Teaching kit for Senior Secondary School Curriculum

Visit: Introduction to Architecture

Central
[Teacher notes]

Organizer Sponsor Research Team

1
Contents
Preamble
Teaching plan i

Visit: Central

1.1 Itinerary 01
1.2 Introduction - Central 03
1.2.1 Background Information of Central 03
1.2.2 Different Architectural Styles in Central 04

Field Trip | Visit: Central

1.2.3 Structures of Tall Buildings in Central 04

1.3 Checkpoints
1 City hall 06
2 Statue Square 08
3 Old Supreme Court (Former Legislative Council Building) 09
4 HSBC Headquarters 11
5 Cheung Kong Center 13
6 Bank of China Tower 14
7 Murray Building 16
8 Government Hill 17
9 Fringe Club 19

Summary, Key words and Further reading 20

Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part
in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) do not reflect the
views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
© 2012 Hong Kong Institute of Architects
Visit: Central

Major teaching areas

Liberal Studies : Module 2 Hong Kong Today
• Theme 1: Quality of life
• Theme 3: Identity

Visual Arts : Visual Arts Appreciation and Criticism in Context

• Formal knowledge
• Modes of presentation
• Knowledge in context

Physics : Chapter II Force and Motion

• Values and Attitudes

Field Trip | Visit: Central

• STSE connections

Physics : Chapter VIII Energy and Use of Energy

• Energy efficiency in building and transportation
• Values and Attitudes
• STSE connections

Learning objectives
• To appreciate the architecture from various angles from different disciplines
• To identify political, financial and social impacts on the form of architecture, and in reverse
how architecture shows the past and the present of Hong Kong
• Be aware of the relationship of the historical backgrounds and architectural styles of
different buildings.
• To experience the various form of architectural structure of different times in 1:1 scale and in
the city context

Teaching plan
Lesson Contents
Field Trip • Planned itinerary for the field trip
Central • Background Information of Central
• Architectural styles and structural system of skyscrapers
• Background information of various buildings
• On-site exercise i
1.1 Itinerary

1
Assemble point
(City Hall Lobby)

Field Trip | Visit: Central

2
3
4
9
Dismissal point
5
(Fringe Club)
8 6

Pre-trip Introduction (20 min)

• Background 1: Background history and development of Central
• Background 2: Architectural styles of buildings in Central
• Background 3: Major structural system of skyscrapers in Central
Field Trip (approximately 3 hours)

20min 15 min 15min 15 min 15min 15min 15 min 20min 15 min

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
City Statue Old HSBC Cheung Kong Bank of Murray Government Fringe Club
Hall Square Supreme Court Headquarters Centre China Building Hill

01
Proposed Route
1. City Hall • Aesthetics of Modernism in Architecture
2. Statue Square
3. Old Supreme Court • Mix of Colonial and Chinese Style
(Former Legislative • Globalization — Western/Classical style
Council Building)
4. HSBC Headquarters
5. Cheung Kong Centre
6. Bank of China Tower
7. Murray Building
8. Government Hill
9. Fringe Club
Introductory to Architecture—Central
Points of interest
• Geometry in Architecture
• Proportion in Architecture
• Social and cultural use of public spaces
• Seafront reclamation
• Importance of the rule of law
• Structure of dome and columns
• Architecture from the colonial period
• International identity of Hong Kong
• Globalization — High-tech architecture
• Structural beauty
Field Trip | Visit: Central
• Modern skyscraper
• Composite structural system
• Load transfer from bearing columns at the perimeter to the central core and to
the ground
• Hi-Tech aesthetics in architecture
• Strength of the triangular geometry
• Column and cross-bracing structure
• Modernism architectural style
• Composite structural system
• Core wall and external reinforced concrete wall
• Central core for vertical circulations and mechanic uses
• Tube-in-tube structure to resist horizontal force
• Sun-shading features incorporated in the building envelope
• Political and administrative status of the building cluster in the past
• Past identity of British colonial government
• Conservation and revitalization of historic buildings
• Cultural reference in arts
• Form in relation with the streets
• Symbolism
• Historical and cultural influences on architecture
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1.2 Introduction : Central
1.2.1 Background Information of Central to be city’s major military and administration centre.
As the development of the heart of an
A wealth of world-class modern and historic architecture
international city • Central is also the showcase of some of the best
Central, the political and cultural centre pieces of modern architecture. Both the iconic
Central has long been the cultural and political centre of modernist architecture and valuable historic
Hong Kong since Hong Kong Island was occupied by the buildings have contributed to the development of
British in 1841. Globalization has had profound influence Central as one of the most dazzling CBDs in the
on this area in terms of the following aspects: Major public world.
space
Efficient finance and transport hub
• As the heart of political administration, living and • Since the early days, the vitality and accessibility
trade, a number of public parks were built in Central of Central have always appealed to foreign traders
since the 19th century by the colonial government and professionals. It has become a hub of world-
• (e.g. The Chater Garden and the Statue Square). class service providers and a coordinator of global
economic activities.
The heart of politics and administration
• The concentration of government offices and Metropolitan lifestyle
buildings is an evidence to show Central being the • Central is a melting pot of global cultures where
heart of political and administrative centre for the various cuisines, international brands and 5-star
past 171 years. hotels can be found, while its open spaces and

