Why is the Architecture in Hong Kong so significant?
Hong Kong is undoubtedly infamous for its embeddedness of modern architectural styles, yet there are still countless traditional structures dotted around that reflect Hong Kong’s important history. It is the variation of architecture around the city that makes it so significant.
Modern architectural buildings
Jockey Club Innovation Tower
The Jockey Club Innovation Tower is an elevated, asymmetrical structure that gleams with colors of grey and white. It consists of 15 stories and the tower is based in Kowloon. Zara Hadid Architects designed the skyscraper which has built in facilities that all go towards supporting design innovation and education.
Bank of China
The Bank of China, with its ever towering features, is easily a notable landmark of Hong Kong. There are details of tiny squares all over the tower that get cut through by bold white lines. The building, which is used for offices, is over 315m tall and has a triangular structure. I.M Pei is the architect who designed the Bank of China.
Modern architectural buildings cont.
West Kowloon Pavillion
The West Kowloon Pavillion is a timber structure designed by Paul Tse and Evelyn Ting from New Office Works. The structure consists of slanted pieces of wood that act as a roof and the pavilion is even luminated from within at night. Furthermore, the pavillion offers incredible views that look over Victoria Harbour.
Xiqu Centre
The $2.7 Billion Xiqu Centre is a performing arts arena located in West Kowloon. The main entrance has been designed to look like parted curtains on stage, and additionally, there are distinct curved silver lines that go up the massive landmark. Small images of Chinese buildings are visible on the building which reflect back on historical landmarks from China. The Xiqu centre was designed by Revery Architecture.
Historically Significant Buildings
St John’s Cathedral
This cathedral is the oldest church in Hong Kong. It is a Gothic style building, with lancet arches and stained glass windows. St John’s Cathedral briefly became a Japanese clubhouse during World War II.
Western Market
Established in 1906, the Western Market is officially the oldest surviving market building in Hong Kong. The Edwardian style building has a distinctive red-brick exterior that fits well with the bold white details around it. The market has now been converted into a shopping complex.
Man Mo Temple
The Man Mo Temple is a declared monument and the oldest temple in Hong Kong. The traditional landmark is inspired by the Gods of Literature and War, their distinct colours being red and green which represent the temple.
Is Hong Kong trying to replace post-war architecture?
An example of Hong Kong trying to replace post-war architecture would be how the Police Married Quarters (PMQ), a landmark which holds incredible history and value to Hong Kong, was up for auction back in 2005. It was the Central and Western Concern Group who took action against the issue by urging the government to conserve the building.
Katty Law Ngar-ning, who founded the Central and Western Concern Group, claimed that the architectural features of PMQ are representative of the style of buildings constructed in the 1950s in Hong Kong. “The PMQ highlights the simplicity of design and the use of space.” she stated.
New ideas from Hong Kong architects
The Business of Design Week based in Hong Kong is an annual festival of design-related events which many of the city’s architects participate in.
Sarah Mui, a Hong Kong architect who is the co-founder of One Bite Studio, spoke on creative placemaking (strengthening communities). “We use the process of each project to engage with the people at different stages, allowing the sense of the place to grow.” she said.
Hong Kong textile weaver and designer Elaine Ng, founder of The Fabrick Lab, discussed CArelle, which are eco-friendly eggshell wall tiles. The product is a result of Ng’s transformation of sustainable bio waste into handmade design surfaces which aims to be used by architects and designers.
Sources:
Writer: Bernice Lau
Editor: Anvita Verma
Graphics: Alicia Fok
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