Shita's study has provided the much-needed materials for public discussion on the conservation of this century-old site, and contributed to the halt of its demolition work.
Date 13.01.2021
The discovery of an underground balancing tank which was initially destined for demolition in Bishop Hill of Sham Shui Po has recently been the talk of the town. Members of the public were astounded by its unique outlook and historical significance upon its exposure. Within one day, history buffs and groups dug up documents and shared the balancing tank’s information on social media. CUHK architecture graduate LAM Ka Wai, Shita (MArch 2018) discovered this site in 2017 while researching for her master thesis, and she eventually proposed a revitalisation plan with models, drawings and analysis for her thesis which have sparked much online interest recently. Her study has provided the much-needed materials for public discussion on the conservation of this century-old site, and contributed to the halt of demolition work. To catch up with Shita, our faculty had an online chat with her to learn about her thoughts and feelings on her thesis project and recent events.
Z: Zhu Jingxiang (Associate Professor, School of Architecture, CUHK) 朱競翔 (香港中文大學建築學院副教授)
L: LAM Ka Wai 林嘉慧
Z: Glad to meet you again after your graduation! How would you describe what happened during these two weeks? How did you feel?
很高興再次與你見面！你會怎麼形容這一兩週的經歷或者心情？
L: On 28 December, a former colleague forwarded the news of Bishop Hill balancing tank’s discovery to me. A friend then informed the media of my thesis project and arranged an interview. It isn’t easy to describe the effect of the interview, but I kept receiving interview invitations in subsequent days. At present, I am assisting different organisations in conducting the cultural relics assessment for the balancing tank. The most important thing right now is to investigate and determine its best conservation strategy. As far as I know, some local groups also discover some other historical water supply facilities.
12月28日，當社交媒體報導發現配水庫時，舊同事馬上轉發消息給我，其後朋友將我當年的畢業作品告知了一間媒體，並安排記者採訪。訪問效果一言難盡，其他媒體亦蜂擁而至。 配水庫被發現後，我正在協助各組織和機構完成建築物評估。我認為目前至關重要的是集中精力研究配水庫的保育方法。據我所知，現在民間亦發現了其他同期建成的水利設施。
Z: What drew your attention to this site at that time?
你做研究時為何會發現這個地方？
L: I was researching on public space built for public housing then, as I hoped to provide a spiritual healing space for Hongkongers, especially the youngsters. There have been a lot of discussions on the development of public space in recent years, but in Hong Kong, even the space at our homes is a public space. It is hard to reflect and release negative emotions when you are so deprived of private space.
Then I noticed that there are many scattered urban hills in Kowloon, most of which are preserved for the water supply facilities. I chose Bishop Hill in the end because it’s the most tranquil site despite its hustle-and-bustle location in between Sham Shui Po and Yau Tsim Mong District. The Hill – densely planted with trees and free from pollution and noise – is actually an ideal place for any structure of spiritual space.
我那時正在研究支援公共房屋的公共空間，希望為香港人提供治癒心靈的思考空間，特別是年青人。近十年社會都在討論公共空間的發展，其實在香港的日常生活中，就連家裡的空間都是一種公共空間。過份缺乏私人空間，人就難以思考自己和釋放負面情緒。
然後，我發現九龍有很多分散的城市山丘，原來大部分都是為山頂下的配水設施而保留。選擇主教山，是因為它雖然位於深水埗和油尖旺的城市交界，但環境氣氛卻最為清幽。山中大樹林立，幾乎不受城市污染和嘈音騷擾，非常適合精神空間的建構。
Z: How did you come up with the idea of utilising the open space on top of Bishop Hill?
你是怎麼想到利用主教山山頂上的空地？
L: The sky is almost invisible when you go uphill because of the thick canopy of trees, but it’s bright and open with a view unobstructed by surrounding buildings once you reach the top. There is just one large tree in the whole open space which feels very Zen.
