In the minds of some Hong Kong people, Hong Kong during the colonial period is a "borrowed place", so the Western-style classical or Chinese Revival buildings built during the period have nothing to do with them; however, not all colonial buildings do not contribute to Hong Kong culture.
For example, Hong Kong conservation scholar Li Haoran believes that "public housing" is one of the best representatives of the combination of Chinese and Western architecture. He also pointed out that some buildings with "collective memories" can fully highlight the subjectivity of Hong Kong culture.
However, some commentators have pointed out that "collective memory" is always a psychological concept, based on a subjective perception.
When it comes to "historic buildings", it is inseparable from the "colonial period". Li Haoran, a former associate professor of the Department of Architectural Heritage Conservation at the University of Hong Kong, believes that when the colonial mentality changes, people will have a clearer concept of local belonging.
Li Haoran asked the "Hong Kong 01" reporter: "Which type of building do you think represents Hong Kong the most? You should have the same answer as me." The reporter, who is a "post-90s", said that the tenement building should be more representative of the general public. , but Li Haoran responded, "The tenement buildings are pre-war. The older generation should say it is tenement buildings, but the new generation may say public housing." He further said, "In fact, the real combination of Chinese and Western buildings in Hong Kong is public housing. house, but most people ignore it.”
Some people may wonder, although the life of public housing does reflect the local culture in Hong Kong, but from the perspective of architectural culture, how does a public housing with a strong Bauhaus style experience the combination of Chinese and Western characteristics?
For details, please read the 328th issue of "Hong Kong 01" e-Weekly Newsletter (August 1, 2022)
"The search for Hong Kong architecture that combines Chinese and Western heritage depends on these "collective memories"?
"
.
Architectural culture.
1｜What kind of Hong Kong story does the historical buildings left by the British colony tell?
Architectural culture.
2｜Searching for Hong Kong architecture that inherits the combination of East and West all depends on "collective memory"?
Wah Fu Estate is one of the housing estates built during the colonial period in Hong Kong. It has been in the past 55 years. It has faced demolition and reconstruction in recent years. Many Hong Kong people are unhappy about this, which reflects the profound significance of public housing to Hong Kong culture.
(Photo by Huang Baoying)
The Hong Kong City Hall is a declared monument. It is not only a representative of equality in the colonial era, but also a collective memory of the citizens.
(Photo by Liao Yanxiong)
Li Haoran predicts that future cultural and entertainment facilities, such as the M+ Museum, the Palace Museum, etc., may become the representatives of Hong Kong.
(Photo by O Jiale)