Bulletin No. 1, 2013

10 Chinese University Bulletin No. 1, 2013 Teaching in the Wild The bridge was only the main part of the project— there were also plans to build a pavilion. While work on the first was underway, a few students from the CUHK School of Architecture gathered in a residential courtyard to take measurements, saw wood, drill holes, paint, and process other building materials for creating a pavilion. One day Siu Man (Year 1) (top row centre), designer of the pavilion, and her classmate Chan Wing-yan Annie went to the site to mark the outline of the foundation, only to find that the ground was uneven. They turned to Professor Ng for help. He went to the site and found another problem—the foundation as it was would abut a part of a neighbouring road. That would obstruct traffic. He asked Siu Man to revise her design right away. As she wavered, Professor Ng took the opportunity to teach something valuable. Picking up a ruler, he began taking measurements; whipping out pen and paper, he began changing the design. He said, ‘Architects need to come up with solutions on the spot or the contractor will think you’re just kids.’ Professor Ng is used to situations like that. ‘Problems arise every time I let students design. I do go over their plans beforehand, but as long as the structure won’t collapse, I would give my stamp of approval. That’s why problems, big and small, always crop up during implementation, and that requires on-site solutions. I want students to learn how to think on their feet,’ he explained. The pavilion is made with wood and screw rods. Wisteria is grown at the side which when it climbs onto the roof and flourishes, will offer much-needed and delicious shade.