Bulletin Spring‧Summer 1992

To meet such a demand, The Chinese University proposed to the University and Polytechnic Grants Committee (UPGC) in 1988 to establish a second architecture department ‘of the highest possible standard', stressing that 'the curricula... will fulfil all requirements for professional accreditation and will be relevant to community needs.' The proposal was promptly approved by the UPGC. The Birth of a New Department After three years' intensive preparation, a new department of architecture was set up at The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1991 and admitted its first batch of students last September. In its first year, the department has 50 students, five faculty members and four support staff, all temporarily housed on the top floor of the Chung Chi Library Building. It expects to increase at the rate of about 50 students per year for five years until it reaches a full complement of about 250 students and 20 faculty members. The department presently has a studio, offices, a computer laboratory and two shared classrooms in space borrowed from the Chung Chi Library. In September 1992 the larger classroom w i l l be converted to provide additional studio space for a total of a hundred students. The smaller classroom w i l l be converted into offices for four new teachers, clerical staff, research assistants and M.Phil, students. By September 1993 ， Chung Chi Redevelopment Phase I I is expected to be completed to provide the space needed for the entire programme. There will be enough studio space, a computer laboratory, workshops, departmental offices, and an architecture library that houses slides, tapes and other visual as well as printed materials. L i s t en to Wh a t the Students Say (Stanley Woo, Tina Yuen and Daniel Hui are all first- year students of the Department of Architecture. The mark • stands for the Chinese University Bulletin.) • Why have you chosen to study architecture? Stanley: I am interested in design; that's why I've selected architecture. Tina : I think I have a natural bent for drawing, and 1 like design as well. I also want to study some technical subjects. Architecture fits in perfectly with what I have in mind. Daniel : Actually I was enrolled as a business administration student in 1990, but when I learnt that the University was going to establish a department of architecture, I instantly asked myself:'If I am fond of drawing and design, wouldn't architecture suit me better?’ I then applied for a transfer in 1991 and was accepted. • As the Department of Architecture has only just been set up, have you ever worried about the curriculum and facilities? Stanley: I did worry a little before I applied, but my main concern then was to get admitted. Tina : At first I had such worries, but then I thought it would be great to belong to the first batch of architecture students. Unlike other departments, there won't be any seniors to entertain, nor will there be standing rules and practices to conform to. I have all the freedom I need in my work. Daniel : No, I haven't had such worries. I think it is challenging to be in a new department. Teachers are likely to be more hard-working and devoted, and students can enjoy a greater degree of freedom. Department of Architecture 4