Orchid Peak
This project was done in collaboration with Ryan Lynch, Ana Curbelo, and Jan Martinez. I served as the Show Writer, while visuals were created by my teammates.
Inspiration and Concept
The Hong Kong Orchid served as a major inspiration throughout the creation of this experience. Though the flower is not the official flower of Hong Kong, it is seen very prominently adorning their flag, coins, and even their coat of arms.
We learned that the Hong Kong Orchid is a hybrid flower, which we felt was a beautiful symbol of the two parts of Hong Kong's history: Cantonese roots and British colonization. It is two different flowers that have come together to make a beautiful new one.
We used its bright colors and botanical quality to inspire everything from the logo to the marketing materials to the interior. We also used the prominent five petals to drive the layout inside of our space.
The name of the experience came about as a combination of the Chinese name for the Hong Kong Orchid and the traditional name for the Tai Mo Shan mountain range, which can be viewed from the observation deck.
The combination of the names reflects the diversity of Hong Kong and is a metaphorical representation of the journey guests will go on. In discussion with native Chinese speakers, we ensured that our translation was faithful to the meaning in the native language.
The logo itself is a graphical representation of the Hong Kong Orchid, highlighting its signature five petals and vibrant color. Our logo is intentionally minimal and easily recognizable, which lends itself well to marketing and branding.
Lobby and Queue
We descend an escalator into an expansive space. It appears as though we’ve entered a secret underground cave. The walls are rough in texture as if centuries of rock and dirt have compounded to create this place. Covering the walls are dozens of words and phrases.
“uniquely beautiful”
“mountainous beach escape”
“cultures in harmony”
“a global center”
“city and nature as one”
“naturalistic and futuristic”
“a cultural mosaic”
As we round the corner, we see words and phrases cover the walls of the entire space. Large plant roots hang from the ceiling. An ember glow emits from inside, the main source of light for the cave. The wall parallel to us has the largest of all the roots. It’s centrally located on the wall next to a hallway opening. The large root runs all the way from floor to ceiling. Its smaller roots branch off and disappear down the hallway, beckoning us to investigate.
To our other side, a bar appears as though it has been carved from the walls of the cave. The central space is open for people to wait, drink, and mingle. On the wall opposite to us, there’s a desk that also appears to be carved from the walls. Its base is rough in texture, just like the cave walls. We move towards the large trunk and hallway and follow where it leads.
As we enter the hallway, the space gets tighter and smaller. The glowing roots still envelop the walls and lead us to where to go next. All throughout, words and phrases line the walls telling a story we have yet to know.
“a culinary melting pot”
“diverse yet traditional”
“a rural metropolis”
“an urban oasis”
“Asia’s world city”
“a skyline of peaks and steel”
We snake through a winding cavernous path lined floor to ceiling with more glowing roots. The path eventually leads us to an elevator. Above the elevator doors, a symbol of a flower glows. The doors open and we begin our ascent into the sky.
Preshow (60 seconds)
We enter a very large elevator where screens surround us on all sides. A variety of images and footage from Hong Kong begin to appear on the screens. Everything from mountains to beaches, skyscrapers to temples, and gardens to theme parks. A voiceover speaks as these images continue.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Hong Kong is a place of harmonious opposites. A city where contrasts merge to make a new. A flower whose roots stretch to the ends of the earth. Here, you can dine on cuisine from around the world. Have pizza for lunch and Vietnamese for dinner. You can choose the views that capture your heart. Hike to the top of Victoria Peak or relax on the sands of Big Wave Bay. In Hong Kong, you never have to choose. There’s a world of adventure waiting just for you. Everyone has a favorite part of this beautiful city. What’s yours?
The music suddenly becomes more upbeat. On-screen, leaves begin to grow from the floor up towards the ceiling. The leaves grow more and more as we rise. On the leaves, there are people who, one by one, share their favorite things about Hong Kong. Behind the leaves, images and footage of Hong Kong continue.
PERSON 1
My favorite thing about Hong Kong is dim sum at every block.
VARIOUS VOICES
the street markets
the kind people
the ease and convenience
the active streets
the colorful buildings
the neon signs
the diverse culture
the views from the mountains
NARRATOR (V.O.)
It’s time for you to see what Hong Kong can offer you.
The elevator doors open, and we have made our way to the 100th-floor observation deck.
Floor 100
When we exit the elevator, we enter into another tight hallway. The wall in front of us has glowing branches stretching from floor to ceiling. They remind us of the roots we saw on the lower level. To our right, the hallway directs us towards an exhibition space. To our left, we see it leads to an open and vast space. Here, we catch a glimpse of the Hong Kong views we will experience on the main observation deck.
Observation Deck:
As we walk out onto the main deck, the breathtaking sights of Hong Kong take hold. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide the perfect view of the city below. As we walk around the perimeter, we have 360 degrees of unobstructed views. On one side, the waters of Victoria Harbor, another the mountains of Tai Mo Shan. From this height, we can see all of Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula.
Interactive Map:
On one of the interior walls, a large digital map of the world is displayed. It has pins representing the hometowns of visitors from all over the world. We are encouraged to add our own hometown to the map as part of our experience. Next to the map is a digital display where we can enter our hometown and it will then appear on the map.
Exhibitions:
We walk into an exhibition space in the central part of the observatory. It is slightly walled off from the main observation deck. We can no longer see the views of the city, allowing us to rest our eyes for a moment. The space is smaller and more intimate. It showcases the culture and history of Hong Kong, allowing us to learn more about this city.