Field Trip | Visit: Central

community facilities help promoting a vibrant and
• (e.g. the Government Hill, the Old Supreme Court balanced metropolitan life.
and the Central Government Complex at Tamar)

The financial centre

• Due to the open economic policy exercised by
the former British colonial government, tremendous
foreign investment was attracted to Hong Kong. As
a famous entrepôt in the world, Central is regarded
as the CBD (Central Business District).
What is a CBD?
A central business district (CBD) is an area of very high
As the Central Business District (CBD) land valuation characterized by a high concentration of
Historical factors retail businesses, service businesses, offices, theatres,
• Central was known as part of Victoria City when and hotels, and by a very high traffic flow.
the colony was founded in 1841. It was first chosen (Source: U.S. Census Bureau)

© ChvhLR10 - Wikipedia User 03

1.2.2 Different Architectural Styles in Central
One can easily identify the architectural style of a building 1
by observing its external appearance as well as its form of
space and details of building.

1. Building Materials
The choice of building materials is not only affected
by aesthetic concerns but also the level of technology
at the time of construction, as well as the availability
of the material.

2. Technology 2
With the advancement of technology, more building
materials have been invented, widening the choices
and possibilities of architectural design.
The breakthroughs in structural design has helped
architects and engineers to invent and explore new
forms, followed by the creation of new spatial
experience.

3. Cultural and Social Influence 1. The Old Supreme Court is a Neoclassical building
The architectural form and the aesthetic appearance fused with Chinese details.
are also affected by the culture and social values of 2. HSBC Headquarters, with its innovative structural sys-
the time. Even within two close periods or using tem (High-tech architecture). © Loky
similar techniques, the building form could be very

Field Trip | Visit: Central

different.

1.2.2 Structures of Tall Buildings in Central

1 2 3 4

1 HSBC Headquarter 2 Cheung Kong Centre 3 Bank of China 4 Murray Building

Completion 1986 1999 1990 1969

Height 180 m 283 m 367 m 89 m
Storey 47 62 72 25
Architect Norman Foster Cesar Pelli I.M. Pei Former Public Works
Department
Structure Exoskeleton steel Truss Composite structure: Triangular truss in Composite structure:
Core wall and composite steel and Core wall and external
composite column reinforced concrete reinforced concrete
external frame shear wall 04
Tall buildings are symbolic elements within any city, carrying significant political, social, cultural and
even religious meanings. Today cities compete to produce the tallest building in the world as a way of
showcasing financial and economic power.

