[Field-Homework 3] Disappearing City: The Hong Kong General Post Office (HKGPO)

Link to the Video: https://youtu.be/N9mxf1NPzMg 

Word Count (Excluding Credits and Bibliography): 909

Introduction & Subject of the Video 

In this short video, I talk about the near-time demolition of the Hong Kong General Post Office Building (HKGPO)  located in Central. Designed by architect K.M. Tseng, the building follows a modernistic style with its primary focus being on functionality. In 2017 it was announced that the building was set to be demolished to make way for a newer shopping complex. Due to this many stakeholders are affected such as employees of the building and customers. I decided to explore the significance of this building to these relevant stakeholders by conducting on-street interviews of people who work/reside in the central district, through which I was able to receive insightful information on their opinions on the significance of the building in their lives as well as the effect of the building being moved – with varying opinions. Lastly, I talked about the overall historical significance of this building and the current preservation efforts that have been proposed to retain the cultural heritage of the Hong Kong General Post Office Building.

Component of the Video – Scene-by-Scene Analysis 

Scene 1 – Introduction Part 1 

For the first part of the introduction, I filmed in front of the general post office building in clear view within video dialogue. The frame is filmed with a wide shot and low angle in order to showcase the full view of the building.  An introduction with video and on-site dialogue allows the viewers to be more engaged. 

Scene 2 – Introduction Part 2 

This scene is filmed using a medium shot, eye-level angle, I used this shot to showcase the idea that the general post office is located at the heart of Hong Kong and is surrounded by buildings and people. In addition to that, I also want to show the relatively low activity of the building as only a handful of people can be seen using the services. 

Scene 3

The compilation of videos has several types of angle shots to show the interior and exterior of the building when talking about the architecture and its eventual demolition. I wanted the audience to experience the building as if they were there in order to understand its important history. 

Scene 4 – Interviews 

This scene consisted of various clips of the interviews I conducted regarding the architectural and general impact of the building on the lives of people who work or live in Central. I set this scene near the footbridge that has a direct entrance to the post office. The camera angle shot was eye level medium angle.

The two questions I asked were surrounding interview opinions on:

1. The current Hong Kong General Post Office Building 
2. The reallocation of the Hong Kong post headquarters and demolition of the building. 

Scene 5 

Similar to Scene 3, this scene contained a compilation of videos with various camera angles. Their explanations are provided below. I also reused clip 3.1. I wanted to show the old and run-down architecture of the HKGPO interior and contrast it with the modern Hong Kong skyline to symbolise change and the idea that old buildings must go in order to make way for newer buildings of newer times. 

Setting

I wanted the settings of this video to be inside, outside or in the surrounding areas of the post office. This way the audience can see the ambience, age, architecture and location of the General Post Office and its interconnected nature in the city.

Themes 

The themes of this video surround the cultural and architectural preservation of Hong Kong’s Urban landscapes. It centres around the idea that older buildings, such as HKGPO although once significant, tend to lose their shine and importance in the ever-changing city landscape, and that it is important to study the building’s heritage and significance in the history of the central district. Due to this theme, I followed the documentary style to properly present and narrate my research and findings about the building. 

Research Collection 

In creating this video, I conducted extensive research on the General Post Office, utilising both primary and secondary sources. Secondary research involved sourcing articles on the demolition, cultural significance, and architectural details. For primary research, I conducted street interviews with individuals from the Central District. Primary sources ensured the video was up-to-date, as many secondary resources were over a year old.

Producing the video & Skills I learned 

In this video, I employed an iPhone XR microphone and the Voice Memos app for recording audio. For capturing the video, I relied on a Canon EOS Rebel T6 Digital SLR Camera. Although the video quality was much better than my iPhone camera, The camera’s weight posed a challenge as it was difficult to keep it steady. For future uses, I would use a tripod. As for my editing software, I utilised iMovie. While I was already familiar with its features, I further honed my skills in audio syncing and incorporating copyright-free music into my projects.

Reflection & Conclusion

In conclusion, in this documentary-style video, I talk about the Hong Kong General Post Office and its impending disappearance from the central skyline addressing the theme of cultural and architectural preservation. I interview individuals for their opinions on the disappearance and architectural significance of the building. Furthermore, I talk about the cultural significance and preservation put on by pressure groups. I shoot various using a Camera with diversity in shot types and angles and further enhance my knowledge in editing software such as iMovie. 

 

Anvesha Bajpai (3036137184)

 

 

Bibliography and Credits

Camera Aid: Miles Walter

Music: Popstars Girlfriend by Maxwell Young https://soundcloud.com/maxwell_young/popstars-girlfriend 

 

Secondary Research:

Dewolf, Christopher. “Hong Kong’s Modern Heritage, Part I: The General Post Office.” Zolima City Magazine, ZOLIMA LTD 2024, 20 Mar. 2020, zolimacitymag.com/hong-kongs-modern-heritage-part-i-the-general-post-office/.

“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.

“Under Threat: Hong Kong’s General Post Office.” Docomomo Hong Kong, docomomo.hk/demolition-threat-hong-kongs-general-post-office/. Accessed 14 May 2024.

 

Anvesha Bajpai (3036137184)