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CUHK School of Architecture relaunches Project Plum Grove Old-House A new milestone in village revitalisation
The School of Architecture of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) organised the “Project Plum Grove Old-House Re-launch” recently. The event marked the first large-scale public activity under the “Project Plum Grove Phase II” and attracted more than 180 participants. It was named “Kai Shing Yat” (啟承日), with the Chinese characters symbolising a new milestone in village revitalisation.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Professor Wong Kam-sing, Chairman of the Wu Zhi Qiao Charitable Foundation. Several industry practitioners and academics were also present, including Mr Kevin Li, Senior Rural Conservation Manager (Strategy and Communications) of the Countryside Conservation Office; Professor Lam Chiu-ying, Chairman of The Hong Kong Countryside Foundation; Professor Wong Fook-yee, former Deputy Director of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department; Mr Tsang Yuk-on, Vice-Chairman of the Sha Tau Kok Rural Committee and Village Representative of Mui Tsz Lam; Mr George Au, Principal of the Hong Kong Institute of Construction (Kwai Chung Campus); Mrs Cecilia Lam, Director of the social responsibility and sustainable development office at CUHK; and Professor Cheung Shui-wai, Chairman of the Department of History at CUHK.
On the opening day, a variety of activities took place at the Old House, including the Urban-Rural Place-making Workshop hosted by the School of Architecture of CUHK, the Wu Zhi Qiao Rural Revitalisation Leadership Programme, and a continuing professional education course conducted by the Hong Kong Institute of Architects. The full-day event attracted nearby villagers, village representatives, volunteers, staff from the non-profit organisation Wu Zhi Qiao, CUHK students and faculty members, and the general public. Additionally, the art installation “The Harvest Moon”, a collaboration project between the Village Community Hub and the artist group Zaat Hap Laa, was unveiled for the first time.
Mui Tsz Lam is one of the seven villages of Hing Chun Yeuk, Sha Tau Kok, a Hakka village with 360 years of history. In 2020, CUHK launched Project Plum Grove with the support of the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme. During the first phase, the project adopted three main principles: in-situ, light-touch and co-creating. The successful experimental restoration paved the way for the funding of “Phase II: Restoring the Old House for the Village Community”. Building on the success of Phase I, the research team has restored the Old House, turning it into Mui Tsz Lam’s village community hub. It will serve as a long-term base that fosters the future living culture of the village and contributes to its sustainable restoration.
During the building restoration, the lightweight structure from the first phase was dismantled and repurposed in other parts of the village. The second phase of restoration has integrated the knowledge gained from the first phase and has combined traditional and modern revitalisation techniques, designs, structures and materials to breathe new life into the old buildings and give them new purposes.
About CUHK Urban-Rural Revitalisation
CUHK Urban-Rural Revitalisation is an interdisciplinary research team established in 2020. The team uses architecture as an entry point for in-depth research, integrating various disciplines, such as life sciences, anthropology, geography and resource management. The projects cover Sha Tau Kok and South Lantau, including Project Plum Grove, From Valley to Plain, Re-telling the Yung Shue Au Story, Encounter Lantau South, Regenerating Shui Hau and Regenerating the Landscape of Lantau Mountain Camp.
Guests and staff at the Project Plum Grove Old House Re-launch on 14 September
During the opening ceremony, Professor Thomas Chung, the leader of Project Plum Grove, discussed the project’s progress in its first two phases. He expressed gratitude to the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme and all sectors for their support. Additionally, he outlined his future plans and vision for urban-rural revitalisation.
Guests at the opening ceremony included Mr Kevin Li, Senior Rural Conservation Manager (Strategy and Communications), Countryside Conservation Office (third from left); Mr Tsang Yuk On, Vice-Chairman of Sha Tau Kok Rural Committee and Representative of Mui Tsz Lam Village (fifth from left); officiating guest Professor K.S. Wong, Chairman of the Wu Zhi Qiao Charitable Foundation (sixth from left); Professor Lam Chiu Ying, The Hong Kong Countryside Foundation (fourth from left); and Mr George Au, Principal of the Hong Kong Institute of Construction (Kwai Chung Campus) (second from right).
Traditional roast pig-cutting ceremony
The event attracted more than 180 participants, including local villagers and their representatives, volunteers, Wu Zhi Qiao staff, CUHK teachers and students, and members of the general public.
Three workshops were held at the restored Old House on the opening day, including the Wu Zhi Qiao Youth Leadership Group’s hands-on activities.
CUHK invited non-profit organisations, volunteers and villagers interested in rural restoration to participate in the CUHK Project Plum Grove Urban Rural Place-making Workshop.
Cultural heritage expert Professor Selia Tan from Wuyi University travelled to Hong Kong to take part in the event.
The second phase of restoration has integrated the knowledge gained from the first phase and has combined traditional and modern revitalisation techniques, designs, structures and materials to breathe new life into the old buildings and give them new purposes.
The second phase of restoration has integrated the knowledge gained from the first phase and has combined traditional and modern revitalisation techniques, designs, structures and materials to breathe new life into the old buildings and give them new purposes.
