Download Architectural Forms in Different Time Periods

Arts Teaching Kit for Senior Secondary Curriculum
Visit: Central
Architectural Forms in
Different
Time
Periods
[Student notes]
Organizer
Sponsor
Research Team
Contents
Preamble
Learning plan
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1.1 Itinerary
01
1.2 Background information: Central
02
1.3 Identifying different architectural styles
1.4 Checkpoints
03
04
1City Hall
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07
2
Old Supreme Court (Former Legislative Council Building)
3HSBC Main Building
09
4
Bank of China Tower
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5
The Old Diary Farm Depot South Block (Fringe Club)
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6
Duddell Street steps & gas lamps
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Appendix: Western architectural styles
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Summary, Key words and Further reading
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Disclaimer
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, the Communication and Technology Branch of the Commerce and Economic Development
Bureau, Create Hong Kong, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.
Arts | Visit: Central — Architectural Forms in Different Time Periods
Visit: Central — Architectural forms in different time periods
Topic 09
Visit: Central —
Architectural Forms in Different Time Periods
Interdisciplinary teaching areas
Visual Arts
Design and Applied Technology
Visual Arts Appreciation and Criticism in Context
• Strand 3 Value and Impact
• Formal knowledge
Liberal Studies
• Modes of presentation
• M2 Hong Kong Today
• Knowledge of history and ways of seeing
• Knowledge in context
Learning objectives
• B
e aware of the relationship of the historical backgrounds and architectural styles of different buildings.
• U
nderstand the functions in each building and the effort put to retain the structure throughout different times.
Arts | Visit: Central — Architectural Forms in Different Time Periods
Major teaching areas
Learning plan
Lesson
Contents
Field Trip
• Planned itinerary for the field trip
Central
• Historical background of Central
• Architectural styles
• Background information of various buildings
• On-site exercise
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1.1 Itinerary
Arts | Visit: Central — Architectural Forms in Different Time Periods
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2
5
3
6
4
Pre-Trip Introduction (20 min)
• Background information of Central and architectural styles
• Objectives and introduction of on-site exercises
• Planned route
Field Trip (approximately 2 hours)
20 min
15 min
15 min
10 min
10 min
10 min
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2
3
4
5
6
HSBC Main Building
Bank of China
Tower
Fringe Club
Duddell Street steps &
gas lamps
City Hall Old Supreme Court (For(Foyer) mer Legislative Council
Building)
01
1.2 Background Information: Central
Central - the development of the heart of an international city
Central, the political and cultural centre
Central has long been the cultural and political centre of Hong Kong since Hong Kong Island was occupied by the British
in 1841. Globalization has had profound influence on this area in terms of the following aspects:
Major public space
As the heart of political administration, living and trade, a
number of public parks were built in Central since the 19th
century by the colonial government. The current Chater
Garden was the former cricket ground for the British,
while the Statue Square was once a place for political
and military parade. These parks have now become
popular grounds for leisure activities as well as public
demonstrations.
The heart of politics and administration
The concentration of government offices and buildings is
an evidence to show Central being the heart of political
and administrative centre for the past 171 years. The
building cluster on the Government Hill and its central axis
pointing straight towards the Victoria Harbour is a display
of the former colonial government’s authority over the city.
Important government buildings such as the Government
House, the Central Government Offices, the Former French
Mission Building and the Old Supreme Court have created
a closely articulated setting which helped ensure the
government’s effective controls over colonial politics and
administration.
The significance of the Anglican Church for the British is
manifested by the location of St. John’s Cathedral on the
Government Hill, a political centre.
After the handover of the sovereignty of Hong Kong in
1997, the political significance has been shifting away
from the Government Hill. In 2012, the Central Government
Complex at Tamar was officially opened for use. It is
located right next to the People’s Liberation Army Hong
Kong Building.
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) with a large number of office
towers which facilitates trade and communication. Iconic
buildings have been erected, symbolizing the financial
powers behind. These buildings are mostly in western or
modern architectural style, making Hong Kong one of the
most distinctive metropolis in the world.
The increasing global financial and commercial trade has
led to the blooming infrastructural development in Hong
Kong, especially in Central. Both inter- and intra-city
transportation networks are located in Central for easy
accessibility.