Core and Outrigger Structural System

• Core wall Outrigger

usually located at the centre or side of
Transfer
building, the reinforced concrete wall, which is Truss
the major structural load bearing element

• Structural Steel External Frame

series of steel column located at the building
perimeter, with steel beams connecting the
steel columns to core wall

• Outrigger
huge braced frame, located at each 20-30 Core Wall
storeys to enhance the rigidity of external
Mega
frame Column

• Transfer truss p Core and outrigger system (IFC2)

Building load from columns on upper floors
is transferred down to fewer main columns The International Financial Centre is built using a

Field Trip | Visit: Central

through huge truss system, and then down to
the underground foundation.
‘Core and Outrigger’ concept. The core at the centre
of the building bears most of the vertical load, while
columns at the perimeter carry less weight and are
thus smaller in dimension. Loads are transferred to
the core through steel outriggers that balance the
lateral forces on the whole building.

Steel Structural System

Steel is a common construction material for tall

buildings because it has good performance in
withstanding compressive and tensile forces. Steel
bars can be used to reinforce concrete to add extra
structural performance. However, steel is relatively
weak in fire-resistance. An extra layer of fire-resisting
coating is often put onto the steel surface..

p Steel Frame Structure system (HSBC)

Teaching Tips
More information about Forces and Structure
Topic 01 ‘Forces in Buildings - A Historical Review’
Topic 03 ‘Model Making Workshop — Structure of Tall
Buildings and Towers 05
1.3 Checkpoints
1 City Hall
Built in : 1956
Style : Modernism / Bauhaus
Architects : Ron Phillips and Alan Fitch, British architects in
Hong Kong at the time
Use : A multi-purpose civic centre with facilities for
performance arts
Background :
In 1867, the first City Hall was built by public contributions. It
was a magnificent two-storey building in Renaissance Revival
style, with colonnades and archways, housing a theatre, a library,
a museum and assembly rooms. The building was used by
Europeans and Chinese elites.
In 1933, the City Hall was partly demolished to make way for the
Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank Building. The rest was demolished in
1947 for the erection of the Bank of China Building.
The new complex was built in the post-war period, aiming to
provide recreational facilities and cultural programmes for the
general public instead of just the upper class.
Characteristics of Modernism from different features in the City Hall :
p Facade of City Hall
• simple geometry and no color
• non-decorative / minimal
p Courtyard of City Hall
Simple lines of columns help to separate the different functional
spaces, at the same time visually connecting the space
p Photo taken when the City Hall was first
opened in the 60s. It was intended to be
a urban hub, well-connected with the Star
Ferry Pier, Queen’s Pier and Edinburgh
Place.
© Ron Phillips
Field Trip | Visit: Central
[Observation]
Can you identify the architectural style of
City Hall? How was it different from the
style of surrounding buildings when it was
built?
Suggested Answers:
• Bauhaus architectural style :
asymmetrical composition with
a sense of balance, use of curtain
wall, rectilinear form
• Form follows function: design around
functional needs. Various functions
housed in simple, no-frills box-
shaped volumes
• Minimal: clean lines and stark
geometrical forms
• Unornamented and asymmetrical,
a contrast to the surrounding colonial
buildings (such as the Old Supreme
Court) with decorations
The style later on become a common way
of design, widely adopted in the civic and
public buildings in Hong Kong. Previous
to the construction of City Hall, many
buildings in Hong Kong are built in the
western classical style as influenced by the
British colonial governor.
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 Modernism, in the broad sense, refers to modern thoughts, character, or practice. The term specifically
describes the Modernist Movement in arts and culture from 19th to 20th century.
Architectural Modernism was widely adopted before and after WWII and continues to be a dominant
architectural style into the late 20th century for institutional and corporate buildings.

Teaching Tips
More information can be found in:
Visual Arts Topic 04: ‘Video- Modernism in
Architecture’

City Hall, a multi-purpose civic centre in Hong Kong.

The Low Block is comprised of functions requiring
larger volumes such as concert hall, theatre, restau-
rant, ballroom, foyer and main circulation areas. The
High Block is made up of a number of smaller spaces
including art galleries, museums, library and admin-
istrative offices.

