Through adaptive reuse and architectural insertion, The Tai Kwun Center for Heritage and Art transforms a rare historic architecture of Hong Kong into a vibrant public space. With the oldest structure dating back to 1864, the original Tai Kwun complex served as a prison and administrative building for the British in colonial Hong Kong. The complex gained additional structures and worked as the Central Police Station until a new structure was built in Wan Chai after World War II. In 2010, The Hong Kong Jockey Club decided upon and funded a heritage centered plan to transform the complex into a cultural urban site.

Herzog & de Meuron challenged the space of a historic site by inserting radical architectures without disrupting the ability of the site to become a public space and outdoor recreation area. The difficulty of working within a dense urban condition while simultaneously grappling with a historic monument resolved through thoughtful hiring of specialty architects and contractors. Through proportion and material selection, Herzog & de Meuron replicate the language of the original site with a modern palate. What results is a gem of an urban courtyard reflecting the rich architectural milieu of Hong Kong.

Collaborators: Sally Lape

Photography: David Jaehning