The West Kowloon Mediation Centre is located next to the Law Courts Building, which offers an alternative means to resolve disputes for early settlement and provides public education at the community level. The building comprises of mediation rooms and breakout rooms, staff office and a multi-purpose room for public events. Separate entrances are created to link up the Law Courts Building and provide access from the street.
The form and composition of the architecture are unique and truly reflect the special function of the building. Each room in the premises is like an individual entity sticking out from the public circulation space. These little huts are tied-in by typical modules, which also makes construction fast, easy, and within budget. To enter the mediation rooms, users from different parties are provided with designated routes in order to protect their privacy. Two entrances are found in each room to allow individual access after their private discussion.
[MEDITATION before Mediation]
The courtyard spaces and Japanese garden that punctuate alternately within the building bring the outdoor space to the interior. They offer the users a contemplative moment during the mediation process and serve as natural acoustic buffers.
The one-storey building is constructed entirely by steel structure and acoustic dry wall. Reddish orange aluminium corrugated sheet and metal mesh are used in exterior to commensurate with the surrounding landscape while bamboo flooring and white acoustic panel are used in interior to bring a light and peaceful atmosphere.
The arrangement of rooms in the premises facilitates natural ventilation and lighting penetration. Each mediation room is provided with private courtyard with greenery. Natural breeze flows to indoor through the large slide-folding doors. The interior spaces are flooded with natural lighting from corridor, skylight and courtyard spaces.
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