Pavilion of Harmony
22°25′17″N 114°12′36″E / 22.421421°N 114.209954°E
The Pavilion of Harmony (Chinese: 合一亭) is an architectural feature on the New Asia College campus of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), located between the student dormitories Xuesi Hall and Chih Hsing Hall.[1] It was constructed as a tribute to the founder of New Asia College, Chien Mu, and his 1996 philosophical work, The Theory of the Union of Man and Nature.[1][2]
The pavilion was officially opened on 12 December 2003. It was donated by Ms Ng Tsung-lin, and designed by Prof Freeman Chan Wai-kei from the CUHK Department of Architecture.[1][3]
Architecture
The theory of the unity of Heaven and humanity is a central concept in Confucian philosophy, which holds that the way of humanity and the way of heaven are interconnected. The location of the Pavilion of Harmony is thoughtfully chosen, as described by the college's Dean, Professor Huang Nai-zheng, as "a clear pool, two trees half-embracing, not a traditional garden, but with modern artistic intent." The water feature in front of the pavilion further enhances the concept of unity between heaven and humanity.[2]
There are bamboo trees planted next to the pavilion, and a stone bench under the pavilion overlooking Tolo Harbour, and a pond in front of the pavilion, which is crescent-shaped and extremely shallow, with a large tree in the middle of the pond. The pond is almost in line with the landscape of Tolo Harbour, creating the effect of unity between water and sky, promoting the idea of unity between heaven and man, while reflecting scenery and human figures. The pond attracts many visitors, including prospective couples taking wedding photos here. The first "Hong Kong Tertiary Student Photography Competition" was held in this location[4]
The pavilion is connected to a walkway with a long metal plaque. Engraved on the plaque is calligraphy of Chien Mu's The Theory of the Union of Man and Nature and the Seal of the Union of Man and Nature, created respectively by Prof Lee Wun-yoon and Prof Vincent Tong Kam-tang, from the CUHK Department of Fine Arts.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d "【Campus Tour – The Pavilion of Harmony】 – CUHK New Asia College". New Asia College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. 2024-05-16. Archived from the original on 2024-05-16. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
- ^ a b "合一亭". 香港中文大學 The Chinese University of Hong Kong. September 2009. Archived from the original on 2016-06-04. Retrieved 2016-06-09.
- ^ 盧達生 (September 2012). "新亞書院<簡訊>第一期" (PDF). New Asia College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 October 2016.
- ^ "第一屆「全港大專學生攝影比賽」2015 得獎及入圍作品賞". 攝影札記 Photoblog – 新奇好玩的攝影資訊、攝影技巧教學. Archived from the original on 2016-06-06. Retrieved 2016-06-09.