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Multinational architecture firm Farrells have been honoured with an NEC Award for their delivery of a waterfront swimming pool in Hong Kong.

The firm, led by Terry Farrell, won the NEC Award for Large Project Of The Year 2016 – which recognises excellence in project delivery and good practice.

Farrells were commissioned to build a new home for the Kennedy Town Swimming Pool, after its former facility was demolished to make way for a new station on Hong Kong's MTR.

The site chosen for the pool was a derelict car park on a patch of reclaimed land, with an uninterrupted sea view. Farrells were commissioned to create a memorable landmark surrounded by landscaping, trees and green walls to revive the neighbourhood and attract local residents to keep fit and healthy by using the facility.

To achieve this, they designed a futuristic triangular form derived from the shape of the site and framed by the city’s historic tram line, residential towers and Victoria Harbour. From some angles, the building will resemble an oncoming train.

The first phase of the complex – a 50 metre outdoor pool and a smaller leisure pool – was completed in 2011. The second phase, which will see the addition of two indoor pools, a jacuzzi and an outdoor garden, due to be finished in October this year.

The NEC (New Engineering Contract) is a type of legal document that facilitates the implementation of sound project management principles and practices. The designers of NECs host an annual awards ceremony honouring “innovative projects and organisations that demonstrate successful cooperation and have worked in the spirit of mutual trust.”

The NEC judges cited the Kennedy Town Swimming Pool project for the “excellent time management and delivery” demonstrated by the development team, and the effective working relationship between the MTR Corporation – which funded the HK$671 million (US$86.5 million) scheme – and Hong Kong engineering firm Paul Y Construction and Farrells.

All project stakeholders attended regular workshops and training sessions during the tender process and after the contract award. According to the team, a ‘no blame’ culture was fostered “to encourage team members to express their views unreservedly to enable early identification and resolution of potential issues.”

Farrells is an architecture and urban design firm founded by British architect-planner Terry Farrell with offices in London, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. 

Click here for more information on the NEC concept.

Click here for more information on Hong Kong's swimming pools.

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