Echoes of the Past: An Aeolian Memorial of the Thunder Cave


Title

Echoes of the Past: An Aeolian Memorial of the Thunder Cave

Creator

Gong, Yanni Coco

Advisor

Bruyns, Gerhard
Lo, Sky
Vanderstocken, Gille
Tam, Evonne

Faculty

School of Design

Description

Coco GONG's project explores the creation of a coastal aeolian memorial at Thunder Cave, Cape D’Aguilar, Hong Kong, aiming to preserve and celebrate the unique acoustic and morphological features of the cave. The concrete structure sits within a Geo gap formed by a collapsed sea cave, designed to endure for millennia, emulating the cave's natural soundscape through its interaction with wind, water, and pebbles. Inspired by resonating tubes and wind instruments, the design incorporates elements such as a dual channel to funnel wind, "fipples" akin to a recorder's mouthpiece, and a resonating chamber to amplify sound. The upper level remains unoccupied to ensure optimal airspeed and functionality, drawing on architectural concepts of "unoccupiable voids."The memorial serves as an intersection of natural and human history, designed for those who appreciate the symbiosis between landscape and soundscape.

Learning outcome/goal

Research and Information Literacy
Adaptability and Flexibility
Resourcefulness and Adaptability to New Contexts
Learning-to-learn
Reflection and Self-awareness

Award

Tutor’s Choice, PolyU Design Show 2025

Date

2026-03

Programme

BA(Hons) Environment and Interior Design

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Keywords

Empirical Site Research ; Speculative Design ; Acoustics & Physics ; Iterative Prototyping ; Narrative Agility

Subject

Monuments -- Design and construction
Sculpture

Rights

All rights reserved

Language

English

Type

Feature Story