Leisure and Cultural Services Department - Antiquties and Monuments Office

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A Study into Fusion of Eastern and Western Architecture - St Mary's Church and Tao Fong Shan Christian Centre

In the colonial period under the British rule, the British has left behind a substantial legacy of British-style architecture in Hong Kong during this period. These buildings, which possess significant commemorative value, have witnessed the historic development of Hong Kong. Some of these buildings are still well-preserved in Hong Kong. Not only they have become landmarks of Hong Kong, they can also reflect the history of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is a place of religious freedom, and hence there are many religious buildings with distinct characters. Most of them were built during the colonial period, and they possess a variety of styles, such as Classical Revival, Gothic, Renaissance, and etc. We think that the most unique type are the ones that incorporate both East and West cultural elements, so-called "Chinese Renaissance" or "New Mode of Chinese Classical Architecture". St. Mary's Chapel and Tao Fong Shan Christian Centre are representative of this kind of architectural style. These historic buildings stand as testimony of Hong Kong as a place where East meets West.

After completing the report, we now have a deeper insight in architecture, and also gained a better understanding of various architectural features. We were deeply impressed by the architectural design of St. Mary's Church, because when this church reminds me of the Gothic or Victorian styles of Western architecture. It is hard to believe that Hong Kong can have such a unique church with special factures pagodas, pavilions, red bricks and green tiles. The first impression to me was that this must be a Chinese temple! There is also an interesting contrast to the urban environs.

Based on a thorough investigation in various aspects such as the historical background and architectural style of St. Mary's Church, This church is fascinating to me. Situated in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Causeway Bay, its architecture together with its East-West fusion belong to "Chinese Renaissance" architectural style. This architectural style symbolizes the universal appeal of Christianity, which does not belong to a particular race or nationality. Such style includes both Christianity and Chinese culture, while eliminating the difference and conflict between the two.

I think the most difficult part in writing this study report is data collection, because there are inadequate reference materials available for these 2 historic buildings. Since there was only few information on the internet, we therefore start the research by looking for some books and research papers. Luckily, with the assist ance of our teacher, we eventually completed this project successfully. To conclude, we have learnt a lot from this study report and understand more of Hong Kong as a great me tropolitan where Eastern and Western cultures come together. Though there 2 cultures are different from each other, it can still be co-existed in harmony.

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Usually when we are asked to write study report, we would find many excuses to avoid doing it as far as possible, for the subject may make us losing interest in it. However, when we are asked to write this report, everybody was so excited discussing. We then reached a view to find a prominent example amongst the historic buildings in Hong Kong, and we chose the Central Police Station. As we started gathering information, we found that the Central Police Station is not open to the public for the time being. Eventually, we decided to choose a historic building which has both Eastern and Western elements.

We think that the most difficult part of this report is to compare two buildings, as they are so distinctive to each other. In addition, we learnt a lot in completing this study report. For example, we understand more of the historic buildings in Hong Kong, and we learn to work in a team, cooperate on a , and how to decide a topic, and etc . It is most important to cooperate with each team member in a study report.

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During the course of this study project, the most memorable part to us was gathering information for Tao Fong Shan Christian Centre. Initially, we knew nothing it , this made us anxious about this report. Later, with the assistance of friends and our teacher, we were found relevant information eventually. I still remember we needed to go to travel a long way to a library to search for information, and we can still obtain some information in the end.

The report is now completed, and I feel totally relieved. Although the report seemed like a heavy burden to us before, we put much of the efforts to complete it as last.

After conducting field visit with my team members to Tao Fong Shan Christian Centre, I have a better understand ing on the subject, which marks the successful completion of this project. In the course this study report, we keep encouraging and support ing each other, and we are able to divide our tasks. As such, this study report has somehow strengthened our friendship!

Chung Wai-Kuen
Choi Wing-Yin
Tse C hi-Wai
Ma On Shan St. Joseph's Secondary School

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