Continuing the year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary in 2022, Swire Properties is launching a specially commissioned botanical art series in Taikoo Place. "Seasons in Continuum" tells the Company's story over the past five decades and the continuous evolution of its placemaking philosophy that aims to improve public spaces and enhance the lives of people in the community. The installations were brought to life by Hong Kong-based floral artisan Kirk Cheng, who specialises in large-scale floral installations.
Using colourful spherical forms, the artist has created a metaphorical representation of the natural cycle of seasonal change through a series of four sculptural works that have been handcrafted using over 50 species of fresh, dried and treated flowers and other organic materials. Marking the Company's momentous milestone, the vibrant and unique creations are in place from now until 31 December 2022, creating an immersive and creative playground for the public and the local community to enjoy.
Tim Blackburn, Chief Executive of Swire Properties, said, "We are delighted to celebrate our 50th Anniversary with this special botanical installation. Our commitment to Creative Transformation and urban regeneration can be seen right here in Taikoo Place, which was once home to the Taikoo Dockyard and Sugar Refinery, and over the past 50 years this area has been transformed into one of the best-planned and designed Global Business Districts."
"From the very beginning we have placed a strong emphasis on originality and creativity in our placemaking efforts, and this commitment is brilliantly reflected in these stunning creations. We hope that our tenants and the local community will enjoy the installations and share in the joy of our special celebration."
A Remarkable 50-year Evolution Expressed In Plants
"Seasons in Continuum" revolves around the anniversary campaign's theme, "ORIGINAL. ALWAYS." and reflects the Company's five decades of original thinking and creative placemaking. There are four works in the "Seasons in Continuum" showcase, spread across some of the key spaces in Swire Properties' signature Taikoo Place development including Taikoo Park, Lincoln Bridge and One Island East.
"Spectrum" in Taikoo Park tells the evolutionary story of flowers - from seed to foliage to bloom - through 50 striking botanical spheres in a colourful tapestry of yellows, reds and blues. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves among the radiant sculptures to experience this vibrant space.
Spanning some nine metres over water on the west side of Taikoo Park, "Ripple" uses concentric floral arrangements expanding outwards from a single point of origin to represent the far-reaching impact and infinite possibilities of a single seed as it grows.
On Lincoln Bridge, "Origination" is inspired by the shape of a bird's nest, representing the beginnings of a new journey. Visitors can walk inside the installation to immerse themselves in a magical and dreamlike floral environment. Handcrafted using more than 600 flowers of 12 different seasonal blooms with 50 flowers from each species, it symbolises the number of consecutive months since Swire Properties was established.
And at One Island East, "Reflections" uses a two-metre-high botanical sphere, revealing a cross-section cut out with a multi-coloured floral orb at its core surrounded by mirror reflections. The colourful flowers are reflected five times to represent five decades, symbolising the opening of a passageway to the next 50 years of innovation at Swire Properties.
Commenting on the creation of the "Seasons in Continuum" installations, floral artisan Kirk Cheng said: "These works showcase the impact of space through plants and nature. I've taken inspiration from Swire Properties' origins in Quarry Bay and, like planting a seed, it highlights a journey that has progressed slowly through time. With a strong foundation, it promises onward growth and expansion."
For more details on the botanical installation, please visit the campaign website: https://www.swireproperties.com/en/about-us/50th-anniversary/art/seasons-in-continuum/?utm_source=pr&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=50floral
About Swire Properties
Swire Properties develops and manages commercial, retail, hotel and residential properties, with a particular focus on mixed-use developments in prime locations at major mass transportation intersections. Swire Properties is listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong and its investment portfolio in Hong Kong comprises Taikoo Place, Pacific Place, Cityplaza and Citygate. The Company's completed portfolio in Hong Kong comprises approximately 16.8 million sq ft (approximately 1.56 million sqm) of space.
In the Chinese Mainland, Swire Properties has six completed projects in operation in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu - predominately retail-led mixed-use developments. They include Taikoo Li Sanlitun and INDIGO in Beijing, HKRI Taikoo Hui and Taikoo Li Qiantan in Shanghai, Taikoo Hui Guangzhou and Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu. INDIGO Phase Two in Beijing and Taikoo Li Xi'an are currently under development. The Company's completed portfolio in the Chinese Mainland comprises approximately 14 million sq ft (approximately 1.3 million sqm) of space.
In addition to Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland, the Company has investments in the United States, Indonesia and Vietnam.
2022 is Swire Properties' 50th anniversary. Throughout the year, the Company will be celebrating its achievements and the core values that have underpinned its success, over the past five decades, under the theme of "ORIGINAL. ALWAYS.". "ORIGINAL" captures Swire Properties' forward-looking and innovative spirit, and "ALWAYS" refers to the Company's long-term commitment and trusted reputation. A range of special events and campaigns will be launched to celebrate this milestone.
Visit Swire Properties' website at www.swireproperties.com.