M+ Museum, Peak Tower, and West Kowloon Cultural District Masterplan are just some of his many works that define Hong Kong’s skyline.
British architect Terry Farrell has died at age 87. Born in Newcastle, Farrell founded Terry Farrell & Partners in 1980 and became a leading voice in Post-Modern architecture with projects like the MI6 headquarters at Vauxhall Cross and the colorful TVAM building. Knighted in 2001 and awarded the Royal Town Planning Institutes Gold Medal in 2017, he championed contextual design that engaged with history and communities, often challenging architectural orthodoxy with his approach to urban regeneration.
Since establishing his Hong Kong practice in 1991, Farrell transformed the citys skyline with landmark buildings that became essential parts of daily life for millions of residents and visitors. His portfolio spans from the iconic Peak Tower perched atop Victoria Peak to the sprawling transportation hubs that connect Hong Kong to the world. Here are his key projects that defined his three-decade legacy in the city.
M+ Museum, 2021
The crown jewel of Farrells cultural district, M+ houses one of the worlds largest collections of contemporary visual culture from Asia and beyond. Farrells masterplan positioned the museum for prime harbor views while weaving it into the broader cultural precinct through carefully planned public spaces and pedestrian connections that serve both locals and international visitors.
West Kowloon Cultural District Masterplan, Ongoing
Farrells 40-hectare masterplan created the blueprint for Hong Kongs new cultural quarter, organizing museums and performance venues around public spaces and waterfront promenades. The plan positions major buildings to maximize harbor views while creating pedestrian networks that link different cultural facilities and connect to the broader transportation system.
Kennedy Town Swimming Pool, 2017
Built to replace the pool demolished for the MTR station, this futuristic complex was constructed in two phases around the railway work. The first phase opened in 2011 with a 50-meter outdoor pool and leisure pool offering Victoria Harbor views. The second phase, completed in 2017, added indoor pools, jacuzzi, and garden spaces. The striking design won the UKs NEC Large Project of the Year award in 2016.
Kowloon Station Development, 2009
Built for Hong Kongs new airport, Kowloon Station works more like an airport terminal than a regular subway stop, complete with check-in counters and baggage handling for the Airport Express. Above the station, Farrell masterminded one of the worlds largest transit developments – seven phases totaling over a million square meters, crowned by the 118-story International Commerce Centre. The massive project connects directly to the West Kowloon Cultural District.
Exhibition Centre Station, 2022
Serving Wan Chai Norths business district next to the Convention Centre, this station required Farrell to relocate existing community facilities. He designed the replacement Wan Chai Sports Complex in two phases – the swimming pool opened in 2015 on a tight site, stacking facilities across multiple levels, followed by the sports center with courts and arena in 2017, all timed around the railway construction.
Kennedy Town Station, 2014
The Island Lines western terminus brings natural light deep underground through transparent entrance buildings and glazed lift shafts. The shallow construction floods the concourse with daylight while preserving adjacent historic stone walls and their 120-year-old banyan trees. Originally planned for Forbes Street Playground, Farrell moved the station to protect the heritage trees. New lifts connect different street levels, while a 30-meter escalator climbs the steep hillside terrain.
Tsuen Wan West Station, 2003
This massive 50,000-square-meter underground facility serves over half a million residents across Tsuen Wan and Kwai Chung. Built on reclaimed land with complex utility diversions, it doubles as an emergency terminus before the Tai Lam Tunnel. The stations structure supports ten residential towers above, ranging from 35 to 45 stories, with a roofed platform design that allowed construction without disrupting railway operations.
The Peak Tower, 1995
Farrell replaced the dated 1970s tower with his signature curved copper walls and dramatic cantilevered viewing platforms. The building houses shops, restaurants, and observation decks that follow the mountains natural contours. Its copper exterior weathers and changes color over time, while the Sky Terrace juts out 30 meters for sweeping 360-degree harbor views. Inside, spaces guide visitors through different viewing experiences as they move up through the building.
Photo credit: Farrells
