Hong Kong’s new architecture is full of Tall Storeys

Associated media

Rosalind Ormiston surveys the current scene from RIBA in London

The exhibition ‘Tall Storeys – Evolution in Hong Kong Architecture – 1965–2014’ at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), in London presents projects honoured by the HKIA Annual Awards from 1965 to the present day, and recounts the story of Hong Kong’s development visualized through five decades of architecture. It is presented by the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA).

The 30 architectural works featured in the exhibition, selected from the past 50 years, include early projects from the 1960s such as Choi Hung Estate, in Kowloon, a low-cost housing estate – a successful small township with education and community facilities, housing over 50,000 people. It pioneered the government’s vast housing programme to meet urgent needs as a result of an influx of migrants from Mainland China. Other highlights include the 1978 Hong Kong Arts Centre, dedicated to developing contemporary art; the Aberdeen Market Complex 1983; and the Hong Kong International Airport Passenger Terminal, 1998.

Key trends and technical innovations of Hong Kong’s architecture, such as bamboo scaffolding and land reclamation, and building features such as ‘scissors staircases’ are also highlighted. Spectacular architectural projects from 2000–14 include the Hong Kong Wetlands Park Phase II development, 2005, and ‘Art Community’: Revitalisation Project at Mallory Street/Burrows Street, in Wai Chai, Hong Kong, winner of the 2013 medal.

With the Hong Kong landscape set to undergo further intense changes over the next 20 years it is in this city in which architects and engineers will have the opportunity to spearhead further design innovation. Plans for future projects are on display.

 ‘Tall Storeys – Evolution in Hong Kong Architecture – 1965–2014’
31 October – 26 November 2014
The Practice Space
The Royal Institute of British Architects
66 Portland Place
London W1B 1AD
Admission free