video link: https://youtu.be/CPHboKsP9VU
CCHU9034 Final Essay
Title: Disappearing Heights
Wang Ching Jason
uid: 3036271459
The prosperity of Hong Kong’s neon signs dates back to 1920s, when they became part of the city’s urban landscape. These neon lights are filled with Hong Kong elements with their iconic fonts and colour scheme, capturing customers’ attention and adding a distinctive charm to Hong Kong’s bustling nights.
The neon sign industry truly flourished in Hong Kong after World War II, with numerous factories and workshops competing to produce beautifully designed and meticulously crafted glass tubes. During this time, Hong Kong was regarded as the epitome of neon signs.
However, since the 1990s, the production of neon signs in Hong Kong has undergone a rapid decline. Newer lighting technologies such as LEDs have transformed the urban nightscape. Several factors such as government campaign and economic challenge also boosted the removal of neon lights.
On the other hand, the verenda is another disappearing architectural structure in Hong Kong.
The history of verandas in Hong Kong dates back to the 19th century when they began to appear on the upper floors of the first to third generations of Tong Lau (shophouses). This architectural feature was due to the lack of space in Hong Kong since the 19th century, with the purpose of maximizing space utilization.
Verandas in Hong Kong are usually built on the upper floors of Tong Lau due to spatial constraints, providing a covered outdoor space that serves various purposes such as social gatherings, relaxation, and as an extension of living spaces. The design of these verandas reflects the adaptation of architecture to the urban environment and the need for functional spaces in such a densely populated city.
Methodology:
1. Video data collection
By paying attention to the environment, I tried to spot the iconic features of Portland Street as I walk a long way from the start of the street to the end. The ambient was filled with elements that instantly caught my eyes and represented Hong Kong, such as neon lights, verendas, mahjong shops and pawnshops. These characteristic elements served as the focal points of my video documentation.
2. Analysis of video footage
As I rewatched the clips that were captured in Portland Street, I analyzed the constituents of the street again and I was able to realize that several elements are exclusively existing in the ambience of Portland Street, and are almost vanished in the rest of Hong Kong, which are neon lights and verendas. They are exceptionally difficult to spot in Hong Kong due to their downfall, and they are both something that are built high above the ground – thus the name of the video “disappearing heights’. The rarity of these structures in Hong Kong added significance to their presence in Portland Street.
3. Reference to online resources and academic papers
Lastly, I resorted to online resources and academic papers to dig deeper into the history of these architectural structures and was able to learn more about their history and what was the major cause of their downfall in Hong Kong. One notable article that contributed to my research was “Neon Crisis in Hong Kong” by Emily Verla Bovino. This in-depth piece explored the history of neon lights and shed light on the factors contributing to their decline in Hong Kong. Additionally, the book “What Style Is It?” by John C. Poppeliers proved to be an invaluable resource. It delved into the fusion of Sino-British architectural styles in Hong Kong, influenced by the British colonial era, and touched upon the significance of verandas.
Bibliography
Graves, F. B. (1985). Review: What style is it? A Guide to American Architecture, by John C. Poppeliers, S. Allen Chambers, Jr., and Nancy B. Schwartz. Public Historian/the Public Historian, 7(3), 120–121. https://doi.org/10.2307/3377152
Ma, J., & Ma, J. (2022, September 10). Lights out for Hong Kong’s neon signs? Tradition losing shine as businesses struggle to meet rules. South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3192075/lights-out-hong-kongs-neon-signs-tradition-losing-shine
Peirson, E. (2022, January 4). Neon crisis in Hong Kong – Architectural Review. Architectural Review. https://www.architectural-review.com/essays/neon-crisis-in-hong-kong