HKICON Conservation Awards 2019
The Hong Kong Institute of Architectural Conservationists (HKICON) announced the winners of the HKICON Conservation Awards 2019. This year, three winners were recognised for their outstanding work in built-heritage conservation and interpretation. Chaired by the HKICON Council, a panel of local and overseas conservation experts met to review six submissions spanning three categories — Restoration, Revitalisation and Interpretation. This year, the jury awarded two winners in the Interpretation category as a recognition of merit in their unique site-specific approaches and one winner in the Revitalisation category.
award winners
The three winning projects are:
Revitalisation category:
Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Arts
Purcell Architecture Limited, Purcell Asia Pacific Limited
Interpretation category:
Architectural Services Department
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Heritage Courtyard and Interpretation Centre
Hong Kong Jockey Club University of Chicago Academic Complex
The University of Chicago, Francis and Rose Yuen Campus
Substance Lab Limited
Revitalisation
Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Arts
Location: 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
Revitalisation of the former Central Police Station as a centre for heritage and arts is proud validation of the city’s on-going efforts in area-conservation. Heroic transformation of the site embraced its multi-layered history through meticulous restoration of the built-heritage while activating open spaces for public use. Pushing the envelope of conservation, the project is an exemplar for adherence to standards of best practice, ensuring minimal intervention and reversibility. Recognised regionally for its excellence, the project is a triumphant model for Hong Kong’s promising future in conservation.
Photo source: Purcell Asia Pacific Limited
Interpretation
Cattle Depot Art Park
Location: 39 San Shan Road, To Kwa Wan, Kowloon
The noteworthy transformation of the former Ma Tau Kok Animal Quarantine Depot into an art park and venue for cultural activities rescues the site from a state of disuse and neglect. The new use is enriched by innovative interpretation measures which rejuvenate the place by using contemporary art to reference its historical function. Reversible interventions of various viewing portals enhance visibility of the preserved historical elements, while indicating their heritage significance for public appreciation. Endorsed by the district council, the project delivers the community’s demand for a recreational open space within the densely populated locale creating a much-needed user friendly urban amenity for Hong Kong.
Photo source: Architectural Services Department
Interpretation
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Heritage Courtyard and Interpretation Centre
Hong Kong Jockey Club University of Chicago Academic Complex, The University of Chicago, Francis and Rose Yuen Campus
Location: 168 Victoria Road, Mount Davis, Hong Kong
Interpretation of the revitalised University of Chicago Academic Complex reveals the rich multi-layered history of the site’s heritage buildings and related military structures. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Heritage Courtyard and Interpretation Centre echo the utilitarian design of the pre-World War II structures, while sensitively illustrating their cultural, political and social history. Evidence-based interpretation is used with a thoughtful colour-coding system to reference specific historic periods. Resulting from professional consultation and stakeholder engagement, the permanent exhibits, guided tours and story-telling spaces provide a glance into an important chapter of Hong Kong’s history.
Photo source: Substance Lab Limited