In this reading, Abbas reflects on the preservation of Hong Kong culture and identity through examining the change of Hong Kong architecture since the colonial period. The concept of ‘disappearance’ is a central theme articulated in this piece. Two things discussed in the reading has captured my attention: the preserved old architectures and the new-build architectures in Hong Kong.
Many old architectures in Hong Kong are preserved without deep thought, which causes the disappearance of Hong Kong culture instead of appearance. The Hong Kong Cultural Center and the Flagstaff House are great examples to support this claim. The poorly preserved Hong Kong architecture may not serve the purpose of passing down Hong Kong culture well, we may only lie hope on the new-build architectures. However, if asked the most famous architectures that represent Hong Kong, people would probably answer the skyscrapers in the Victoria Habour, which are the ‘placeless’ architectures that can be seen everywhere in the world. It is ironic that the architectures that represent Hong Kong the most are actually not so ‘Hong Kong’.
How can we preserve Hong Kong culture in the form of architecture then? I started to think. Or does Hong Kong culture really exists independently? Abbas’s work provides insight into the relationship between architecture, Hong Kong culture, and their preservation. Yet, it generates more questions that I will need to investigate more in this aspect.
Chan Chi Lam, Jill 3035759064
You have a good understanding of Abbas’ piece. I particularly enjoy your critical observation of the fame of the ‘placeless’ skyscrapers along the Victoria Harbour. In fact, I would be curious to know your suggestion on how to preserve Hong Kong’s culture through architecture. Compared to Abbas’ time of writing, nowadays there are many more conservation projects, as well as a lot more demolitions in Hong Kong, such as the Blue House in Wan Chai, and the Excelsior, also in Wan Chai. Have these re-appearance / disappearances of buildings changed the identity of Hong Kong?