The breeze blocks on the Chapel’s exterior wall is a major feature of the old campus architecture in Chung Chi.

Every time one passes by the Chung Chi Chapel, their eyes are drawn to the concrete lattice walls. This architectural motif, not exclusive to the Chapel, is a common design element found in the early structures of Chung Chi College. These include the now-demolished teaching blocks, the clinic, the Minor Staff Quarters (Bamboo Lodge), the existing Ad Excellentiam Pavilion next to the Chung Chi Gate, and the stairwells of the Staff Quarters Block A, B, C, and of the Theology Building.

The choice of this design can be attributed to the influence of modernism on the architects who conceptualized and designed the Chung Chi campus during its formative years. These architects believed in adapting architectural design to suit local conditions, including climate and natural surroundings. Confronted with economic constraints and situated in Hong Kong’s subtropical, humid, and hot climate, the utilization of concrete breeze blocks emerged as a pragmatic and visually appealing solution. These blocks proved to be not only cost-effective but also durable, making them ideal for exterior walls, partitions, and screens. Their openwork design facilitated air circulation within the buildings while allowing natural light to filter through, reducing the need for electric lighting.

The distinctive aesthetics and functionality of these breeze blocks have become a significant feature of the College’s architecture. Consequently, when designing the Chung Chi Student Development Complex, the architect deliberately incorporated long, narrow breeze blocks into the front and side exterior walls. This deliberate choice not only harmonizes with the surrounding old buildings but also serves as a tribute to the creativity and ingenuity of the architects of that era.