Bulletin Spring‧Summer 2004

Western campus has great potential for redevelopment today's teaching requirements in terms of their interior space and outward appearance. Space utilization within the Li Dak Sum Building, the oldest building on Western campus, is far from optimal. It is currently used to house offices, conference rooms and small classrooms. There is therefore a plan to redevelop it into a multi-purpose block with multiple teaching facilities. The new structure will face the Tin Ka Ping Building next to the University library and be of similar height. Prof. Ho indicated that this project has received the support of the Un i ve r s i ty Gr an ts Commi t t ee and the Finance Commi t t ee of the Legislative Council. Building design and financial arrangements have also been approved. The redeveloped building may stand out from its immediate neighbours, the Fung King Hey Building and K.K. Leung Building, in the beginning. But in due course when the latter two are also rebuilt, the whole area will become a distinctive teaching centre that stands in unique contrast to the University Mall. The Harmony of Buildings Prof. Ho points out that, besides appearance and functionality, those in charge of designing new buildings should consider their congruence with their immediate surroundings and the overall campus layout. A flaw in design may take a long time to correct. Prof. Ho believes that the redevelopment of the Li Dak Sum Building on Western campus will temporarily ease the demand for teaching space necessitated by the implementation of a four-year undergraduate curriculum. In the long run Chung Chi College, with its convenient proximity to the train station, will be the classroom location of choice for many self-financed or part-time programmes. The many dated low-rises near the train station will be targets for redevelopment. However no concrete plans have been made yet. Prof. Ho is of the view that, unlike many world-class universities, TheChinese University does not yet have a signature building. He very much looks forward to seeing one such building being erected on CUHK campus. Regarding the blue print for campus development submitted by Prof. Liu Yuyang, Prof. Ho comments that an architectural scholar's conception of campus planning is an excellent start-point. Although many items in the master plan may not eventually materialize, it is important to show everyone that the University has such considerations and needs. Prof. Liu's concepts can be further discussed and improved upon in line with teaching and research development. Campus Master Planning for a New Decade 1 3