No_4_November_and_December__1952 — Page 43

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NEW SCHOOL GYMNASIUM

Photograph of the exterior of the completed building.

PHYSICAL training is nowa- days recognised as a vital ele- ment in turning out good citizens of the future, not only for health and fit- ness of the body but also for the gain ing of those qualities of leadership, aspiration, courage and team spirit so necessary for a successful ap- proach to commercial or profes- sional life.

There are all too few facilities available in the Colony, where young people can avail themselves of physical training equipment and carry out exercises under proper supervision, and even recognised institutes of learning have been sadly lacking in such amenities. Through necessity, too much stress has been placed on academic training to the almost complete neglect of bodily development. The reason for this is not very far to seek; like so many other causes and projects in Hong Kong, progress has been stifled by the acute lack of funds.

For many years the Diocesan Boys' School had felt the need of a gymnasium, plans for which had to be continually shelved becaused of the urgent need for providing other educational facilities. Then, fortun- ately, the school was able to obtain an interest free loan of $200,000 from Government repayable in annual instalments over 20 years to cover the cost of erection of the necessary buildings.

When it was found possible to proceed with the long delayed plans the project was thrown open to competition under approved R.I.B.A.

rules. It was previously decided to incorporate in the new scheme some subsidiary accommodation for which there was a need.

the architects, most whom were Old It was a close competition among Boys; there were three assessors- two architects from the Public Works Department and one of the school's directors. The successful architect was Mr. Kuo Yuan Hsi, who produced a design of a remark-

ably handsome block outstanding for its simplicity yet incorporating attractive decorative features.

The gymnasium is connected to the existing school by a covered way for protection during incule- ment weather, and entrance will usually be along this passage and through a side entrance in one side of the building. However, the main entrance is at one end of the gym, and is accentuated by having

View of the interior of the Gymnasium with cross section through building above.

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