foster + partners: kai tak cruise terminal

'kai tak cruise terminal' by foster + partners
images courtesy of foster + partners


foster and partners kai tak has broken ground. located in hong kong, the project looks to reinvent
the site of the former kai tak airport as one of the world's foremost cruise terminals. acting as a
gateway to the city, the design will create a sustainable multi-purpose facility where local residents
can enjoy various forms of entertainment.

arranged over three levels, the long, rectangular structure is punctured by four atria that draw daylight
into the terminal. a pedestrian promenade rises up through the building and opens onto a large public
roof garden with space for picnics, dining social gatherings.



view of rooftop


designed in anticipation of a new generation of larger cruise liners, the terminal will have the capacity
to disembark a total of 8,400 passengers and 1,200 crew members. the large interior, which spans seventy
meters, is highly flexible and can be adapted to suite a range of programmatic needs and ensures that the
building will be used year round.



waterfront facade


mouzhan majidi, chief executive of foster + partners, says:
'today’s ceremony marks an exciting moment in the reinvention of kai tak – we were delighted to win the
competition to design such an important new gateway to the city. the terminal will establish hong kong as a
major cruise hub in asia and, together with the west kowloon cultural district, will further enhance the city’s
position as a center for tourism and culture.'



aerial view