Cultural Diversity can be illustrated within the ChungKing Mansion (CKM) by the diverse nationalities, the languages spoken or the retail products there. However, the architecture itself is comparatively monotonous which lose its unique characteristic.
CKM is well known for its diverse cultural background of its habitants. In view of it, my project first adopts the methodology of architectural symbolism of post-modern trend. It is to study and adopt traditional architectural languages, symbols and features of the Middle East, African, Indian and Arabian regions (from where the habitants come). Moreover, the existing spatial layouts are modified so that new communal activities, e.g. dancing performance and religious gathering among people from different cultural backgrounds can be occurred.
By these architectural moves, I believe that the experience of the modified spatial layout and the corresponding programs can be enhanced by the proposed symbolic meanings and aesthetic qualities. As a result, new facet and life is brought to CKM and its cultural identity can be enhanced and expressed.
ECLECTICISM | ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES | RE-PROGRAMMING
YEAR THREE STUDIO PROJECT
Date: October - December 2014
Site: Chung King Mansions, Tsim Sha Tsui
- MANIFESTO OF CULTURAL IDENTITY AT CHUNG KING MANSIONS -
Model demonstrating the facade and the interior space at the Chung King Mansions
Left: Sketch - Extreme Outcome if various architectural features are embedded into the Chung King Mansions
Right: Studies on the Architectural Features in different countries
Left: Re-zoning the space according to the existing nature of the business (from Block B-E to Block A- the Facade)
Right: Plans showing the addition of extended balconies at 3/F-5/F, 9-10/F and 14/F to 16/F
Section of the Extended Balcony
One of the characteristics of the researched architectural features is the high ceiling of the interior space. For example, the ceiling of the Moorish temples are usually 9 meters high with vault aligned. This provide a sense of sublime.
Atrium space is created at the two back corners and the front area along the three floors. Together with the extended balcony, both inhabitants and the passer-by can enjoy the performance on the 3/F.
The 4/F is abolished in this design in order to create a higher ceiling of the space
Similar to the 3/F-5/F, atrium space and extended balcony are created on these floor as well. But the location are changed to the front corners. The atrium space are is served as stage while the restaurants are surrounded the atrium space. This allows the visitors to enjoy the performance when they are dining.
When there is not any performance, the restaurants can utilize the open space as cafe area which increase the for people to have interactions.