Building with Purposes: Our Interview with Ivan Yuan, YAMA Centre Contractor - 以使命為本的建築：專訪 YAMA 中心承建商袁先生 (Ivan)

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Ivan Yuan, the dedicated contractor behind our new YAMA Centre. We sat down with him to discuss his involvement in this meaningful project and to gain his unique perspective on what accessibility truly means in the realm of construction and design.

我們最近有幸與 YAMA 中心 幕後的重要推手——承建商 袁先生（Ivan Yuan）深談。這位專業且充滿熱誠的建築人，與我們分享了他參與此具意義項目的經歷，以及他對「無障礙設計」在建築與設計領域中真正內涵的獨到見解。

1.⁠ ⁠Please introduce yourself and what you do  請先介紹一下自己與您的工作

For the past 15 years, I have specialised in commercial and office interior renovations, managing projects that range from boutique retail spaces to multi-floor corporate headquarters. My company’s mission is to deliver high-quality workmanship at a fair price while solving complex on-site challenges quickly and professionally. We view every commission as a partnership, aligning our technical expertise with the client’s vision to create spaces that inspire and perform.

在過去十五年間，我主要從事商業及辦公室室內裝修工程，負責的項目從精品零售空間到多層企業總部不等。我的公司致力於在合理價格下提供高品質工藝，並能快速、專業地解決施工現場的複雜挑戰。我們視每個項目為一場合作，結合專業技術與客戶的願景，打造兼具啟發性與實用性的空間。

2.⁠ ⁠How did you get involved with this project?  您是如何參與這個項目的？

We originally worked with the property owner as their preferred contractor. When YAMA Foundation began searching for a reliable team, the owner recommended us based on our track record of meeting tight timelines without compromising quality. After an introductory meeting with YAMA’s leadership, it was clear that our values and their social mission aligned, paving the way for this collaboration.

我們原本是物業業主的指定承建商。當 YAMA 基金會 開始尋找可靠團隊時，業主根據我們過往在緊湊時限內仍能保持高品質的紀錄推薦了我們。
與 YAMA 團隊首次會面後，我們很快意識到雙方的價值觀與社會使命一致，這促成了這次有意義的合作。

3.⁠ ⁠What has been the most rewarding part of working on this YAMA space?  這次參與 YAMA Centre 項目，最令您感到滿足的是什麼？

YAMA Foundation’s commitment to inclusion and well-being gave the project a deeper purpose beyond construction. Knowing that the centre will serve a diverse community motivated our team to push harder, and handing over the finished space—on schedule and within budget—was immensely satisfying. Seeing end-users walk in and immediately feel at home is a reward that far outweighs any project milestone.

YAMA 基金會 對共融與身心健康的重視，使這個項目超越了單純的建築工程。知道這個中心將服務多元社羣，令我們團隊更有動力全力以赴。 在如期、如質完成項目並交付空間時，那份成就感難以言喻。
看到使用者走進來、露出安心的笑容，比任何專案成果都更有價值。

4.⁠ ⁠How has this project influenced your understanding of accessibility and the needs of diverse communities?   這個項目如何影響您對無障礙設計及多元社羣需求的理解？

Working closely with YAMA’s advisors highlighted the nuances of universal design—from clear circulation paths for wheelchair users to acoustics that support people with sensory sensitivities. The experience broadened our perspective: accessibility is not an add-on but a fundamental design pillar that benefits everyone. We now integrate these considerations into every project brief, whether or not they are explicitly requested.

與 YAMA 顧問團隊 的密切合作讓我們更深入了解「通用設計」的細節 —— 從為輪椅使用者預留清晰通道，到考慮聲學設計以支援感官敏感人士。 這次經驗拓闊了我們的視野：無障礙設計並非附加元素，而是建築設計的核心支柱，能惠及所有人。如今，我們在每個項目中都會主動納入這些考量，即使客戶未特別要求。

5.⁠ ⁠What design or construction features are you most proud of, and why?  您最引以為傲的設計或施工特色是什麼？為什麼？

We installed a fully dimmable, energy-efficient LED lighting system that allows instructors to tailor ambiance for yoga, meditation, or workshops at the touch of a button. This flexibility enhances user comfort and lowers long-term operating costs—demonstrating how thoughtful engineering can elevate both experience and sustainability.

我們安裝了一套 全可調光、節能的 LED 照明系統，讓導師能一鍵調整光線氛圍，配合瑜伽、冥想或工作坊的不同需要。這種靈活設計不僅提升使用者舒適度，也能降低長期營運成本，充分體現了「用心設計」如何同時提升體驗與可持續性。

6.⁠ ⁠Were there any unique challenges you faced during the renovation, and how did you resolve them?   在裝修過程中有遇到什麼挑戰？又是如何克服的？

The biggest hurdle was a condensed construction window. Extensive upfront coordination with YAMA’s designer helped us finalise every detail before demolition began, minimising surprises on site. Our craftsmen then worked in staggered shifts, and we held daily progress reviews to stay agile. This collaborative approach ensured we met the deadline without sacrificing quality.

最大的挑戰是 緊迫的施工時限。我們在開工前與 YAMA 設計師 進行了大量協調，在拆卸前先確定每個細節，減少現場突發情況。施工團隊採取分段輪班制，並每日進行進度檢討，這種緊密合作的方式，讓我們能在期限內完成，且毫不犧牲品質。

7.⁠ ⁠How has working on this project inspired you to approach future projects?   這次合作對您未來的項目有何啟發？

The project reinforced the idea that every space should welcome people of all abilities. Moving forward, we will engage stakeholders earlier—especially future occupants—to uncover diverse needs that might otherwise be overlooked. This inclusive mindset will shape our design proposals and construction methods, ultimately delivering environments that serve a broader segment of society.

這個項目再次印證了：每個空間都應該歡迎不同能力的人。未來，我們將在設計初期更早與持份者及未來使用者溝通，了解不同需求，避免忽略任何細節。這種「共融思維」將持續影響我們的設計建議與施工方式，讓空間真正服務更廣泛的社羣。

Talking to Ivan, it's clear the YAMA Centre project was more than just another construction job for him; it was an inspiring journey that really boosted his team's dedication to inclusive design. His passion for creating spaces that genuinely work for everyone really comes through, promising a brighter, more accessible future for all his upcoming projects.

與 Ivan 對談後，我們深深感受到 —— 對他而言，這不僅是一個建築項目，更是一段啟發人心的旅程。
這次經驗激發了他與團隊對 “共融設計” 的熱誠，為未來的每個項目注入更多關懷與創新，讓「空間為眾人而設」的理念成為現實。

Want to know more about Ivan Yuan's work? Visit: https://www.spidercard.com/web/card/info?openExternalBrowser=1&cardId=HHPGI-58386&t=1761240665260

想了解更多 Ivan 的傑出工作與對「通用設計」的見解？請瀏覽完整專訪 👉 按此閱讀