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ASD scoops gold medal for architectural excellence

The restoration project of Kun Ting Study Hall in Ping Shan by the Architectural Services Department was awarded the Gold Medal under the "Category D-1 Conservative Project" by the Architects Regional Council ASIA (ARCASIA) today (Wednesday).

ARCASIA is an organisation of 15 National Institutes of Architects from the Asian region extending from Pakistan in the west, the Philippines in the east, China in the north to Indonesia in the south.

The objectives of ARCASIA include fostering and maintaining professional contacts, material co-operation and assistance among member Institutes, promoting the recognition of the architects role in society, architectural profession in their service to society, research and technical advancement in the field of the built environment.

The aim of the ARCASIA Award, which is given in four categories at two years intervals, is to acknowledge exemplary architectural work and in doing so encourage the sustenance of the Asian spirit, the development and improvement of the Asian built environment and enhancement of the awareness of the role of architecture and architects in the socio-economic and cultural life of Asian countries.

With this Award, the intention is also to demonstrate that good architecture is a major component of the positive influence on the human environment, and that physical development in Asia need not be in disharmony with the cultural values, national identity or the natural environment of developing countries in Asia.

Situated in Hang Mei Tsuen, Ping Shan, the Kun Ting Study Hall was built in 1870 by Tang Heung Chuen, the 22nd generation ancestor of the Tang clan, to commemorate his father Tang Kun Ting. The Study Hall provided facilities for both ancestral worship and education.