Date 21.06.2021

Location Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) has announced the results of its Young Architect Award 2020, focusing on the theme “Revitalisation of Bishop Hill Underground Cistern”. All three awardees are alumni of CUHK School of Architecture.

With his design “A Day of Flânerie at Bishop’s Hill”, Samuel WONG Sau Yin (MArch 2015), the Winner of the Award, suggests an architectural proposal that brings people deep into the Bishop’s Hill discovering the underground cistern, the hiking path and secret gardens built by the locals. The new entrance of the cistern is a new intervention to complement the hundred-year-old structure, preserving its originality and authenticity while minimizing permanent damage. The opening created during the demolition will be preserved and serves as a memorial of the event that has taken place. All these elements constitute a space for inner peace – a void within an urban void.

“Encountering”, a work by Justin LAW Chun Wai (MArch 2010), is selected as the Honourable Mention of the Award. It intends to introduce water back into the cistern, and a series of ring-shaped walkways are designed to resonate with the circular structure while allowing visitors to appreciate the order and perspective of the space.

Joshua LAM Wai Hon (MArch 2018)’s design, “The Value of Uselessness”, is a shortlisted proposal for the Award. Joshua suggests turning the cistern into a communal water tank to provide a recreational space for the community, incorporating a meandering path to divide the pool into sections of different characters.