REVITALIZING CATHAY BUILDING

Abstract

This thesis deals with revitalizing the existing Cathay Building with adaptive reuse and new development. The project aims to investigate issues of contemporarizing Cathay Building with functions that meet the current needs of consumers, yet keeping the essence of the old building, and making it more significant or even better with the new intervention. The vehicle chosen is a multimedia centre, where services of advertising agencies, public relations firms, computer software and live studios can be located here. The objectives of this multimedia centre are to create a media hub and revitalize Cathay Building, bringing social activities out to the public realm and contributing to the vibrancy of the immediate surroundings. Cathay Building is located at a pivot point between Orchard and City Hall. It is unique as an "end of shopping’’ or “interchange of routes”. The essence of Cathay Building was its art deco style, and its auditorium with the curved staircase are remembered by many people. These will be retained with the tower block and a new infill will replace the centre portion of Cathay Building. The strategy for the proposed development is to externalize the social activities along a PATH that links the new and reflects the old. What can be improved at Cathay Building is the chaotic circulation, and the public is now encouraged to make detours along this new path.