Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architect
ASIA SOCIETY HONG KONG CENTER
Indoor Spaces
On the lower site, a 1940s
structure was restored for
office space. A new two-story
pavilion building, clad in dark
green stone sourced from
southern China, floats above,
serving as the Asia Society’s
entrance. It holds a multi-
function hall, visitor amenities,
gift shop, and restaurant. An
exterior stair leads to the roof
terrace.
Design Style
Inspired by those in traditional
Chinese gardens, a covered
walkway forms a path be-
tween the structures. Many
original building elements are
maintained; mechanical equip-
ment is hidden below-grade
to preserve the site’s historic
character.
LOWER SITE PLAN
In the early 20th century the site was expanded by the
Royal Navy, then abandoned in the 1990s until the Hong Kong
government granted it to the Asia Society. Through a combination
of preservation, adaptive reuse, and new construction, the
formerly derelict site has been transformed into a vibrant cultural
center.
Size and Capacity
The 65,000 GSF project sits in a rainforest surrounded by skyscrapers. It spans
two verdant sites, which are divided by a nullah. At the upper site is the heritage
compound, where two large, stone-walled earth berms made to deter explosions
separate three landmarked structures. Magazine A, built in 1860, holds the Asia
Society Gallery. The Old Laboratory, also built in 1860, holds the Asia Society’s
administrative offices. Magazine B, built in 1905, contains a 100-seat theater.
A two-story cast-in-place footbridge extends
from the terrace to join the pavilion and heritage
compound. Symbolizing the Asia Society’s mission
to enhance connections between the East and
West, and to safeguard an endangered wildlife
habitat, the bridge zigzags through the jungle,
linking old and new.
1. ROOF TERRACE
2. GARDEN
3. OFFICES IN FORMER GG BLOCK
4. JUSTICE DRIVE
5. STAIR TO ROOF TERRACE
6. FOOTBRIDGE Location: Hong Kong
8. GALLERY IN FORMER MAGAZINE A
9. THEATRE IN FORMER MAGAZINE B
Architect: Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects
14. ENTRANCE Area: 65000.0 ft2
15. LOBBY Year: 2012
16. JOCKEY HALL Typology: Urban design, Cultural center
17. SHOP
18. RESTAURANT
19. RESTAURANT ENTRANCE
UPPER SITE PLAN