Proposed HKU Graduate Residence - a disappointment

Architectural Critique: Stodgy Design Overtly Arrogant

The Proposed Conversion to Hon Wah Middle School for a HKU Graduate Residence

1. I used to live on the Ching Lin Terrace, Kennedy Town, West end Hong Kong.

2. Architecturally, the former Hon Wah Middle School is an eye-sore. Socially, it used to be “the place” neighbors dreaded for fear of unannounced catastrophes. It used to housed a tightly knitted group of “puritans” who were characteristically un-Hong Kong. During the height of the civil commotion in the mid-sixties it was where extremists barricaded themselves to seek self inflicted torture, and where neighbors whisked away the kids, worrying that somehow a home-made-bomb might explode or a shooting war might erupt between the law enforcement and the leftist – by no means derogatory.

3. Life moves on, and the Terrace has experienced subtle changes that are cumulatively for the better. Ching Lin Terrace is the best kept secret in Hong Kong; it is where one finds affordable living that provides country like serenity and city proximity – low-accessibility is an advantage for those seeking the lifestyle. Over time, it has attracted architects, painters, musicians, writers, bankers and young professionals of different walks to seek refuge, and a critical mass is forming...

The surreal Temple of the Master Builder Lo Ban, the occasional evening music and beer party, the family barbecue , the lantern chase during the mid-autumn festival…

Tradition and city vitality is well and alive here. In a sense, this is the last sanctuary for the cultured and artistic and must be encouraged to flourish!

4. Since the removal of the Hon Wah, it is hoped that the humongous building would be preserved to house a piece of history: perhaps an exhibition centre of civil commotion – Resistance against Japanese Aggression, the Great Leap Forward (to Famine) that claimed 47Million, the Cultural Revolution and the Hong Kong Riots… How generations will benefit from such an educational forum!

5. It is a relieve that Hon Wah has been passed-on to the hands of Hong Kong’s preeminent education institution where men of wisdom should ensure sensible architectural design is implemented to enrich the life of future scholar-residents and add charm and character to the Terrace!

6. Regardless, a relaxation to the zoning bylaw to allow an elevated density of residents will tax on the infra-structure and beneficiary should be made to repay the community somehow.

7. The present design is disappointingly unimaginative! It lacks a sincerity of purpose and sensitivity to the environment; worst, it exhibits petty arrogance disdain of engaging with the neighbors!

8. Critique I - The Rear Court Yard against a 30 feet wall is a false amenity feature

Neighbors will advise the lane area is poor in ventilation and high in humidity during most of the year. Further, it is a no brainer to direct sights of Academic Terrace residents (upper terrace building upon the South) against that of the future scholars. Presumed value of enjoyment to future residents is low, and rampant molding problem would prove to be a persistent building maintenance nightmare, possibly a health hazard.

Why not crave out a similar indentation to the front façade! The advantage of true amenity and architectural aesthetics is beyond dispute. Engineering issues do not appear to be any more difficult than that of the present scheme.

9. Critique II – The M/E rooms on ground floor level will be a major nuisance to the neighbors

It will generate heat and noise! More importantly, it deprives the opportunity for future residents to conveniently integrate and engage with the Terrace community.

Move all M/E equipment to the roof or part of the top floor. Open up the ground floor to integrate with an open air courtyard; create community friendly space such as an exhibition centre, a neighborhood cafe, a wine bar, a reading salon, web browsing IT rooms, community commons rooms….

10. Critique III - Poor or nil landscaping feature – Lost opportunity to rhythm with the community

There is no design effort given to the existing open courtyard to the North of the building. Is the University so aloof as to lost interest in the community thus adamantly isolating itself from the neighbors with impersonal M/E blocks and secretive secure doors, no different from the hyper sensitive “psychotic” former owners? The University should do their part and contribute to the community: add charm to the Terrace by providing visible landscaping features.

Build landscaping features to the yard, link up the yards and integrate with the Lo Ban frontage, add natural planting features to create a pleasing shady promenade where people can stroll, rest on benches, sip a cup of tea….

And avoid the bathroom tiles so psychologically attached with mediocre designers!

City Planners should shake off the complex conditioned by relentless bullies of the entrenched interest, and institute what is best for the City and the community!