In the interior area of the observatory, there are two exhibition spaces. These spaces are dedicated to showcasing arts and culture in Hong Kong. These areas are intended to rotate out to suit the needs of whatever is happening in the city at the time. One space will house a traditional form of a topic and the other will have an opposite, but complementary form of that topic.
Examples:
Fashion Week in Hong Kong
One exhibit will include traditional garments of Hong Kong, like the cheongsam and the history of fashion in Hong Kong and China. The other exhibit will highlight modern looks that are part of Hong Kong fashion week.
Hong Kong International Film Festival
One exhibit will highlight historical films in Hong Kong and leaders in pioneering Hong Kong’s film scene. Comedic short films like “Stealing a Roasted Duck” and “Right and Wrong with Earthenware Dish” will play. The other will showcase directors, producers, and other professionals that are being featured in that year’s festival.
Music of Hong Kong
One exhibit will discuss classical music of Hong Kong, like operas and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. The other will talk about the resurgence of Cantopop during the pandemic.
Floor 101
We head up the stairs to the upper level. A walkway lines the perimeter of the building that grants us equally spectacular views of the city. In the center are platforms that look onto the lower level. Here we can dine while taking in the sights Hong Kong has to offer.
Interactive Kiosks:
As we walk towards the central space, a path leads us around to a group of kiosks. They are in front of the large interactive map. The home screen asks us “What will your Hong Kong be?” A series of choices are offered below: Arts and Music, Cuisine, Museums, Attractions. After clicking on a section, we are offered an array of options about what to do in Hong Kong. Once we click on a destination, it brings us to a page with a photo and description of the experience.
Arts and Music: Hong Kong Arts Centre, Fringe Club, Ned Kelly’s Last Stand, Hong Kong City Hall
Cuisine: LokCha Tea House, Happy Cow, Cafe Ocean, Dim Sum Square Kitchen
Museums: Hong Kong Film Archive, M+, Hong Kong Space Museum, Hong Kong Museum of Art
Attractions: Hong Kong Observation Wheel, Water World Ocean Park, Nan Lian Garden, Hong Kong Disneyland
Original Menu Copy
Clever Leaf Cafe:
As we enter the café area, we are greeted by a host who assists us to seating out on one of the platforms. We sit down and take in the city views while we wait for our server. The menu is a dim-sum-inspired assortment of savory and sweet bao. It also offers Hong Kong staples like egg tarts and fish balls, Hong Kong style French toast, noodles and soup, and of course a selection of coffee and tea. The bao appears to be interesting twists on the classic flavors we have seen around Hong Kong. While we wait for our meal, the gazes of the cityscape accompany us.
This restaurant sources inspiration from two popular dining staples in Hong Kong. The first is “Cha chaan teng” which is a casual café with assorted menu items and affordable cuisine. They, like the western cafés they seek inspiration from, center around drinks of coffee and tea. The other is “yum cha” which combines the concept of dim sum style eating and tea. Our menu offers traditional Hong Kongese fair like pineapple buns, BBQ pork buns, and more with an untraditional twist. The menu also offers the popular milk tea, as well as other teas and coffees.
Gift Shop:
When we're ready to leave, we make our way through the gift shop. Before we head back downstairs, we grab a couple of Orchid Peak souvenirs.
Once we exit the shop, we are led back to the elevator that carried us here.
Post Show (90 seconds)
Once inside, a view of Hong Kong, from the height of the building we are in, appears around us. As we descend, the screen around us shows the outside as if the building disappeared and we are floating back down to the ground. The same voice from our ride up begins as we make our way down.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
We hope you’ve enjoyed the spectacular views of Hong Kong and that you’ve learned a bit about its story: past and present. As you’ve seen, there is so much that this city has to offer to locals and tourists alike. There are endless hidden gems to find in areas all over the island. Everyone has a piece of themselves in this city. You just have to find yours!
The music becomes more upbeat as other voices share their stories about Hong Kong.
PERSON 1 (V.O.)
As a native of Hong Kong, I love finding clothes from around the world. From street markets to high-end designer stores, I am always seeking inspiration for my wardrobe.
PERSON 2 (V.O.)
I spent three months living in Hong Kong and never ran out of things to do. I might spend my day relaxing in nature and head to TST in the evening for the nightlife.
PERSON 3 (V.O.)
I’m an architect who travels here a lot for work. I love the diversity of the buildings. In one area it’s organic and in another it’s futuristic.
PERSON 4 (V.O)
Hong Kong is a place where I feel tied to my Cantonese roots and connected to the larger world. I love trying all kinds of food, seeing different art, and meeting people from everywhere.
At the bottom, the screen shows people from all over the world offering us an orchid. The first voice we heard begins again.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
So, what makes Hong Kong special, you ask? What makes it special is the Hong Kong you choose to discover. What will your Hong Kong be? Now’s your chance to find out.
The elevator doors open, and we are back on the ground floor where we started our journey.
Lobby Concierge
As we exit the elevator, we are led back into the lobby space where we began. There is a concierge desk where we can meet with someone and get a curated list of destinations to explore all over Hong Kong. We can also get an HKGO pass that gives discounts to other attractions, restaurants, and destinations in Hong Kong. Some destinations also include additional offers like free appetizers or add-ons. Here, we are encouraged to continue learning about Hong Kong by going out and exploring the city on our own. We can also head back to the bar and grab a drink before we venture out into the city.