The University of Hong Kong
Rejuvenating the historic Main Building
- Location
- Hong Kong
- Client
- The University of Hong Kong
Purcell were appointed as the heritage architect for the rejuvenation of The University of Hong Kong's iconic main building. Our scope of work ranged from a condition survey and conservation management plan, through to the detail design for the repair of the exterior and interior building fabric.
Key heritage issues addressed the integration of building services, addition of lift access, enhancing the approach to the building from within the campus, removal of modern accretions, and statutory compliance.
The intended function was to create support space to meet curriculum requirements, which included providing lecture halls, seminar rooms, classrooms, meeting venues, archives and student and staff amenities.
The University of Hong Kong's main building was designed by Leigh & Orange and completed in 1912. It was constructed as the first university building in Hong Kong, encompassing teaching, assembly, and administrative spaces, and accommodating up to 500 undergraduates.
The building - notably the Great Hall, now renamed as Loke Yew Hall - was severely damaged during WWII. The post war rebuilding included extending the building to provide additional accommodation. In 1984 it was designated a Declared Monument.
