Chung Lap Hang David 3036076653
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqXUC1Hrbn8
The video’s theme and subject is to appreciate the simplistic and modern architectural style of the General Post Office. The video looks at both the exterior and interior of the 4th generation General Post Office, which is the one existing now. It sits adjacent to Jardine House, Exchange Square and also IFC. When being compared to its neighboring buildings, it is almost like it is a cluster of buildings with their own remarkable and unique architectural styles, and the General Post Office represents the colonial period of Hong Kong.
Firstly, when looking at the exterior, canopies consisting of curved lines are seen in the first image. They are designed in a very geometrical way. On top of the curved lines are the floors above in which all the design consists of only straight lines. We also see a retro-styled font for the General Post Office signage.
Moving on to the second image, we look at the interior, specifically the ground floor. We see General Post Office’s busier side, in which most of the human interactions take place when customers and Hong Kong Post Office workers interact. The counters are made of marble, which gives a sense of luxury for the users. As mentioned before, the interior also aligns with the principles of using straight lines and geometrical designs. The third and fourth images also show the simplistically designed staircases, which use simple straight lines and simply achieve its purpose of being a staircase without any excessive elegance or decoration.
The following image shows a close up of a wooden decorative arch which reads a bible verse, “As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.” The structure of this wooden arch gives a sense of British colonial history, as it is carved out of wood into a more curvy structure unlike the building itself. On the surface, it refers to the functions of Post and Mail, as if hearing from loved ones through parcels and mail is as satisfying as giving cold water to a thirsty person. It also serves as a reference to the British colonial history of Hong Kong, with its reference to a bible verse meaning its influence of Christianity.
The final slide shows the curtain glass windows from the inside and also the outside. The General Post Office is very function-oriented, which means elements are only added to the building to serve a functional purpose. In this building, windows are considered as a functional tool for people to enjoy views. Floors which were meant for humans such as the counters and lobby have windows to give a sense of spaciousness, and floors which were meant for equipment and machines do not have windows.
The method of conducting this research consists of browsing the internet, such as websites like Docomomo International, which is an NGO advocating for the preservation of historical
and cultural artifacts and architecture. I have also used websites such as SCMP to recognize the issue of the predicted demolition of the building, followed by some additional background information of the General Post Office. I have also conducted on-site field work, in which I have taken first-hand photos and also experienced the General Post Office myself as an immersive experience.