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Beyond the Awards with Otto Z.B. Liang, Director, LWK + Partners

Beyond the Awards: Lessons from the Shortlist distils sharp, real-world insight from projects recognised in the CIHT Awards 2026. We ask shortlisted entrants four focused questions on legacy, skills, key learning, and future trends to discover what’s working now and what’s coming next. It’s essential reading for sector professionals looking to benchmark their work, apply lessons learnt now and stay ahead of change.

In this edition we speak to Otto Z.B. Liang, Director, LWK + Partners on the lessons learnt from the project "Hong Kong East Coast Boardwalk" shortlisted for the 2026 CIHT Creating Better Places Award.

Overview of shortlisted project: The East Coast Boardwalk (Western section) transforms 1.1km of unused space under Island Eastern Corridor, a live viaduct in Hong Kong, into a 24/7 multi-functional public realm. This inclusive corridor features 4 themed
zones with tailored amenities for diverse users, a shared-use path for pedestrians, joggers and cyclists. Linking coastal communities with nearby metro stations and ferry pier, the Boardwalk functions as more than transit infrastructure but social hub that reknits the neighbourhood and completes Hong Kong Island’s 13km harbourfront continuum, thus setting a global benchmark for urban regeneration in high-density environments, establishing a seamless slow-mobility network fostering healthier lifestyle. 

   

How did you ensure that the project has long term use and a positive legacy?

We didn’t just design behind a desk - we went out, spoke with the government departments, local communities and other stakeholders, and truly listened to what people needed from a public space. This people-first approach turned the project into a daily necessity for locals, not just a scenic landmark. It completed the last puzzle of Hong Kong Island’s 13km harbourfront continuum, links three MTR stations and the ferry piers, and offers themed zones and flexible areas for all kinds of community events. We also reused the existing viaduct and used durable, low-maintenance design, so the space stays well-loved, functional, and built to serve generations.

   

What kind of skills are critical now for projects such as yours to succeed and why?

We believe that the skills that make the biggest difference are cross-team teamwork and digital smarts. Working closely with the government departments, engineers, contractors, and the community keeps everyone aligned and delivery efficient - you simply can’t deliver a complex waterfront project alone. Equally important is mastering digital tools like BIM, 3D laser scanning, RCD piling, DfMA off-site fabrication, underwater drone, and real-time monitoring. These technologies helped us overcome limited headroom, tidal challenges, and COVID disruptions, greatly improving accuracy, safety, and efficiency.

   

What did you learn that you will take into the next project?

We learned how vital continuous community engagement really is. People today want public spaces designed with them, not just for them. By listening to residents, users, and stakeholders throughout the entire process - not just at the start - we understood real daily needs and refined the design accordingly. For example, we added nine accessible entrances and three connecting bridges based on public feedback, and created eight themed zones for visitors, families, cyclists, fishing enthusiasts, pet owners, and community event holders. That made the final space exist not just as an instagrammable landmark, but also a practical, inclusive, and 7/24 hotspot widely embraced by daily users.

     

What trends should the sector be paying attention to and why?

The key trend we’ve observed is revitalising underused infrastructure spaces. Dense cities like Hong Kong don’t have extra land, so design with existing infrastructure, not against it, is a super smart win. By reusing the Island Eastern Corridor’s foundations and structure, we minimised reclamation, cut costs, shortened construction time, and reduced environmental impact. This “light touch regeneration” model is far more sustainable and feasible in dense cities and could be practiced across the globe as a new standard for urban renewal.

   

LWK + Partners in their own words

Designing Places That Endure.

As a global collective of architects and thinkers, we create enduring places that bridge disciplines, cultures, and generations.

www.lwkp.com/

  

Next steps

If you work in highways and transportation, keep an eye out for Beyond the Awards: Lessons from the Shortlist overview (Coming soon) — your single go-to source for sharp, practical insight drawn from standout projects and the people behind them. By bringing together key takeaways from award entries and candid interviews with leading contributors, this feature turns real-world experience into real-world learning that you can apply today to your projects while helping you stay prepared for what’s coming next.

2026 CIHT Award Winners

The results for the 2026 CIHT Awards will be announced at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London on 17 June 2026.  To find out more about the Awards Ceremony visit here.

  

CIHT Statement

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the CIHT or its members. Neither the CIHT nor any person acting on their behalf may be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein

  

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