Siu Lam Integrated Rehabilitation Services Complex

ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF VULNERABLE GROUPS IN HONG KONG

Siu Lam Integrated Rehabilitation Services Complex is built as part of a special initiative with the Social Welfare Department (SWD) of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to strengthen support for persons with disabilities and their families. It provides 1,700 places for one-stop services with two types of day training/vocational rehabilitation services and five different residential care services for persons with severe to moderate mental and/or physical disabilities or recovering from mental illness. The complex seeks to redefine the idea of a care home by taking on a human-centric design approach and prioritising residents’ dignity and well-being.

---

ENGAGING WITH DIFFERENT CIVIC GROUPS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The participation of SWD along with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other stakeholders has been paramount to the development of this project. From the feasibility studies to post-construction stages, various departments of SWD with experiences on the specific needs of the users were involved, providing insights that informed the team on the architecture—including concept, spatial/façade arrangement and specific details.

The building is a bare shell and core with a notional layout—the fitting-out was carried out by three separate NGOs. Several briefings with potential NGOs were conducted during the design and construction stages to share the design, and in particular, the aspirations of the project. The NGOs also provided feedback from their operational standpoint, including additional safety measures. The neighbouring residents of a private development were also consulted to share about the new transportation arrangements and visual impact to the residents.

---

RESPONDING TO THE SITE AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

The complex adapts to the existing topography via a two-block design—a low block and a high one—each sitting on platforms of differing heights. This approach minimises site formation works and the impact on the existing landscape and neighbouring developments.

[This is an excerpt. Subscribe to the digital edition or hardcopy to read the complete article.]

---

PROJECT DATA

---

Read more stories from FuturArc 1Q 2024: Health/Wellness!