King's College
英皇書院
1926, Institutional 機構建築
King’s College was established in 1926. Situated at Bonham Road in Mid-levels, the College has been an academic landmark with its signature red brick walls and facade of granite columns. Since its completion over 80 years ago, the site was commandeered for use as a military camp and hospital for the British military and later as supply replenishment depot for Japanese forces during the occupation.
The building was shattered and destroyed in war, and was later restored with additional portions. With a rectangular playground at the centre, the compound comprises of the east, west and north wings and a newly built wing in recent years. Built on a sloping terrain, the south wing verandah shields student activities from stormy weather. The dainty school garden at the lower ground level facing Bonham Road enriches the school environment. King’s College is one of the few surviving pre-war government school buildings in Hong Kong, and is continuing its mission in fostering elites in Hong Kong today.
英皇書院於1926年落成。紅磚的外牆，花崗石的柱廊正門，半山般咸道的英皇書院，給途人濃厚的書卷味。自八十多年前建成後，它曾充當英軍宿舍，醫院，佔港日軍的補給站。戰時建築物被毁，於戰後復修及加建，恢復原來校舍的用途。整個建築羣圍繞着長方型的中央操場，分東、南、北及近年添加新翼。依陡斜地勢而建，南翼附有遊廊，以減少風雨對學生活動的影響，並可觀賞較般咸道更低的西式花園，英皇書院是少數現存的戰前官立學校校舍，它繼續承先啓後，培育新一代為港服務的精英。
文：李培基 (香港註冊建築師)
攝影：林社鈴 (建築署高級屋宇保養測量師/文物保育)
http://www.etnet.com.hk/www/tc/diva/art_hkac_detail.php?id=29081&page=1
