CHINESE METHODIST CHURCH
SCHOOL AND WELFARE
CENTRE
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Two views from the model of the very modern building now in coure of construction
A large and very modernistic look- ing church building is now under construction in Kowloon which will be ready for service towards the end of this year. The building is sited on a hill slope off Gascoigne Road and adjacent to the Kowloon Magistracy Building. The location is ideal for the nature of the building; while it is practically in the business centre of the district, yet possesses a pleasing and peaceful environment being on higher ground overlooking Kowloon's chief traffic artery-Nathan Road, the Alhambra Theatre and the harbour beyond.
The building has a most interesting layout having followed closely the very unusual shape and rolling con-
tours of the ground. The new building consists of 3 parts: The Church occu- pies the centre portion; a long 3- storeyed School wing to the north, and a south Wing which houses the church administration, residences, ser- vice, etc.
The Church Hall with its Gallery together have a seating capacity of 1,000 persons.
Top ventilation and lighting are provided by 2 longitudinal clerestorey walkways suspended from the curved roof of the Church, The stepped-up altar, choir chancel and raised pulpit form a very unusual feature of the building.
Below the Church Hall is the School Assembly Hall with seating accom- modation for 500 persons which is to
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be served by stage adequate for play production and concerts. Dressing rooms, church pantry, toilets, storage space, etc. are provided in the Church Basement a floor below the stage.
The School Wing is designed for 500 students and has 3 storeys. The upper floors contain 10 large and up- to-date class rooms, a special class room and a kindergarten the latter has its own toilet and pantry facilities. Apart from the various school adminis- tration offices, teachers' Common rooms, reception room, pantry, toilets and shower rooms, the ground floor also has a Medical Inspection Room and a Handicraft Room.
The class rooms are designed along the most modern line with ample lighting and ventilation. The corridors to these class rooms are designed in such a way that top circulation of air in the latter is ensured. The western sun is screened by a system of sun shades.
The South Wing is a 4-storey unit consisting of a high-ceilinged Cere- monial Hall accommodating 120 per- sons, Church administration offices, Committee Room, etc. The minister's residence will occupy the top floor while caretakers' quarters, switch room, etc. will be in the basement,
The general appearence of the building conforms with the most ad- vanced principles of modern architec- ture. The Church Tower is topped by an unusual feature of reinforced con- crete in a parabolic form supporting a cross which will be illuminated by four floodlights. The uppermost sec- tion of the cross will be 120 feet above the Church entrance.
The structural design of the Church consists of a series of curved top portal frames hinged at various levels.
As the building crowns a hill slope, access is provided by a motor drive- way and a curving series of stone steps for pedestrians. The 20 ft. wide driveway leads to the main entrance via a turn-about of 50 ft. diameter.
A full account of this interesting building will be given when its con- struction is completed.
Architect & Engineer:
W. SZETO, B.Sc., A.M.1.C.E., A.M.I. Mech. E., A.M. Am. Soc. C.E., A.1.S.E.
Associate Architects:
Mauger & May, F.F.R.1.B.A. London.
General Contractors:
Lun Sang & Co.
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