Hung Hing Ying Building

Hung Hing Ying Building sits squarely in front of the Main Building. The central dome, entrance portico and balanced architectural proportions are strongly neoclassical, while its red brick walls complement the Edwardian Baroque aesthetics of the earlier Main Building.

This pretty building was originally designed to house the University Union and until 1946 was known as the Union Building. It was opened in 1919, having been constructed with the support of Professor C. A. Middleton Smith, Sir Catchick Paul Chater and Professor G. P. Jordan, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University at the time.

After World War II, the Building was adapted for administrative purposes. In 1974 it was converted for use as a Senior Common Room for the University's academic and senior administrative staff.

In 1986 the Building was renamed in honour of Mr Hung Hing Ying, in recognition of his support of the University, and for many years housed the Department of Music. In 1995 the Hung Hing Ying Building was declared a monument by the Hong Kong Government.


Acknowledgement:

Dr Peter Cunich
Associate Professor, History Department

Dr Lee Ho Yin
Associate Professor in Architectural Conservation; Director, Architectural Conservation Programmes (ACP)
Department of Architecture

References:

Declared Monuments in Hong Kong: The Exterior of Hung Hing Ying Building, The University of Hong Kong. (2004). Retrieved 2012, from http://www.amo.gov.hk/en/monuments_57.php

Lam, S. Y., & Sze, J. (2001). University buildings as evidence of the university's growth and development. Past visions of the future: some perspectives on the history of The University of Hong Kong. Hong Kong: University Museum and Art Gallery, the University of Hong Kong