Minimalism prevails

"The modern trend of architecture now is simplicity, or 'minimalism'. But of course in Hong Kong we are not going to that extreme. We are going just halfway, which means we can go for buildings that are very basic to reflect its form. It can be a kind of interesting form but at the same time the material itself can be simple," he said.

"But I think in architecture there are other elements. I think the second important one is function, which of course we have to go by. But one thing that will never be outdated is the association with cultural heritage."

Citing Sai Kung Waterfront Park as an example, Mr Fung said the cultural element makes architecture stand the test of time.

"One element that makes it interesting to all is that we have paper boats at the feature pool. The boats recall the memories of Sai Kung as a fishing village."

Cultural, historical meaning

He added: "But more important is we have used old newspapers with news on the World War II. Sai Kung once had a troop to fight against the Japanese. Therefore, I think we can put all these together to draw the memories back to this place. So visitors know this is something not just for architectural appearance but it has a different meaning in it."

The design has brought the department the Institute of Architects Annual Awards 2003 President's Prize. Jurors commented "the architect's vision and efforts in enhancing the spatial and functional linkage has made the open space more convenient, user-friendly and consistent with the leisurely mood of Sai Kung. Through the limited yet sensitive architectural and landscape modification works, a totally new image is created for the whole township".

Apart from the Waterfront Park, a number of Government designs have won awards in recent years, including the Museum of Coastal Defence (2000 Silver Award), Hong Kong Wetland Park phase one (2000 President's Prize), Tai Lung Veterinary Laboratory (2002 Special Architectural Award - Sustainable Design) and the Public Health Laboratory Centre (2003 Merit Award).

Fruitful year

This year, four of the department's projects have won Institute of Architects Annual Awards. They are the Fanling Open Space (President's Prize), the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department Headquarters (Merit Award), the Margaret Trench Red Cross School (Special Architectural Award - Accessiblity), and Universal Accessiblity - Best Practices & Guidelines (Special Architectural Award - Architectural Research).

The jurors found the Fanling Open Space, situated on Wo Muk Road "is well-used by inhabitants of different age groups. Despite of the project's modest nature and budget, the design team has obviously given its undivided attention to get things right - from the planning of the open space with axial and geometric alignments, to the architectural expression of the public toilets and store houses, to the use of building and plant material that gives scale and texture to the entire project."

For the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department Headquarters, jurors noted "the project demonstrates that government buildings should set an example in environmental consciousness and sustainable design, from finding new uses for existing buildings which are structurally sound, to the adoption of alternative technologies in reducing energy consumption".

Mr Fung said the department has been enhanced thanks to the specialisation of architects within it. A committee is also in place to vet architects' work and give advice to ensure designs meet required functions and environmental concepts.

Wider spectrum

"In the Architectural Services Department we have competitions internally. One is the architectural design award and the other an environmental design award. Having these, architects design their works based on these two parameters. Therefore I can see architects, in individual units or design groups, can really express their design efforts and now we start to see the results."

To keep abreast of the latest trend in architecture, the department, like other organisations, offers staff overseas training. However, Mr Fung said there is one thing which is unique to Government architects - having exchanges within the department.

"In this department, we have among colleagues a motivation to having exchanges and studies. Sometimes we spend two days at nearby cities on the Mainland viewing good architecture and sharing views. Therefore new ideas can be explored, expressed and reflected in works."

Looking ahead, Mr Fung said there is still room for improvement.

"I think we like to expand ourselves to a wider spectrum. We would like to see if more areas can be covered. As we have newcomers every year, we also want to see if talented architects can be discovered."