山中綠樹成蔭，途中幾乎看不清天空，到達山頂卻是豁然開朗的大空地，景觀亦不受高樓大廈影響。空地上只有一棵大樹，禪意甚濃。
Z: Then how did you come up with the idea to get the underground structure's drawings from the government?
怎麼想到去政府部門拿配水庫的圖紙呢？
L: Once I confirmed that I would choose Bishop Hill as my thesis theme, I found that there’s a cavernous circular balancing tank underneath the hilltop from the map. To conduct a comprehensive investigation, I started to trace the tank. It took about two months to obtain the 1951 plan from the Water Supplies Department in January 2018. According to their reply, they are certain that the tank is a pre-war construction, but unsure of the exact construction year.
初步決定主教山為設計地點後，我從地圖上看到山頂的空地下有圓形的配水庫，為了完成完整的地域分析，便開始追查。在 2018 年 1 月，經過約兩個月的時間後，我從水務署那裡取得了 1951 年的圖則。由署方的回覆可知，配水庫只能肯定屬於戰前建築，確切年份則不詳。
Z: When you saw the 1951 plan, did you recognise the values of the balancing tank instantly? Or did it dawn on you gradually?
拿到圖紙，你當時是立刻意識到配水庫的價值，還是逐步才發現呢？
L: I was amazed once I opened the copy of the plan. It is a circular layout with arches as architectural elements. I realised at that moment that it would be my ideal design site. The circle has a significant meaning in the Buddhist mandala. It symbolises a sacred area free from intrusion and disturbance, which is also “the end” and “the beginning”. Tantric Buddhism also uses the circle as a site for meditation practice.
那時拿到圖紙打開一看，十分吃驚。看到圓形的佈局、半圓拱的建築元素時已經意識到，這個就是我理想的設計場地。圓在佛教的曼陀羅中意義非凡，象徵着不受外界侵擾的神聖區域，同時是「終點」和「起點」。密宗更是以圓作為修行的冥想場所。
Z: Apart from preserving the balancing tank, what sort of revitalisation plan did you propose?
在保育之外，你當時提出了怎樣的改造建議？
L: The theme of my thesis project is heterotopia in the city, a spiritual journey which makes use of a heterogeneous space composed of water, nature and the balancing tank. The concept “heterogeneous space” originates from the philosopher Michel Foucault. Through creating a strong contrast with daily experience, individuals are stimulated to reflect on their own lives. This is actually the reason I choose the balancing tank, as it fulfils the criteria of a heterogeneous space. After all, my ultimate concern is not just about the building, but the holistic design of the process – reaching this retreat space from the city, and then returning to it afterwards. I do believe that architectural design does not just take infrastructure into consideration, but the entire spatial journey and the experience it brings to individuals. So, after studying different revitalisation plans, I eventually proposed a way of minimal interference to preserve the open hilltop area as a public space for local residents. I just have to construct a simple entrance above the balancing tank, and build four types of water meditation space by using the cavernous chamber.
我的畢業設計最終以城市中的異托邦 (Heterotopia) 為題，是一個利用水、自然和配水庫的異質空間為元素的心靈旅程。「異質空間」的概念來自於哲學家米歇爾 · 福柯，通過與日常生活經驗的強烈對比，激發人們對日常生活的反思。這也是我選擇配水庫作為最終地點的原因，因為它本身就符合了異質空間的條件。我最關注的不單是建築物本身，而是由城市進入靜修空間、再返回城市的過程，這是一個整體設計。建築設計往往並不只考慮建築物本身，而是要考慮到整個空間旅程在起承轉合中，帶給人們的整體經驗。我研究了眾多的改建設計方案後，最終提出以最少干預原有配水庫的方法，保留配水庫上的空地作為居民的公共空間。在山頂上，只需要建造簡潔的入口，利用配水庫內已被填實的空間，就可以營造四種以觀水為冥想對象的靜修場所。
Z: How did the Final Review go?