Arts | Visit: Central — Architectural Forms in Different Time Periods
© ChvhLR10 - Wikipedia User
The following modes of transport or network can be found
in Central:
Intra-district: Central elevated walkway system, Mid-Levels
escalator system
Intra-city: MTR, ferry, bus, tram, minibus
Inter-city: Airport Express (Hong Kong Station to Hong Kong
International Airport)
The Central Elevated Walkway（中區行人天橋）is an
extensive network of escalators and footbridges in
Central and Western district. The walkway provides
an all-weather passage to facilitate pedestrian access
between Jardine House, Chater House and the General
Post Office. This also helps alleviating pressure of
vehicle traffic.
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1.3 Identifying different architectural styles
One can easily identify the architectural style of a building
by observing its external appearance as well as its form of
space and details of building.
2. Technology
With the advancement of technology, more building
materials have been invented, widening the choices and
possibilities of architectural design. Steel and sheet glass
are commonly used in modern architecture, but they were
not as widely used until their mass production was made
available during the 19th century Industrial Revolution.
Nowadays, apart from these High-tech materials, natural
materials such as sustainable wood are also popular. On
the other hand, more buildings are becoming ‘digitized’,
using digital building skin in LED and TV screens as their
changeable façade.
3. Cultural and Social Influence
Lastly, the architectural form and the aesthetic appearance
are not only influenced by the above, but also affected
by the culture and social values of the time. Even within
two close periods or using similar techniques, the building
form could be very different. Taking the Old Supreme Court
(Legislative Council Building) for example, the building
is in a colonial style influenced by Western aesthetics.
However, to better suit the local climate, some details,
such as the Chinese tile roof, are a reflection of Chinese
influence. The stone used was granite, a locally available
material of Hong Kong.
When identifying the style of a building...
When designing a building often the designers are
influenced not only by its time but reference to its site
context.
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3
Arts | Visit: Central — Architectural Forms in Different Time Periods
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. Natural materials such as stone and wood
were popular before the invention of concrete and steel.
For example, most ancient Roman buildings were built in
stones, especially marble, a material naturally abundant
in Italy. However, for many modern cities, concrete, glass
and steel are the more popular materials as it is quicker to
build with these modern materials.
The pursuit of technological breakthroughs has reduced
physical limitations and liberated building structure.
Through time, the breakthroughs in structural design has
helped architects and engineers to invent and explore new
forms, followed by the creation of new spatial experience.
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1. The Old Supreme Court is a Neoclassical building fused with Chinese details.
2. HSBC Main Building, with its innovative structural system, is an example of High-tech architecture. © Loky
3. City Hall is a prime example of Modernist architecture in Hong Kong, emphasising clarity and functionality. © Loky
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1.4 Checkpoints
1
City Hall
Built in
: 1956
Style
: Modernism / Bauhaus
Architects : Ron Phillips and Alan Fitch, British architects in Hong Kong of the time
Use: A multi-purpose civic centre with facilities for performance arts
t
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
Arts | Visit: Central — Architectural Forms in Different Time Periods
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.
[Discussion]
1 Can you identify the architectural style of City Hall? How was it different from the style of surrounding buildings when it was built?
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.
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[Discussion]
2 Can you describe the characteristics of Modernism from the City Hall features highlighted below?
Arts | Visit: Central — Architectural Forms in Different Time Periods
3 Why do you think the architect chose to design in Modernist style?
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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, restaurant, ballroom, foyer and main circulation areas. The
High Block is made up of a number of smaller spaces
including art galleries, museums, library and administrative offices.
Arts | Visit: Central — Architectural Forms in Different Time Periods
4 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?
5 As Hong Kong continued to develop, the harbourfront near City Hall was reclaimed. Star Ferry Pier had to relocate in 2006 and the Queen’s Pier was demolished in 2008 to make way for the reclamation.
What do you think about these changes? How important
was the original intention of the architect to connect City
Hall with Star Ferry Pier, Queen’s Pier, Edinburgh Place
and Statue Square as one continuous, highly accessible
urban hub?
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2
Old Supreme Court (Former Legislative Council Building)
Built in
: 1900-1912
Architects: Aston Webb and E. Ingress Bell
Style:
Neoclassical with Chinese architectural elements
Use: 1912-1978: Supreme Court
During Japanese occupation in World War II (December 1941 to August 1945), the building was used as the headquarters of Hong Kong Military Police.