Field Trip | Visit: Central

[Discussion]
1 Which functional space is wrapped with a glazed façade? Which functional space is wrapped in
opaque concrete walls? What do you think were the reasons behind these different treatments?

Suggested Answers

• The functional requirements of the interior are reflected on the exterior. For spaces requiring
natural lighting, extensive glazing is used. These include the restaurant in the Low Block,
stairwells and the library on the High Block. The concert hall and the theatre on the Low
Block, however, are enclosed within opaque walls for housing technical functions and
blocking out daylight.

• This illustrates the Modernist principle of ‘form follow functions’

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 2 Statue Square 皇后像廣場

Built in : late 19th century

Use : Former ground for military parade
Gathering space

p Statue Square in the 1900s p Statue Square in the 1960s p Statue Square at present
© Gwulo © Gwulo © WiNG-Wikipedia User

Significance
• Statue Square part of the central axis leading to Government Hill, reinforcing the identity of Central as
administrative and political centre
• Witness of the inauguration ceremony of colonial governors and arrival of the Queens.
• Statue Square is a popular destination for protests regarding social and political issues.
• It is also a popular place for festive celebration.

Field Trip | Visit: Central

[Exercise]
1 Statue Square marks the centre of the administration and economy, as well as that of global business
and finance. Can you identify the following buildings from where you are standing and suggest their
use?
Civic/cultural
Financial
Administrative

City Hall Commercial

by Ron Phillips and Alan Fitch
Mandarin Oriental by Leigh & Or-
ange

Prince’s Building
by Leigh & Orange
Old Supreme Court
(Former Legislative Council)
HSBC Headquarters
by Norman Foster

Former French Mission Building

(Former Court of Final Appeal) Statue Square

Axis
Bank of China Tower
by I. M. Pei

Government Hill Citibank Plaza by Rocco

Yim

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 3 Old Supreme Court 舊最高法院
(Former Legislative Council Building 舊立法會大樓)

Built in : 1900-1912
Architects : Aston Webb and E. Ingress Bell
Structure : Granite column and Dome structure

Use : 1912-1978: Supreme Court

1985–2011: Legislative Council
In 2012, the building was closed and planned to
open as the Court of Final Appeal by 2015.

Structural System
Western Classicism’s Influence:
• proportioned Ionic style columns and dome p The Old Supreme Court was declared as a
• The wide arcade on ground floor and balcony above is Declared monument by the Antiquities and
designed to responded to sub-tropical climate of Hong Kong. Monuments Office and is protected legally
under the Antiquities and Monuments
Ordinance
Colonial Style Architecture
The Court of Final Appeal was built with Neoclassical style, with
features of classical Greek and Roman architecture (850 BC-476
AD). However, because of climatic and geographical differences,
architectural features were altered to fit local conditions. This mixed,

Field Trip | Visit: Central

adaptive design is what we call the Colonial Style.

Lantern
Dome

Statue of Themis

Pediment
Ionic column

Arch

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Dome
A dome is a hemispheric roof structure. It is a spherical
surface structure having a circular plan, constructed in rigid
material like granite or reinforced concrete. Compression in each Force on the dome
structural piece

Arch structure
It enables large spaces without interior support.

Force on the arch

Field Trip | Visit: Central

Arcade

[Discussion]
1 Is it worth to conserve this colonial style building in spite of the significant political changes that
Hong Kong has gone through? Please discuss in terms of its historical, social and aesthetic
significance.

Suggested answer
For: The Old Supreme Court building represents the legislature power of Hong Kong from colonial time
to the present day, and the rule of Law, one of the most important core values of our society. It is an
iconic building, an important landmark which creates a sense of place in Central. Considering its great
symbolic and architectural value, it should be conserved to protect our heritage and retain the original
urban fabric.
Against: The Old Supreme Court building does not portrait Hong Kong as a modern city. Its classical
style is out-of-date and does not reflect the current identity of Hong Kong. Considering the scarcity of
buildable land in the CBD, if the maintenance cost for the building is too high, or if it cannot serve its
purpose effectively, I would suggest to alter the building or redevelop the area for better use.