當時評圖時的反響是怎樣的？
L: Everyone’s response to my design was positive. The designer from OMA, guest critic Ms Inge Goudsmit told me that Hong Kong did not have much space of this kind, and she hoped that I could realise my ideals one day.
大家對設計的反應相當正面，OMA 的女設計師 Inge Goudsmit 寄語我，香港的確缺少這樣的空間，希望有一天我能夠在香港實踐理想。
Z: Did you have the chance to promote your proposal and its value to the public? What was their feedback?
之前有沒有機會向公眾介紹配水庫的保育價值？大家的反饋是什麼？
L: Many people expressed interest in the balancing tank at the Final Review and the subsequent exhibition. My friends of related disciplines did urge me to submit the findings to the Antiquities and Monuments Office, but it didn’t get done in the end.
在畢業設計答辯以及之後的展覽中，很多人對配水庫相當好奇。有些相關專業的朋友亦催促我，把配水庫的資料交給古蹟辦評級，不過最後亦是不了了之。
Z: Do you know the lady who stopped the bulldozer? Is there anything you want to say to her?
你認識阻擋推土機的芳姐嗎？想對她說什麼？
L: She and the other local residents who stopped the bulldozers are the real heroes. Their bravery and their affection for Bishop Hill are truly moving. I want to get to know her, and thank her!
她和一眾阻止推土機的街坊才是令配水庫得以保留下來的英雄。他們很勇敢，對主教山的感情亦令人動容，我很想認識她，去謝謝她！
Z: What would be the best scenario regarding the future of the balancing tank?
你認為怎樣才是配水庫未來最好的發展？
L: As of now, there is no doubt that Bishop Hill balancing tank can be preserved. I personally hope that the local heritage conservation policy can be further improved, so that other related historical sites will be discovered and preserved too.
毫無懸念，主教山配水庫將可以保留下來。我個人是希望憑藉大眾的關注，推動本地的古蹟保育政策日漸完善，發掘其他相關歷史古蹟，避免它們被清拆。
Z: Is there anything you think should be avoided regarding the future development of the balancing tank?
配水庫之後的活化發展，你認為有沒有什麼要避免的事情呢？
L: Conservation and revitalisation are different. The authorities should consider the public’s expectations and opinions and adopt a bottom-up planning approach to ensure that the final plan achieves a win-win situation.
Online discussion on conservation has pre-occupied many in the past couple of days. Personally, I would not want to convert the balancing tank into a commercial or privately-owned site. It should be open to the public for various activities. As for conservation, it is not necessary to propose new functions for a heritage site. What is more important is that we present its historical value. I think we should preserve the partially-demolished parts of the balancing tank as it is, as this has become part of its history and will serve as a potent reminder of the importance of conservation.
保育和活化並不一樣，當局必須結合大眾的期望和意見，用一種由下而上的規劃方針，才可以保證最後的方案達到雙贏。
事件發生後，網絡上有關保育的討論持續不斷。我個人是不希望將配水庫改建成商業或者私人擁有的空間。它應該開放予公眾作各種活動。至於保育方面，其實我們並不需要強行為古蹟加上新的功能，重要的是透過保育呈現它的歷史價值。配水庫被工程破壞的地方已成為它自身歷史的一部分，我們亦應該予以保留，提醒大眾保育的重要性。
Z: In what way does this whole incident inspire you?
這一次社會事件有沒有給你什麼啟發呢？
L: Many locals are intelligent and resourceful, and can amass a vast wealth of information quickly. This is important for further research on the history of the balancing tank. But public sentiments come and go fast. I hope that our community members will keep caring about this issue and participate in its subsequent development in the future.
民間力量是非常強大的，在非常短的時間內就能找出大量的珍貴資訊，對進一步研究配水庫的歷史非常重要。但社會熱度來去如風，希望大眾未來繼續關注事件。主教山配水庫的保育方案實在需要大眾參與。
Z: What changes do you think professional or educational institutions should make?
