divisional Director Stephen Ip has been recognized as the Grand Award winner of the DFA Design of Asia Awards 2021 – one of the most prestigious design awards in Asia! The awards ceremony was held at the M+ Museum in Hong Kong on 1st December.

Stephen has been actively involved in competitions and community designs to explore the synergistic interaction between architecture, community, and environment. He collaborated with the creative and cross-disciplinary team to design Yi Pei Square Playground in Tsuen Wan. Delivering architecture and landscape design, Stephen and his team transformed the unused public space into a colourful community area for all ages.

The TOD development is located in Chongqing Yuelai Eco-City, a strategic zone of Liangjiang New Area, whereas Liangjiang New Area is the first national-level opening up area in inland China. The design promotes sustainable living and aims to create a liveable and ecological environment.

As part of the programme “PLAY IS FOR THE PEOPLE” (2018) under the Design Trust Futures Studio (DTFS) initiative, Yi Pei Square Playground explores the idea of a “communal living room” suitable for residents of all ages, facilitating multi-generational interactions for residents. The public space allows the public to enjoy the wide-ranging and customized play equipment, dedicated leisure, and activities zones for different users through a colorful palette and playful graphics.

“Thank you to DFA Awards and their prominent industry panel for their recognition. This project showcases the power of cross-disciplinary creative efforts. The revitalization of Yi Pei Square Playground involved a series of public engagement, workshops and discussions, we are honored to take part and play a role in transforming the public space for the benefit of the public,” said Stephen Ip, Divisional Director at CAN.