Tanka Santorum

Tanka is a fishing community, which is one of the main clans in Cheung Chau Island in HK. Hundred years ago, they are boat-dwelling families with unique living style and tradition, but always be the inferior group. Their identity and individuality have always been suppressed.

Nowadays, due to the social and economic changes, they gradually lose their own lifestyle after the young generation moved from the sea to the island for work. Their tradition just exists in the memory of the elderly. The youngsters hardly understand their own tradition.

This Santorum is designed to build above the sea close to the harbour area. The building are divided into 2 parts: A floating structure on the sea which can be adjusted the location and angle; And a fixed steel + wood structural building. The floating platform can be used for parking boats, lingering and sitting around, and also connecting to the land. It is also a door or entrance to the building as it can disconnect from the land also for private activities. The fixed building provides functions like drama hall, dining area, library, gallery, as well as a sitting deck on the roof. The section of the building can see how it connects to the moon and the sea, which is a very important relationship to the Tanka people.

Different Tanka generations can be connected together by this building and continue its cultural activities and values.