International Architecture Awards Tell a friend
ARCHIVE 2024
International Architecture Awards
Architects: Architectural Services Department, HKSAR Government
Lead Architect: Thomas Wan
Landscape Architects: Earthasia Limited
General Contractor: Shing Hing Construction Company Limited
Client: Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. HKSAR Government
Photographers: Architectural Services Department Perfect Circle
Project Description With the growth in overall population and changes in demographic profile, the Hong Kong Government's projection in 2016 was that territory wise, there would be a shortage in the number of available cremation service sessions in 2023 due to the increase in demand. Therefore there is a need of gradual re-provisioning of the existing crematoria, expansion and additional facilities in Wo Hop Shek Crematorium.
Wo Hop Shek Crematorium was re-provisioned in 2013, some areas had been reserved for expansion when required during its design stage. In 2016, the Hong Kong Government decided to implement the expansion project by adding one service hall and two cremators at the reserved areas, to meet the rising demand for cremation services and make room for re-provisioning other crematoria in the territory.
The major scope of the expansion project comprised the provision of: (1) two standard coffin cremators; (2) one additional service hall; (3) ancillary facilities including joss paper burner, toilets, etc. Since Wo Hop Shek Crematorium was in full operation, the expansion project was carefully planned and subdivided into sections to avoid any interruption to the existing service.
Following the meritorious architecture of the existing Wo Hop Shek Crematorium, the priority in designing the new service hall was the empathy for the grieving families: (a) Spaces and circulation routes are carefully arranged to respect each family's need for privacy and dignity, sans cross flow with one another. (b) Greenery and natural light permeates into the architecture through sensationally designed fenestrations and skylights, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere. (c) A curved tapestry-like surface droops from the ceiling down the wall and then out through the entrance doors, weaves the spaces and adds a sense of spirituality to the hall. (d) The departure route leads the grieving family to an existing lawn where the openness, the view, the scent and the burbling composes a sorrow-relieving epilogue.
