Standing before you is Chit Sang Hall a testament to Sino Western architectural collaboration. This hall at Lingnan University has a fascinating story. It is a story of education and international cooperation.
Chit Sang Hall was designed by Henry K Murphy between 1929 and 1931. The building was completed in 1931. Funds from the Ministry of Railways supported its construction. This financial support was designated for engineering education. The hall was built to house the College of Civil Engineering.
But there is also a story about a collaboration with a Chinese architect. Yook Yee Wong also contributed to the design of Chit Sang Hall. Wong was a master of the Chinese architectural renaissance. He skillfully combined international modernist elements. Wong blended these elements with the hybrid Sino Western style. Henry K Murphy called this the adaptive architecture. This style was favored by the Nationalist government.
Chit Sang Hall itself was named after Sun Ke. Sun Ke was also known as Sun Fo. He was the son of Dr Sun Yat sen. From 1928 to 1931 Sun Ke served as Minister of Railways.
Wong’s contributions demonstrate his skill with both styles. He embraced the international modernist idiom. He also mastered the Sino Western style. This hybrid approach defined the Chinese architectural renaissance. Wong once proclaimed the Nationalist government’s New Life Movement. He said it may stimulate efforts towards simple and honest designs.
Lingnan University holds a special place in Chinese educational history. It was the first coeducational university in China. This led to the construction of two women’s dormitories in the early 20th century.
In 1933 Wong designed the New Women’s Dormitory for Lingnan University. It is also known as Moon Palace. The building combined Western and Chinese features. Red brick and a green tiled Chinese style roof were used. Wong’s interest in classical Greek style is evident in the design.
Today Chit Sang Hall stands as a reminder. It reminds us of the importance of education. It also highlights the power of international collaboration. The building stands as a unique blend of architectural styles. It embodies Guangzhou’s rich history. As you leave Chit Sang Hall consider its legacy. Think about the generations of students. They have passed through its doors. They have been shaped by its halls.