Architect: YS Groundwork
Location: Hong Kong

15:15 Raincatcher by YS Groundwork is the result of a competition entry for the contemporary design of one of Hong Kong’s oldest urban traditions: the Hawker Stall – Dai Pai Dong. A Hawker Stall is a kitchen, a dining room and a living room – a space for passersby to enjoy public space, interact with strangers, and grab a bite to eat on their way to their next destination. Initially exhibited at the 2009 Hong Kong Shenzhen Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism and Architecture, YSGroundwork has won the opportunity to realize their design and prove that their twist on tradition will add vitality and innovation to the Hong Kong’s street life.

YSGroundwork is supported by and collaborates with Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Department of Electronic Engineering. Their aim is to enhance architecture with the latest energy technologies and 15:15 Raincatcher is a result of this collaboration. The innovative stand featured an additional program to the stall; the formal design – that of an inverted umbrella – was devised in order to collect and store rainwater. Inspired by the Monsoon climate of Hong Kong and Shenzhen, the design was chosen to celebrate the rain.

The rainwater is collected through the PVC roof and directed to a central column to create a load bearing structure. It is then filtered and redirected to a water tap where it can be reused for cooking and washing. In this sense, the rain, which can be a burden to the city, is used to celebrate an aspect of Hong Kong cultural city life where food and shopping can be enjoyed.

Technical info: PVC roof
Picture credits: Alvin Wong, Aeostudio