Transcript:
The Jardine House, although now one of the shorter buildings among the numerous landmarks in Central, was the tallest building in Asia when it was completed in 1972, demonstrating Hong Kong’s burgeoning status as a financial center. As the city continues to evolve, there is a possibility that Jardine House’s architectural style may be reconstructed, mirroring its history of periodic updates, including a significant expansion with the addition of a new 26-story tower in the 1970s, and an interior upgrade in 2018. In the next decade, the building may be revamped for a modern look and increased height, blending its historical significance with new trends and technology. The makeover will adapt it to current aesthetics and business needs while essential upgrades secure its safety and use for the future.
History:
Constructed in 1935, Jardine House emerged as a commercial beacon in Hong Kong’s skyline, recognized as the tallest building in Hong Kong, reaching a height of 52 meters. It reflected the Art Deco trends of the time and serving as a business premises for a variety of enterprises.
Later in the 1940s, the building was co-opted by the Japanese military during World War II, becoming a strategic headquarters for their operations in the region. Following the conclusion of the World War II, Jardine House was reclaimed by Jardine Matheson, resuming its role as a pivotal commercial facility and headquarters for the British trading conglomerate.
Leading up to the 1970s, Jardine House continued to function as a major business center, reflecting Hong Kong’s economic growth and stability. And in the 1970s, the building underwent a significant transformation with the addition of a new 26-story tower and the addition of a unique external elevator system, bringing the building’s height to 179 meters. This reaffirmed its status as a central business hub and introducing its distinctive external elevator system.
Later on throughout 1980s-1990s, Jardine House maintained its prominence, housing the offices of Jardine Matheson and other significant businesses, symbolizing Hong Kong’s commercial success.
Entering the 21st century, Jardine House sustained its commercial purpose while adapting to the modern era with technological upgrades and renovations to its facilities. In 2018, the building underwent another major renovation, which included upgrades to its interior design, technology infrastructure, and energy efficiency.
As of the 2020s to today, Jardine House remains an iconic part of Central Hong Kong’s architectural landscape, persisting as a key business hub and reflecting the city’s enduring growth.
Stakeholders:
First and foremost, the potential teardown of Jardine House will disrupt the space and place where employees work, marking a significant transition. As a hub of business, its disappearance could lead to job shifts and vanishment of familiar routines. Should the building be deconstructed, the employees might face temporary layoffs, with some possibly switching jobs. This will alter boundaries and mobility, map out new interactions, and change experiences. Consequently, employees may feel a sense of loss and nostalgia, potentially experiencing a diminished sense of identity as the original environment and social interactions have been integral in shaping their daily existence.
Secondly, for architects, the disappearance of the Jardine House would mark the vanishment of a historical benchmark in design, erasing a notable spot on the architectural map of Hong Kong. This transition would challenge them to think of new ways to use the space and to be creative and push boundaries of innovation while being mindful of the identity that the former structure gave to the city’s look. The experience would be a repetition of the architectural lifecycle, where old gives way to new, indicating progress and advancement in the community. And so Architects have the responsibility to bring new development in the area, to generate a sense of optimism and hope for the future.
Furthermore, the local community would witness a transformation of a familiar place, disrupting their daily interactions, routines, the cultural tempo, as well as the sense of place and identity they attach to the place. The vanishing of such a landmark would also impact the area’s identity, altering the social and economic map, and affecting people’s mobility. As a result, the disappearance of Jardine House may unsettle those deeply connected to it, as they face the loss of its architectural and historical significance.
Lastly, for residents, Jardine House may represent a consistent element, contributing to a sense of home and boundary within a bustling metropolis. Its disappearance could evoke a sense of transition, as the physical identity of their neighborhood changes. It would also trigger feelings of uncertainty and ambiguity of the future of the site. The daily repetition of passing by the building, the interactions once held within or near it, and the experience of the building as a navigational landmark would vanish, requiring residents to reorient themselves in the modified landscape.
Reconstruction:
The potential reconstruction of Jardine House may aim to reflect the glass skyscraper aesthetic of its surroundings. The redesign could merge the building’s historic Art Deco façade with modern design elements. For instance, the original white cement walls might be replaced with a glass curtain wall system to increase transparency and echo the city’s skyline, preserving the building’s heritage while symbolizing modernity. This would give Jardine House a reflective façade, ensuring it fits smoothly with the contemporary buildings nearby.
To utilize space more efficiently and cater to the occupants’ daily work needs, the building could gain additional floors and incorporate balconies or rooftop gardens, similar to its expansion in the 1970s. The ground-level space, including the entrance with its fountain and a small park, could be revitalized with upgraded amenities and lush greenery, enhancing the building’s aesthetics and improving air-quality, ultimately improving experience for the community. These additions would not only introduce natural elements but also align with sustainable design practices.
Furthermore, the reconstruction could focus on sustainability, integrating energy-efficient solutions and green spaces to echo the increasing emphasis on environmental responsibility in architecture. To illustrate, the implementation of energy-saving measures like installing energy-efficient windows and improving insulation would significantly reduce carbon footprint and optimize energy consumption.
Haw Jane
UID: 3036241088
Chan Sze Ying
UID: 3036187725