Video Essay link: https://youtu.be/0AZWvwnPXX4
Brayden Lisboa (3036050829)
This video aims to appreciate and acknowledge the importance of colonial heritage in Hong Kong, a slowly disappearing part of Hong Kong’s culture. This is done through focusing on the simplistic and pragmatic colonial architectural style of the General Post Office.
The first area of interest is the location of the General Post Office, located right next to Hong Kong landmarks like Jardine House, Exchange Square, Central Pier and the IFC. This symbolizes the connectivity of the General Post office and how vital it is in Hong Kong.
One of the most important areas in the General Post office is the wooden decorative arch that states ‘As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.’ which reflects the historical background of when Hong Kong government establishments were infused with heavy Christian influence, with reference to the historical background of HK being a British colony, and also serving as a sort of motto to reference that news coming from loved ones from afar in the forms of mail and parcels is as satisfying and joyful as thirsty people getting cold water to quench their thirst and sense of missing their loved ones.
I have used a plethora of sources for this video like Docomomo International, SCMP and HK Western District appeals website. Alongside that, I used on-site fieldwork to photograph and experience the General Post office first hand.
I hope this video aims to encapsulate the dire situation of the General Post office and how colonial History is slowly disappearing in Hong Kong. I also wanted to convey the pragmatism and simplistic design of the post office that has led to it being such an efficient system.
Sources:
As it faces the wrecking ball, a eulogy to Hong Kong’s General Post Office. South China Morning Post. (2021, August 8). https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/long-reads/article/3143946/general-post-office-history-and-eulogy-hong-kong
“LCQ10: Future Plan for the General Post Office Building in Central.” The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, 27 Mar. 2019, https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201903/27/P2019032600701.htm.
Preserve the General Post Office! – Support HK. https://www.supporthk.org/petition/preserve-the-general-post-office/?lang=en
“Under Threat: Hong Kong’s General Post Office.” Docomomo Hong Kong, docomomo.hk/demolition-threat-hong-kongs-general-post-office/ .
Brayden Lisboa (3036050829)