在這次事件後，你認為專業或是教育機構可以作出怎樣的改變呢？
L: I think we need to convey this message: It is not just very old buildings, and those that were built on or above the ground, that have historical value.
我想我們需要傳遞這樣的信息：不是只有很老的、地面上的建築才具有歷史價值。
Z: Are there any knowledge gap related to the balancing tank which you would like to fill?
對於配水庫，你還有沒有一些尚在思考的問題？
L: Firstly, some facilities on Bishop Hill are constructed by the local residents, which should be preserved. We shall have to deal with the functional issue of these facilities. Secondly, is the loading capacity of the original infrastructure enough? How shall we increase the loading capacity of the balancing tank, without altering its outlook and structure? Thirdly, what was the reason for combining granites and bricks during the construction of this balancing tank? Would there be any problem if only bricks were used? Fourthly, how was this entire concrete ceiling built? How was the formwork for such a large-scale structure done? The last question is: compared to the water purification infrastructure built around the same period in Taiwan, was there any particular reason that reinforcing steel bars were not used (instead, arches were built to share the load)?
第一，主教山上原有一些由附近居民自發搭建的設施，保育工作應該考慮如何保存它們的功能。第二，原有結構的承重力是否足夠？如何增加配水庫結構的承重力，而不影響原有的結構外觀？第三，為什麼配水庫當時使用花崗岩與磚的結合方式？如果全部使用磚，在效能上會有什麼不一樣麼？第四，整個混凝土天花當時是如何建成的？如此大型的混凝土支模與倒模工作，是如何做到？第五，對比台灣同一時期的淨水池建築，當時有没有特別原因以致無法在混凝土中使用加勁鋼筋？所以設計需作拱形，以分散負重？
Z: How did your past learning or research experience shape your interest in infrastructure and revitalising historical relics?
你是怎麼對基礎設施與活化歷史遺存產生興趣的？跟你以往的學習或研究有關嗎？
L: History was my favourite subject when I was in high school. It sparked my perception and understanding of the world and cultivated my critical thinking. It was not until I had the chance to travel abroad that I discovered that architecture could be the medium that conveys history. You can sense, and experience, history directly through an architectural piece. That is more powerful than any other kind of record.
高中時，歷史科是我最愛的科目。歷史科開啟了我對世界的認知和分析，並且培養了我的批判性思考。直到有機會出國旅行，我才發現建築物可以是一種讓人和歷史直接對話的存在。透過直接的體驗感應歷史，比任何形式的紀錄都更直達人心。
Z: You took quite many philosophy courses during your undergraduate study. And then you also took a master programme in philosophy. How did these benefit you?
你讀本科時修讀了很多哲學課，其後更完成了哲學碩士課程，有什麼得益呢？
L: I became interested in philosophy when I was in secondary school. At the end of my second undergraduate year in architectural studies, I applied to transfer to the Department of Philosophy. The professors there carefully reviewed my case and advised me to complete the architectural programme to secure a professional degree first. They told me I could always take a master programme in philosophy after graduation. I still remember I got the admission offer from Department of Philosophy right after the last Review of my last undergraduate course. What a wonderful fate.
我對哲學的興趣始於中學時期，完成了第二年建築學課程的時候，曾經申請轉修哲學。哲學系的教授為我仔細分析，叫我先完成餘下一年的建築學課程，取得一個專業資格，畢業後再回來讀哲學碩士課程，這就一舉兩得。記得當時剛完成了本科最後的簡報答辯，就收到哲學系研究生的入學取錄通知，真是命中注定的安排。
Z: I heard that you completed the Shikoku Pilgrimage in Japan. How was the experience? How did it relate to your professional study?
