Chung Chi College Living Room, located at Kunkle Student Centre LG2, occupying around 2,200 square meters, is a newly established facility of the College to provide an indoor space for students’ self-rehabilitation and refreshment.
The Opening Ceremony of the Living Room was held on 14 February, with distinguished guests filled the room with warmth. Officiating guests include The Very Rev. Fan Chun Ho Samson Jeremiah, Dean of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui All Saint’s Cathedral and Trustee of Chung Chi College; Mr. Kennth Chen, Vice-President (Administration), CUHK; Prof. Kwan Mei Po, Head of Chung Chi College; Prof. Ko Wing Hung, University Dean of Students, CUHK; Prof. Marques Ng, Dean of Students, Chung Chi College; Prof. Winnie Mak, Convenor of Chung Chi College Student Wellness Task Group; and Dr. Tong Wing-sze, College Secretary of Chung Chi College. How does this space, designed in beige color and with a wood grain theme, play a part in raising the abundance and happiness of students?
The Sacred and The Profane
While delivering her welcoming speech at the ceremony, Professor Kwan Mei Po stated that the objective of establishing the Living Room is to provide student a place with positive energy, raising their quality of life and mental health. She also noted that, considering the different challenges faced by students, such as academic results, personal relationships and future career, the College conceived the idea of building a place to take care of their physical, mental and spiritual needs. After combining the designs from students and other constructive ideas, the space has now become the Living Room, which aims at encouraging students to relax in positive ways like meditation, contemplation, appreciating nature landscape, and socialising.
Professor Kwan Mei Po hoped the Living Room can improved students’mental health.
The officiating guest, The Very Rev. Fan Chun Ho Samson Jeremiah appreciated the idea of the Living Room. He said that the concept of “addition” was overwhelming in the past: society needs to keep developing for achievements or youngsters need to be energetic. However, the situation now is starting to reverse.
Silence and Self-Sustainability
The Very Rev. Fan also explained that everyone needs room for silence, for which self-search of spirituality and rhythm of life are not constrained by religious belief, and the Living Room is such a place for students to utilise and get rid of the secular world. He also mentioned the practice of taking off shoes before entering the room, stating that this practice symbolises the process of moving from the profane to the scared, which visitors are preparing for relaxation and rest.
The Very Rev. Fan Chun Ho Samson Jeremiah encouraged students to settle in the Living Room and find their own rhythm.
Professor Mak Wing Sze Winnie further introduced the above practice and the name of the Living Room as an idea of bringing Chung Chi students back to the inner self. She also explained that the core notion of the Living Room is to maintain the sustainability of students' quality of life and mental health, which is the prerequisite for people to consolidate the relationship between humans, society and nature. Professor Mak also emphasised that the ideas and designs from both the College and students were blended in the Living Room, reflecting the collective spirit.
Professor Mak Wing Sze Winnie explained the core notion of the Living Room.
Self-Planting of Spiritual Roots
Dr. Tong Wing-sze introduced the concept of the Living Room during the ceremony. She first illustrated that the logo of the Living Room is a smiling sofa, which symbolises the enjoyment of being footloose and fancy-free, and the nourishment of happiness. She then described to visitors the five main areas of the Living Room — the Main Hall designed with tatami and beanbag sofa; the Retreat Corner for meditation exercises and praying, and the Group Room located beside it for gathering and playing games; the Forest Spa with six box seats for appreciating nature; the Activity Lounge, where the ceremony took place, is an area for organising courses and workshops for well-being enhancement.
Dr. Tong also facilitated a mindful practice to give visitors a taste of meditation experience in the room. She introduced the Pebble Meditation, which was brought up by Thich Nhat Hanh, to let visitors imagine life as different natural landscapes and get relaxed with breathing exercise. She also led a mindful walk inside the Living Room.
Dr. Tong Wing-sze introduced the facilities of the Living Room and demonstrated the Pebble Meditation.
At the end of the event, the College presented visitors with soap roses as Valentine’s Day gifts. An afternoon tea party was also held for all to celebrate the establishment of the Living Room.
To celebrate Valentine's Day, the College prepared soap roses as gifts for the visitors.
