The Asia Society Center is located in the Victoria Barracks, Former Explosives Magazine. The site houses four military buildings built by the British Army in the mid-19th century for explosives, ammunition production, and storage. In the early 20th century the site was expanded by the Royal Navy, but was later abandoned in the 1990s until the Hong Kong government granted it to the Asia Society. Through a combination of preservation, adaptive reuse, and new construction, the site has been transformed into a vibrant cultural center. The project spans two verdant sites divided by a nullah. At the upper site is the heritage compound, where its three landmarked structures have been restored for new programs. Magazine A, built in 1860, holds the Asia Society Gallery. The Old Laboratory, also built in 1860, holds the Asia Society's administrative offices. Magazine B, built in 1905, contains a 100-seat theater. A covered walkway forms a path between structures, inspired by those in traditional Chinese gardens. Many original building elements are maintained; mechanical equipment is hidden below grade to preserve the site's historic character. On the lower site, a 1940s structure was restored for office space. A new two-story pavilion building, the Asia Society's entrance, floats above. An exterior stair leads to an outdoor venue with dramatic views. A two-story cast-in-place footbridge extends from the terrace to join the pavilion and heritage compound. Symbolizing the Asia Society’s mission to enhance connections between the East and West, and to safeguard an endangered wildlife habitat, the bridge zigzags through the jungle, linking old and new. It is a horizontal building in a vertical city.
