A cluster of important historical buildings in Hong Kong undergoes adaptive reuse under the hands of Herzog & de Meuron to become a heritage and arts complex.
In Hong Kong’s densely packed, bustling Central and Western District, an important 14,500m 2 site that has been vacant since 2006 now sees new life as a historical and cultural oasis within the heart of the city.
Built in 1841, this compound, which sits on valuable hillside real estate in between the city’s vibrant nightlife hub of Lan Kwai Fong, the commercial streets of Soho, the Central business district, and Mid-Levels residential area, was formerly the British colony’s main police station, magistracy, and the Victoria Prison.
Commissioned by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, and christened Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage & Art, the revitalised, 27,000m 2 compound is the largest restoration project ever undertaken in Hong Kong.
SOMETHING OLD
The Centre, which took close to eight years and approximately S$665 million to build, consists of two large courtyards, 16 carefully conserved heritage buildings, and two new, bold and modern volumes that rise over the old prison walls.
The old and new spaces and outdoor areas are all linked by walkways and sculptural concrete staircases.
Set to become a hub for musical and theatre performances, and home to commercial art galleries such as Tai Kwun Contemporary, as well as non-profit art spaces, the Centre includes two large courtyards – the Parade Ground, and the Prison Yard – that offer the rare opportunity to create social, performance or exhibition spaces outdoors in a compact and dense urban area.
This story is from the Issue 107 edition of d+a.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 107 edition of d+a.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
True Beauty
M Moser Associates injects unique Gangnam styling into the fully refurbished offices for beauty giant L'oréal in Seoul.
A Walk In The Park
RT+Q Architects distils Modernist expressions into Sentul Pavilion, a glassand-steel event space in a park in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Elevated Living
This spacious abode in Cape Town in South Africa features a "garden in the sky" and an open-plan living space with views of the city below.
Thirty Years Of Transformative Design
Mr Philippe Starck along with 80 designers from Asia were invited to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of AXOR x Philippe Starck in Shanghai in March 2024.
Spring To Life
Kengo Kuma Associates completes Japan’s first zero-energy hotel in the city of Saijo, famous for its abundant spring water.
Back To The Future
Highlights of Singapore designers’ showcase at Milan Design Week’s Future Impact 2.
Undivided Duality
Slicing through a sedate suburban hollow is a multigenerational home of sharp, intrepid architecture.
The Tie That Binds
The meticulously restored Rumah Kechik in Malacca features well-preserved architectural features, traditional local craftsmanship as well as modern design elements.
Modern Family Retreat
This four-storey home in Singapore’s Paya Lebar neighbourhood boasts a brick interior for warmth and cosiness and private spaces for quiet relaxation.
The Beauty Of Unpredictability
Bocci’s founder and creative director Omer Arbel pushes the boundaries of design through experimentation, research and collaboration.