Master Talk: Queen’s Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court
This Master Talk focused on two large residential projects that have been undergoing in-take for two years, including Queen’s Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court. Two architects responsible for these projects from the Housing Department were invited to give a talk to Form 3 students from Ho Ngai College (Sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen). They discussed in detail how different architectural professionals collaborate to create a building project that incorporates elements of sustainable development, advanced technology, community connections, cultural preservation, and a people-centric approach. Together, they strive to create beautiful homes for more than 30,000 residents. After the talk, the students, led by the two architects, toured the community and recreational facilities in the Queen's Hill Estate, experiencing first-hand the satisfaction of seeing the completion and realisation of architectural concepts.
Understanding the Public Housing Evolution
To start with, students were introduced to the history of public housing through a video and a quiz game, where they learned the evolution of public housing from merely a roof over people’s heads to the quality homes today. The two architects from the Housing Department shared their plans of Queen’s Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court including building layout, community facility planning, interior design and the application of sustainable elements and how they can improve residents’ quality of life.
Tour of the Favourable Living Conditions in the Estates
After the talk, the two architects brought the students on a tour around Queen’s Hill Estate, traversing through the buildings that optimise natural light and enjoy good ventilation thanks to open designs. Students also received a first-hand experience as to how clever architectural layouts can foster favourable living conditions for residents.
AR Spots Redefining Traditional Perceptions of Art
The tour also explored ways in which art can be implemented into the community. Sparking curiosities were two AR art pieces named “The Trees of Life” and “Our Home”. Students all scanned the works with their phones and relished in the whimsical AR designs on their phone screens in a project that redefined their perception of art.
Integrating Cultural Preservation into Community Design
A mural titled “Time Track” also piqued students’ curiosity. Within the painting were three-dimensional objects – such as fire alarms, iron gates and long benches. These are relics from military camps that previously stood on the estate’s sites, according to the architects. Another highlight of the tour were wooden handicrafts scattered across different corners of the estate. These art pieces were made from upcycled wood from now defunct old mills so to continue the tales of these craftsmen of yesteryears.
