Topic:

A review of the waterworks infrastructure in the early twentieth century in Hong Kong – an attempt to re-construct the design and construction of the service reservoir at Bishop Hill in Shek Kip Mei

Organizers：

Materials Division

Co-organized with:

Hong Kong Institute of Architectural Conservationists (HKICON)

Department of Real Estate and Construction, The University of Hong Kong

Date, Time & Venue

17 March 2021 (Wednesday), Time: 6:00 for 6:30 -8:00 pm at 9/F, Sophia Chan Yat Mei Room at the HKIE Headquarters,

Speaker:

Ir Dr. S.W. Poon, Adjunct Professor, Department of Real Estate and Construction, The University of Hong Kong

Currently Dr. Poon is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Real Estate and Construction, The University of Hong Kong. Previously he was Associate Professor, Deputy Head and Acting Head of the same Department.

He is a Chartered Structural Engineer, a Corporate Member of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers and a Member of Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management.

His research interests include temporary works design and construction, and investigation of accidents and failures during construction. In the last decade his research interest covers historic construction works such as the Centenary Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir Dam, History of Quarrying in Hong Kong, and Historic Lighthouses in Hong Kong and Nearby Places.

Programme Highlights

The recent accidental discovery of the underground service reservoir during its scheduled demolition at Bishop Hill has unexpectedly arisen the public attention. The beautiful heritage has not just attracted the attention but also received the widespread views on how the infrastructure should be conserved.

As engineers we should be able to share with the public the reasons what, why and how the service reservoir was built. Unfortunately engineering history is seldom a common course to our engineering students in Hong Kong and as reported related archives is not available.

Despite the absence of the records, I opine that we can learn from the design, materials and construction of similar heritage structures at the material times, so that we would be able to explain and comment on what, why and how was built, and reconstruct the history of the beautiful service reservoir.

The talk, based on the study of a research team led by the speaker, is about the review of similar construction works in the early twentieth century and, with our engineering knowledge, provides clues to re-construct the design and construction of the service reservoir. 

Registration & Enquiries

The seminar /webinar is free of charge with maximum of participants of 20 for the physical seminar and webinar with 150.Registration is required. The applicants please fill the HKIE registration form and email to. lamchising@hotmail.com

Deadline for application is set on 12 March 2021. Successful applicants should be notified by 15 March 2021. CPD certificate will be issued after the seminar/webinar. For enquiries, please contact Ir CS Lam at 91527659.