Lek Yuen Estate, completed in 1975 was the first housing estate completed in Hong Kong's initial New Town - Sha Tin. Designed by Housing Authority, It symbolises the vision of  "garden city" concept within New Town planning.  As a result, one-fifth of Lek Yuen's area is designated as open space, with a fountain serving as the centerpiece of the garden.

The excellent design was not arbitrary; it is based on a logic that promotes social progress. When D.I. McIntosh from Housing Authority deconstructed the concept of this estate, he mentioned that the beautiful environment aims to foster a "Community Spirit" among residents, which, in simpler terms, refers to a sense of belonging to their community. This is a fundamental requirement for a civic society. The community spirit is shaped by infrastructure planning. The infrastructure includes features like the water fountain, abundant public spaces, retail areas, visual link to the hill and the river and community amenities—all connected by the elevated walkway system. This design fosters opportunities for social interaction and a sense of pride among residents.

Transportation was not as convenient as it is today, and this fountain once became a popular gathering spot for Sha Tin residents. Together with the fountain at New Town Plaza, it helped form a shared memory for the community. Beyond its visual and social presence, the fountain also carried a practical function: it was integrated into the cooling system of the first air-conditioned shopping mall in the New Territories.

The fountain acted as a cooling device — the continuous flow and surface exposure of the water enhanced evaporation and convection, allowing excess heat to be released naturally into the environment. This dual role, both ornamental and functional, reflects a thoughtful integration of engineering and architectural design that was innovative for its time.

Text and Photography: @kongcept852 (Commissioned by HKIA)