Hong Kong Vernacular Centre

We use signs to form a character, some are the most primitive of pictograms. They represent materials, construction or the use of space and order. With the combination of the secondary components, new characters are made.

This project investigates the relationship between architecture and language, focusing on cultural and architectural values of Hong Kong. Through the tectonic analysis and interpretation of Hong Kongs’ vernacular language (Cantonese and Traditional Chinese), the project aims to develop architecture by using historical vernacular materials (greyish bricks, giam wood and bamboo). The architecture and centre itself becomes a new series of characters to educate, preserve and help revitalize the language and the building traditions for the current and future generations.

Symmetry and axis is found in the tectonic of the characters. Considering the spatial proportion of different components is crucial in keep the balance of a character. The size of a sign is being affected by the components in the same text frame, therefore, the proportion of the same sign but in a different characters might change.