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 4 HSBC Headquarters 匯豐銀行總行

Built in : 1983-1985
Style : High-tech
Architect : Lord Norman Foster, Pritzker Prize-winning
architect

History of the HSBC Headquarters:

First generation : 1865-1886
Second generation : 1886-1935 (Victorian style)
Third generation : 1935-1978 (mixed Art Deco and Stripped
Classical Style i.e. classical elements
simplified to show only structural or
proportional systems)
Current building : 1986 (High-tech architecture)

Hanger

u Contrasting architectural styles in Central — Old Supreme Court

in Neoclassical style and the nearby HSBC Headquarters in
High-tech style Structural Mast
(Source: Ian Lambot)

Field Trip | Visit: Central

[Observation]
What special features and aesthetics do you see in the design?
Suggested Answers:
• Assembled structure
• Simple, clean geometric forms
• Unornamented
• Unobstructed view of the harbour with the open space of
Statue Square in front of the building
• Externalized suspension trusses spanning the
construction at double-height levels forming the most
distinctive visual elements on the building envelope
• Open plan office
• Ground floor is open for public circulation

High-tech architectural style

High-tech, or high technology, is an architectural style that emerged
in the 1970s, with an emphasis on technological advancement and
structure. The structural elements of the building are externalized
and exposed, giving these buildings a skeletal look. This honesty of p The structural system of the HSBC
structure and emphasis on technology are part of the aesthetics. Headquarters, The structure can be
dissembled into kits-of-part and resemble
in another site

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Historical Significance Social and Cultural Significance
• A valued icon of Hong Kong as a world-level • The land between the HSBC Headquarters and the
metropolitan harbour waterfront is planned to remain a
• The architect, Lord Norman Foster, is also the permanent free space for the public
architect for Hong Kong International Airport, Kai Tak • Unobstructed view of the harbour is considered to
Cruise Terminal and West Kowloon Cultural District. enjoy good Feng Shui
• The ground level of the building is open for public
circulation.

Field Trip | Visit: Central

© Ian Lambot

[Discussion]
1 What is the relationship between architecture and city identity?

Suggested answer
The HSBC Headquarters is an important part of the city’s identity:
• Helped elevating Hong Kong’s status to a world-level metropolitan and contributed to the
development of Hong Kong’s banking and finance industry
• The building in High-tech style, together with the Neoclassical Old Supreme Court, creates an
interesting contrast of architectural styles in Central
• As an iconic and unique building, it is an integral part of the Hong Kong skyline and harbourfront.
• It is a popular attraction for tourists and designers alike. It is also a favourite gathering spot for
foreign domestic helpers and is also a public space valued by locals

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 5 Cheung Kong Centre 長江集團中心

Built in : 1999
Structure : Composite structure - Core wall and
composite column external frame
Architect : Cesar Pelli
Facts : It sits on the combined sites of the former
Hong Kong Hilton, which was demolished in
1995/6, and Beaconsfield House, sold by the
Government in 1996.

Core

Field Trip | Visit: Central

Composite Column:
Steel post encased inside concrete

[Exercise]
1 Transfer truss structure (see photo on right) used about ground level entrance. Suggest the
function of it.

Suggested Answers
• Transfer vertical loading from perimeter column to core
• Allow spacious open on G/F entrance

p Exterior view of Transfer Truss on 2/F p Interior view of Transfer Truss on 2/F
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 6 Bank of China Tower 中國銀行

Built in : 1985-1990
Style : High-tech
Architect : I. M. Pei, Pritzker Prize-winning architect

Use : Headquarters of Bank of China Hong Kong;

other office storeys are leased out. The site
was the former address of the Murray House,
which was dismantled in 1982 and relocated
to Stanley in the 2000s.

u With a striking angular form, the Bank of China

is an iconic piece of Structural Expressionism.
© WiNG - Wikipedia User

[Exercise]
Draw a sketch of geometrical composition of the Bank of China Tower.

