Exhibition Title: Weather Casting (HKU Architecture Gallery)
Exhibition Venue: PMQ, Central, Hong Kong
Curator: Fai Au
Year 3 Studio Coordinator: Thomas Tsang
Exhibit Contribution: HKU BA(AS) Year 3 Students 2019 – 2022
Curatorial Support: Cheung Tsz Kiu Jackie, Cheung Wing See Kyo, Hong Sum Ho Angus, Lai See Long Christopher, Yau Pui Yu
Photography: Christie Chau, Jason Ji

Architecture is obliged to stay intact during its life time, continuously resisting the force of nature and protecting people from extreme weather. However, its strength and integrity are constantly weakened by the weather and this process is irresistible and irreversible. Instead of fighting against this insuperable battle, could architecture submit, embrace and grow with nature? Could the process of weakening be transformed into one that is capable of strengthening, enriching and prolonging the symbiotic relationship between architecture and nature?

From ice formwork disappearing in construction to modular housing decaying in the growth of banyan trees, “Weather Casting” showcases the speculative design experiments conducted in BA(AS) Year 3 Design Studios instructed by Fai Au and coordinated by Thomas Tsang. Through an intensive process of drawing and model making, these experiments contemplate how the vulnerability of architecture and permeability of nature could become the primary design drivers in shaping forms and spaces that interact creatively with the vivaciousness of weather. The weakness, discrepancy and instability of materials discovered during the process are captured and seen as design potential rather than limitation.

Architecture and weather are indivisible entities that inhabit each other. Weather casts architecture, and architecture grows from within.