A Public Engagement Project
15 Controversial Modernist Buildings in Hong Kong
Why are certain buildings being deemed ugly and worthless by some people but treasured by others? What are the bases for forming these different opinions? How do judgements made by
professional experts and the general public affect the perceived value of our built landscapes and their fate in ongoing urban development?
In this public engagement project, we will explore these questions by examining 15 controversial modernist buildings in Hong Kong. All constructed between 1950s and 1980s, the histories of these buildings correspond with the popularity of architectural modernism in other parts of the world. Although some have been hailed as exemplars of modern architecture that deserve to be protected, they have been simultaneously labelled as “eyesores” which should be eradicated.
Through a series of activities that include a public forum, walking tours and photography workshops, we will discuss these buildings from different perspectives. Some key questions to consider include: What are the competing meanings and values that have been inscribed in these built forms over time? How have our perspectives been shaped and reshaped by the changing urban context? How can our judgements be contextualized in relation to emerging trends of architecture and urban design in the past and present?
為何有些香港現代建築令人又愛又恨?有人鄙其醜陋不值一哂;有人卻視如瑰寶。這些意見是基於什麼基準?專業人士與公眾的評價如何影響建築環境的價值以及其在未來城市發展中的命運。
這項公眾參與活動將透過審視15座具爭議性的香港現代主義建築,探討這一系列問題。其中關鍵的問題包括:這些建築的意義與價值如何隨著時間而轉變?過去與現在的不同城市環景和建築與城市設計潮流如何塑造我們的觀點?
All activities are free and open to the public. Registration is required for each event. For event registration, please visit:
所有活動均免費並對公眾開放,活動註冊請參考以下連結:
https://www.hkicon.org/joomla/cpd/bhcf-list.php
Members of the public are invited to comment on the 15 selected buildings online, please visit:
歡迎公眾對15座選定的建築物發表意見,請進入以下連結:
Show us your photos on instagram by adding the hastag:
#hkarchlove2hate
To download full size poster, please click here
To download full size event pamphlet, please click here
Organizers:
Hong Kong Institute of Architectural Conservationists (HKICON) is a professional body for architectural conservation practitioners.
Docomomo Hong Kong is the local chapter of Docomomo International (International Committee for Documentation and Conservation of Buildings, Sites and Neighbourhoods of the Modern Movement).