In the reading, the concepts of ‘exorbitant city’ and ‘generic city’. Such two concepts initially seem unrelated, the exorbitant being the form of the city as described and created by its inhabitants and the generic being the actual city itself. Under the effect of globalization, many global cities, including Hong Kong, became replicas of each other, seeming to lose their own identities. Famous designers’ skyscrapers, big malls, international chain stores, busy streets, all of the same formula. Yet, the form of the exorbitant city reminds us that there are more than the physical components of the city that are visible to the eye, the complexity of history and culture that form the exorbitant side is the identity, and leading us to the conclusion that the exorbitant and generic cities are inseparable. We sometimes only see either side because of the different frames through which we observe our cities.
WONG Wing Yan Audrey 3035667297
Appreciate your thoughtful response on the 2 ideas of the city, especially your reflection of the “exorbitant city” as also tending towards the “generic city.” Can you think of some examples of things, buildings or places that possibly challenge this description of Hong Kong? How can a city be “exorbitant” but still resist becoming “generic”?