The "Pavilion of Harmony"

On the Chinese University campus, my favorite places for for some quiet reflection are the Lily Pond of Chung Chi College and the Pavilion of Harmony at New Asia College, which, to my eternal shame, I refer to as the "infinity pool". I take visitors to these two locations, and the inevitable reaction of those who see the Pavilion for the first time is an audible gasp followed by a look of sheer bliss.

The Chinese University, hell bent on expansion, is now a construction site. High rises are appearing in every nook and corner. The student population will nearly double and the university, like most places in Hong Kong, will likely become a concrete jungle. But, the Pavilion of Harmony, which overlooks the Tolo Harbour and the distant Tai Po hills, will provide a tranquil corner for a momentary escape for anyone who seeks it.


With Prof. Freeman Chan

So, I was glad to attend a recent talk by Freeman Chan, a former professor of architecture and the designer and architect of the Pavilion of Harmony. Canadian born and raised, he moved to Hong Kong is 1984 and taught at the Chinese University till retiring in 2003. He cannot read Chinese and barely speaks it. The design of the Pavilion was part of his "service to the university/community", meaning it was honorary. Freeman explained that he went through about 20 designs before settling on a final plan. During the talk, a member of the audience gave his own interpretation of the Pavilion, attempting to link it to Chinese philosophy. Freeman, modest and unassuming, smiled serenely through it all. Freeman's intention may not have been symbolic; he intended to create a place in harmony with its surroundings. This concept is not necessarily confined to Chinese philosophy.

Freeman apparently believes that the discipline and profession of architecture has strayed and lost its true direction. One glance at the Science Park along the Tolo Harbour or the constructions taking place on the Chinese University campus are enough to confirm his views.


My photo at the Pavilion was taken by Prof. Andrew Parkin