The Peak Tower is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hong Kong, offering spectacular views of Hong Kong’s picturesque Victoria Harbour. Designed by the famous British architect, Terry Farrell, and opened to the public in May 1997, the tower also houses a retail mall with various restaurants, shops and Asia’s first Madame Tussaud’s wax museum, attracting huge number of visitors every year.
After several years of success and in view of the increasing numbers of visitors and shifts in customer consumption patterns, the owner requested that RLP redesign, renovate and revitalise the tower to increase the usable floor space, improve and maximise facility efficiency and create a new “festive market” area.
The design process was challenging, since any major structural change would cause impacts on the main structure of the bowl-shaped tower. Also, several retail outlets had to remain open during the renovation.
RLP’s design created a new entrance on the east end of the tower to diverge visitor flow and improve connection with the Peak Tram Station. We also added an atrium to enhance the mall’s transparency and provide a central gathering place for visitors; we also aimed to improve the shopping experience - and footfall to retail shops - through the provision of new escalators leading to the tower’s various levels.
Other human-centric elements of the revitalisation included incorporating elements of Hong Kong’s old street scenes in the lower-level shopping areas; designing the upper levels to reflect a modern and contemporary Hong Kong through the use of metal and glass; and creating special lighting effects for the upper levels - ensuring that the tower glitters and shimmers for all of Hong Kong to see.