Field Trip | Visit: Central

p Plans and elevation of the Bank of China

Tower. The form transforms from a square
at the base to a prism. © Helen Fan 14
 [Discussion]
1 Why do you think the architect choose to use triangle as Structural System:
the composition of the structure?
Dead loads
Suggested Answers e.g. Weight of the
Structurally effective: building
• Triangular shape as most structural stable
geometry
• Pure use of cross brace and triangular
framework effectively carries building load,
and reduces use of steel by 30% as compared Environmental Load
to typical column and beam system e.g. Wind

Structural aesthetics:
• Concise geometry & structurally expressive
• Given relatively small footprint, the structure Live loads
adopted a square base with offset of e.g. Weight of
triangular prism up along the tower (mimic of people at the
bamboo) building
• The proportion was carefully considered to
provide a slender appearance
• Distinctively different elevations on four sides.
• The effective use of footprint free up large
landscaping space on ground level beside
the entrance.

Field Trip | Visit: Central

p Load path of HSBC

Architectural Features:
The role of geometry
• The triangle is the most structurally stable and efficient
geometrical shape. It is therefore used for structural
efficiency and strength.

Use of Chinese symbols

• Designed with reference to bamboo, a Chinese cultural
symbol

© Casey Hon

p The idea of Chinese Garden is integrated with p The interior of the atrium also echoes with the
Bank of China, a piece of modern architecture triangular exterior forms 15
 7 Murray building 美利大廈

Built in : 1969
Structure : Composite structure - Core wall and
external reinforced concrete shear wall
Architect : Public Works Department of the time

Historical Facts : The site was the former address of

the Murray House, which had been
dismantled in 1982 and relocated to
Stanley in 2000s.

Murray Building became vacant upon

relocation of its current offices to the
new Central Government Complex at
Tamar by end-2011.

[Observation]
In which the direction does solar glare come from during
morning and late afternoon? How does this affect the
design of the windows?

Suggested Answers p Murray Building was awarded the Certificate

morning - SE of Merit of the Energy Efficient Building

Field Trip | Visit: Central

sunset - SW Award in 1994, for its successful design in
environmental concern.
All windows are meticulously oriented to avoid
excessive direct sunlight from entering the office.

p Floor Plan : The envelope is the key structure p Facade

holding the building space inside.

The advantages of the design of perimeter shear wall

and angular oriented windows :

• It is sun-shading device that lower the air-

conditioning loading of the building.
• It also avoid discomfort due to solar glare
during morning and late afternoon.
Teaching Tips
More information about sustainability in Architecture
Topic 07 ‘VIDEO: Energy-saving Approaches in
Architecture ’. 16
8 Government Hill（政府山）

Court of Final Appeal (Former French Mission Building) St. John’s Cathedral（聖約翰座堂）
終審法院（前法國外方傳道會大樓）
Built in : 1842 Built in : 1849
(the first building on Government Hill) Style : Gothic Revival in Victorian period
(19th century)
The Court of Final Appeal is a symbol of Hong Use : Main Anglican Cathedral and the seat of
Kong’s judicial system. It is a distinctive monument the Archbishop of Hong Kong
that speaks well of Hong Kong’s colonial past, with
different uses in different periods. It is a declared St John’s Cathedral is the oldest surviving example of
monument. Western architecture in Hong Kong, sitting on the only
freehold land (permanent).

Field Trip | Visit: Central

© Sherry Fung © Sherry Fung

[Observation]
How do you navigate around Central?
What kind of circulation path can you find here?