聽說你在日本完成了四國遍路巡禮，那是怎樣的經驗？
L: The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a journey of Buddhist practice. Participants have to travel for 1230 kilometres involving 88 temples on the island of Shikoku of Japan. At that time, I adopted the most primitive travelling method – on foot – and walked for 45 days. This journey initiated my interest in Buddhism, and I recognised the importance of meditation in purifying our minds. Hongkongers, with their busy lives, are seriously lacking self-reflection time; and they always mistake others’ perception of them as their own identity.
After graduating from the Department of Philosophy at CUHK, I was doubtful if I should further my Master of Architecture study. But the Shikoku Pilgrimage allowed me a lot of time to reflect. When I went on the journey, it was during the rainy season. I always had to walk in the rain for the whole day. Whenever I encountered a wooden pavilion where I could take a rest, I would be immensely grateful. The value of an architectural piece lies not in a luxurious design, but in how it responds to the human needs – so that even the simplest wooden pavilion can feel sublime. After this Shikoku Pilgrimage, I made up my mind to return to CUHK School of Architecture to complete the Master programme. If I can make changes to the world, small as they may be, it will be enough. At the time being, I am studying another Master programme related to Buddhism in HKU. All these originated from the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
四國遍路是遍路者徒步走遍一千二百三十公里、八十八間寺廟，環繞四國一圈的佛教修行之旅。當時我用了最原始的方法，步行四十五日。這趟旅程開啟了我對佛教的興趣，並意識到禪修潔淨人心的作用。香港人在營營役役的生活中，最缺乏坦誠面對自身的時間，總是以為別人眼中的自己就是自己。
當時在中文大學哲學系畢業後，我一度非常懷疑是否應該繼續修讀建築碩士。四國遍路的旅程，讓我重新思考和認識自己。那時正值雨季，在雨中行走一整日是平常事，偶然能夠遇到可作休息的木亭，已經令人感動。建築物的價值不在於奢華設計，而在於回應人的需要，就算是多簡單的木亭 ，都可以很偉大。完成了四國遍路，我就立下決心返回中大修讀建築學碩士。我希望，就算人微言輕，只要做到少少的改變，都可以發揮作用。我現在於香港大學修讀佛學碩士，一切皆源自四國遍路的經歷。
Z: Would you be interested in furthering research on Hong Kong’s historical infrastructure?
你還會繼續做香港歷史基礎設施的延伸研究麼？
L: I am interested in investigating spiritual space. Right now, I will complete my Master of Buddhist Studies first.
我個人興趣在於研究精神空間，現時希望先完成佛學碩士再作思考。
Z: What is your future career plan? Will you get into the academic field?
你個人對未來事業有什麼想法？會不會想繼續做研究？
L: I did have the idea to apply for a PhD. But I am still thinking about what field to study. When you touch on a new subject, you learn to observe the world with a fresh perspective. In fact, many disciplines are interrelated. Just look at the balancing tank case, if you have to study its history, you have to learn about its different aspects, including architecture, archaeology, waterworks, etc. But philosophy is the foundation of all these knowledge systems.
我是有報讀博士的念頭，至於攻讀什麼範疇，則還在思考。每學習一個新的學科，就是學習以一個新的視角和思維去觀察世界。不同學科之間其實緊密扣連，好像配水庫這件事上，要徹底研究配水庫的歷史，就不能分割建築、考古和水利工程等，而哲學則是所有知識體系的基礎。
Z: Did you have anything to say to the current and future architecture students?
你有沒有什麼話想對現在和未來的建築系學生說呢?
L: Thesis research is of great significance to a student. It is not just an assignment, but a stage when we can explore ourselves to a great extent. Try to face yourself and believe in yourself. I will be very happy to share my experience when I get my current urgent tasks on hand done.
畢業研究對於一個學生來說意義重大， 它不單是一份功課，更是讓我們盡情發揮和探索自己的過程。要嘗試面對和相信自己。完成手上緊迫的事情之後，我很樂意跟大家分享我的經驗。
