1997 — Page 245

Urban Council Proceedings 市政局議事錄 All AI Reviewed

Page 245 of 654

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HONG KONG PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL

Mr. CHEUNG's motion asks for a review and he wants it as soon as possible. I subscribe to that. I feel that in light of recent events, there is urgent need for a review. In the next five years, over $5 billion will be spent on capital works based on the relationship among the Council, the Urban Services Department and the Architectural Services Department. We cannot afford to delay the review.

On the other hand, this review is about quality too. It will upgrade the quality of our capital works and it will enable us to reflect non-government professional opinions on the design of capital works items. We all hope that designs of such works will build the image of an international metropolis for Hong Kong. We look forward to a significant symbol for Hong Kong.

Concerning how we can successfully make use of a consultative mechanism and introduce competitions for capital works designs, I have my views.

First of all, I pinpoint our experience of the advisory mechanism at the Culture and Museums Select Committees. We have 18 advisory panels, but I have not seen members for more than half a year. The question is how we can draw input from the panels. At present, they exist in name only. We must ask that the panels participate in our work to certain extents. At least, the panels should be involved at two stages. For one, advisers should tender advice at the time work details are prepared and before the initial feasibility study. The next stage will be when the Architectural Services Department submit first plans and cost statements.

Secondly, we need to establish the function and role of advisers. They are not ornaments. They should be asked for advice at a time when changes are still possible, but not when everything is already decided.

Thirdly, we need to establish a good operational mechanism. Advisers should cooperate closely with the Council. In the past, advisers to the Culture and Museums Select Committees discussed with the Department first. It saved time, yes, but it stripped Members of this Council the opportunity to hear first-hand professional advice. We only got information from reports of Departmental officers. This is not acceptable and it does not help much. We should have a formal mechanism in place and we should be given ample time to study documents. The minutes of all formal meetings should be circulated to all advisers too.

I now move on to open design competitions. If we want such competitions to be successful, we need to formulate certain policies. We should consider which kinds of projects are suitable for holding competitions on. Factors to consider include the scope, cost and function of projects. I believe the system of holding competitions is necessary for all large and medium-scale projects. In France, open competitions are a necessary part of the system. It encourages participation by young and promising architects. Those joining competitions are mostly below 40. This way, young talents will be developed.

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Page 245 of 654 654 ! 244 HONG KONG PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL Mr. CHEUNG's motion asks for a review and he wants it as soon as possible. I subscribe to that. I feel that in light of recent events, there is urgent need for a review. In the next five years, over $5 billion will be spent on capital works based on the relationship among the Council, the Urban Services Department and the Architectural Services Department. We cannot afford to delay the review. On the other hand, this review is about quality too. It will upgrade the quality of our capital works and it will enable us to reflect non-government professional opinions on the design of capital works items. We all hope that designs of such works will build the image of an international metropolis for Hong Kong. We look forward to a significant symbol for Hong Kong. Concerning how we can successfully make use of a consultative mechanism and introduce competitions for capital works designs, I have my views. First of all, I pinpoint our experience of the advisory mechanism at the Culture and Museums Select Committees. We have 18 advisory panels, but I have not seen members for more than half a year. The question is how we can draw input from the panels. At present, they exist in name only. We must ask that the panels participate in our work to certain extents. At least, the panels should be involved at two stages. For one, advisers should tender advice at the time work details are prepared and before the initial feasibility study. The next stage will be when the Architectural Services Department submit first plans and cost statements. Secondly, we need to establish the function and role of advisers. They are not ornaments. They should be asked for advice at a time when changes are still possible, but not when everything is already decided. Thirdly, we need to establish a good operational mechanism. Advisers should cooperate closely with the Council. In the past, advisers to the Culture and Museums Select Committees discussed with the Department first. It saved time, yes, but it stripped Members of this Council the opportunity to hear first-hand professional advice. We only got information from reports of Departmental officers. This is not acceptable and it does not help much. We should have a formal mechanism in place and we should be given ample time to study documents. The minutes of all formal meetings should be circulated to all advisers too. I now move on to open design competitions. If we want such competitions to be successful, we need to formulate certain policies. We should consider which kinds of projects are suitable for holding competitions on. Factors to consider include the scope, cost and function of projects. I believe the system of holding competitions is necessary for all large and medium-scale projects. In France, open competitions are a necessary part of the system. It encourages participation by young and promising architects. Those joining competitions are mostly below 40. This way, young talents will be developed. Page 245 of 654 £654 Page 245 Page 246 Page 246 of 654