Suggested Answer
Footbridge Network
The Central Elevated Walkway System（中區行人天橋系統）
is an extensive network of escalators and footbridges in Central
and Western district. The walkways provide all-weather passage to
facilitate pedestrian access between Jardine House, Chater House
and the General Post Office. This also avoids adding pressure on
the traffic. 17
 Central Government Offices
(中區政府合署／政府總部)

The Government Offices were built in three phases In

1954, the East Wing
In 1956, the Central Wing
In 1959, the West Wing

Architects : Michael Wright, John Aitken (West Wing)

of Architectural Office of the Public Works
Department.
Use : the former seat of the Hong Kong
Government and offices
p Central Government Office (Central Wing)
© Sherry Fung

Government House（香港禮賓府；前港督府）

Built in : 1855
Style : Neoclassical with Japanese influence
Use : Residence of the Chief Executive and 25
colonial governors, the venue of reception
and ceremony for important events.

Field Trip | Visit: Central

p Central Government Office (East Wing)
© Sherry Fung

[Exercise]
1 Find the elevation of Central Government Offices that interests you most and sketch it in the area
below Hence, describe the articulation of the facade composition.

Suggested answer

The horizontality of the elevation on Central Wing

is ended by the adjacent heavy building mass (East
Wing) with a different surface material and formal
expression.

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 9 The Old Dairy Farm Depot South Block (Fringe Club)

Built in : 1890
Style : Neoclassicism (meaning a mixed style
based on classicism)
Use : 1890-1970s: Old Dairy Farm Depot
1984-present: Hong Kong Fringe Club, a
non-profit arts organization

Currently consists: two studio theatres,
three exhibition areas, one pottery
workshop, one showroom, one rehearsal
studio, two bars, roof garden, offices

u
A Grade I historic building
The first awardee of Hong Kong Government Heritage
Award in 2001 in recognition of its success in
historic conservation © Casey Hon

Field Trip | Visit: Central

Historical Transformation:

p 1890 - A pitch-roofed Diary Farm Depot p 1913 - Its filleted southwest corner was added

p 1916 - Bandaged brickwork decoration was added. p 1940s - Envelope renovated with paint rendering
With circular bull’s eye windows and square motifs and Shanghai plaster cladding 19
Summary
Central is the Central Business District in Hong Kong. Buildings and public spaces are not only marking
the economical and financial importance of Central to the city but also politically, socially and culturally.

The field trip also introduces typical structural systems used in skyscrapers in Hong Kong, and explains
how they support themselves as well as the loads imposed on them by the environment. These buildings
have contributed a lot to the evolution of the city’s unique skyline.

Key words
Central business district (CBD) Structural expressionism
Globalization Structural Frame
Public space Core
Classical architecture
Colonial architecture
Modernism

Further reading
1. “Hong Kong City Hall - Introduction.” Hong Kong City Hall. Leisure and Cultural Services
Department, 2007.

Field Trip | Visit: Central

http: / / www. cityhall.gov.hk /en/index .php

2. More about the design of HSBC Headquarters

http: / / www. a r up.com/Pr oject s /HSB C_Headq uar t er s _ 1_ Queens _ Ro ad _ Cent r al.as p x

3. Government Hill
http: / / www. gover nment hill.or g/index.ht m

4. Legislative Council Building

http: / / www. le gco.gov.hk /young/englis h/build ing /le g co _ build ing _ 1.ht m l

5. Bank of China
http: / / www. a lla b out s k ys cr a per s.com/pr oper t y /b ank -o f-c hina-t o w er-2
w ww. le r a . com/ f iles /B ank %20of%20China.pd f

6. Murray Building
h t t p : / / w w w. d e v b. gov. h k / e n / i s s u e s _ i n _ fo c u s / c o n s e r v i n g _ c e n t r a l / M u r r ay _ B u i l d i n g / i n d ex .
ht ml

7. Construction of Super High-rise Composite structures in Hong Kong, Raymond W.M. Wong,
Division of Building Science and Technology, City University of Hong Kong
bst1 . cityu. e du. hk /e-lear ning/building_info_ p ac k /t all_ build ing /ifc2.p d f
ht tp: / / pe r sona l.cit yu.edu.hk /~bs w mw ong/p ho t o _ lib /ifc /ifcind ex .ht ml
ht tp: / / e n. wikipedia.or g/w ik i/Int er nat ional_ Finance_ Cent r e

Organizer Sponsor Research Team

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