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Page 245 of 654 654 ! 244 HONG KONG PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL Mr. CHEUNG's motion asks for a review and he wants it as soon as possible- I subscribe to that. I feel that in light of recent events. there is urgent need for a review. In the next sive years, over $5 billion will be spent on capital works based on the relationship among the Council, the Urban Services Department and the Architectural Services Department. We cannot afford to delay the review. On the other hand, this review is about quality too. It will upgrade the quality of our capital works and it will enable us to reflect non-government professional opinions on the design of capital works items. We all hope that designs of such works will build the image of an international metropolis for Hong Kong. We look forward to a significant symbol for Hong Kong. Concerning how we can successfully make use of a consultative mechanism and introduce competitions for capital works designs. I have my views. First of all, I pinpoint our experience of the advisory mechanism at the Culture and Museums Select Committees. We have 18 advisory panels, but I have not scen members for more than half a year. The question is how we can draw input from the panels. At present, they exist in name only. We must ask that the panels participate in our work to certain extents. At least, the panels should be involved at two stages. For one, advisers should tender advice at the time work details are prepared and before the initial feasibility study. The next stage will be when the Architectural Services Department submit first plans and cost statements. Secondly, we need to establish the function and role of advisers. They are nol ornaments. They should be asked for advice at a time when changes are still possible, but not when everything is already decided. Thirdly, we need to establish a good operational mechanism. Advisers should cooperate closely with the Council. In the past, advisers to the Culture and Museums Select Committees discussed with the Department first. It saved time, yes, but it stripped Members of this Council the opportunity to hear first hand professional advice. We only got information from reports of Departmental officers. This is not acceptable and it does not help much. We should have a formal mechanism in place and we should be given ample time to study documents. The minutes of all formal meetings should be circulated to all advisers too. I now move on to open design competitions. If we want such competitions to be successful, we need to formulate certain policies. We should consider which kinds of projects are suitable for holding competitions on. Factors to consider include the scope, cost and function of projects. I believe the system of holding competitions is necessary for all large and medium scale projects. In France, open competitions are a necessary part of the system. It encourages participation by young and promising architects. Those joining competitions are mostly below 40. This way, young talents will be developed. Page 245 of 654 £654 Page 245Page 246 Page 246 of 654

2026-05-16 03:27:12 · Baseline

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Page 245 of 654

654

244

HONG KONG PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL

Mr. CHEUNG's motion asks for a review and he wants it as soon as possible- I subscribe to that. I feel that in light of recent events. there is urgent need for a review. In the next sive years, over $5 billion will be spent on capital works based on the relationship among the Council, the Urban Services Department and the Architectural Services Department. We cannot afford to delay the review.

Concerning how we can successfully make use of a consultative mechanism and introduce competitions for capital works designs. I have my views.

First of all, I pinpoint our experience of the advisory mechanism at the Culture and Museums Select Committees. We have 18 advisory panels, but I have not scen members for more than half a year. The question is how we can draw input from the panels. At present, they exist in name only. We must ask that the panels participate in our work to certain extents. At least, the panels should be involved at two stages. For one, advisers should tender advice at the time work details are prepared and before the initial feasibility study. The next stage will be when the Architectural Services Department submit first plans and cost statements.

Secondly, we need to establish the function and role of advisers. They are nol ornaments. They should be asked for advice at a time when changes are still possible, but not when everything is already decided.

Thirdly, we need to establish a good operational mechanism. Advisers should cooperate closely with the Council. In the past, advisers to the Culture and Museums Select Committees discussed with the Department first. It saved time, yes, but it stripped Members of this Council the opportunity to hear first hand professional advice. We only got information from reports of Departmental officers. This is not acceptable and it does not help much. We should have a formal mechanism in place and we should be given ample time to study documents. The minutes of all formal meetings should be circulated to all advisers too.

I now move on to open design competitions. If we want such competitions to be successful, we need to formulate certain policies. We should consider which kinds of projects are suitable for holding competitions on. Factors to consider include the scope, cost and function of projects. I believe the system of holding competitions is necessary for all large and medium scale projects. In France, open competitions are a necessary part of the system. It encourages participation by young and promising architects. Those joining competitions are mostly below 40. This way, young talents will be developed.

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£654

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