1985–2011: Legislative Council
Due to structural cracks discovered during the construction works of the Mass Transit Railway in 1978, the building was temporarily closed for alteration works. It was reopened in 1985 as the Legislative Council Building.
In 2012, the building was closed and planned to open as the Court of Final Appeal by 2015
The Old Supreme Court was declared as a
Grade I monument by the Antiquities and
Monuments Office and is protected legally
under the Antiquities and Monuments
Ordinance
Colonial Style Architecture
Under the rule of the British colonial government, the Old Supreme
Court was built in a Western architectural style. This is Neoclassical
style, with features of classical Greek and Roman architecture (850
BC-476 AD), but constructed after the 18th century. However, because
of climatic and geographical differences, architectural features were
altered to fit local conditions. This mixed, adaptive design is what we
call the Colonial Style.
Arts | Visit: Central — Architectural Forms in Different Time Periods
t
© ChvhLR10 - Wikipedia User
Pediment
Frieze
Architrave
Entablature
t
Columns
Stylobate
Various parts of a classical Greek
façade, composed mainly of stylobate,
colonnade, entablature and pediment.
Some of these features are also used
in the Neoclassical Old Supreme Court
Building. © Helen Fan
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[Exercise 1]
Can you identify the Western and local features of the Old Supreme Court?
Arts | Visit: Central — Architectural Forms in Different Time Periods
[Do you know...]
On top of the pediment stands a 2.7m high statue of Justice, represented by
the Greek goddess Themis. She holds a pair of scales in her right hand and a
sword in her left hand; the scales represent fairness and the sword is a symbol
of power. She is blindfolded, symbolizing impartiality.
u
Statue of Themis © ChvhLR10 - Wikipedia User
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3
HSBC Main Building
Built in : 1983-1985
Style
:High-tech
Architect: Lord Norman Foster, Pritzker Prize-winning architect
History of the HSBC Main Building:
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)
Contrasting architectural styles in
Central — Old Supreme Court in
Neoclassical style and the nearby
HSBC Main Building in High-tech
style © Ian Lambot
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 structure and emphasis on
technology are part of the aesthetics.
One foreign example is the Centre Georges Pompidou (Pompidou Centre) in
Paris, built in 1971. The Centre was designed by Italian architects Renzo Piano
and Gianfranco Franchini and British architect Richard Rogers.
[Exercise 2]
Arts | Visit: Central — Architectural Forms in Different Time Periods
u
What special features and aesthetics do you see in the design?
• Assembled structure
• Simple, clean geometric forms
p
High-tech aesthetics — Expression of
structural elements is the key of architectural beauty
© Foster + Partners
Photo Taking Tips
Photography not allowed anywhere in
the building except in the atrium
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Historical Significance
• A valued icon of Hong Kong as a world-level metropolitan and contributed to the growth of Hong Kong’s tertiary sector
• The architect, Lord Norman Foster, is also the architect for Hong Kong International Airport, Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and West Kowloon Cultural District.
Social and Cultural Significance
• The land between the HSBC Main Building and the harbour waterfront is planned to remain a permanent free space for the public, as stated in the lease with the Government
• The building with unobstructed view of the harbour is considered to enjoy good Feng Shui (water represents wealth in Feng Shui)
• The ground level of the building is open for public circulation. It has also been a favourite gathering space for foreign domestic helpers and social activism such as Occupy Central.
[Discussion]
How do you think the design breakthrough of HSBC has influence the skyline of Hong Kong? Compare the style of
building before and after HSBC is built.
Arts | Visit: Central — Architectural Forms in Different Time Periods
© Ian Lambot
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4
Bank of China Tower
Built in
Style
Architect
: 1985-1990
:High-tech
: I. M. Pei, Pritzker Prize-winning architect
Use
:
Arts | Visit: Central — Architectural Forms in Different Time Periods
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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.
With a striking angular form, the Bank of China is an
iconic piece of Structural Expressionism. The idea for
the form came from bamboo, a symbol of growth and
prosperity in Chinese culture. However, there have
been comments on the ‘poor Feng Shui’ the building
causes to its surroundings due to the triangular form
and the crosses (X) of its structural frame.
© WiNG - Wikipedia User
Aesthetic Significance
• H
igh-tech architectural style
• Concise geometry and structurally expressive
• Given a relatively small footprint, the structure is highly efficient with a square base morphing upwards into triangular prisms, giving the tower a dynamic form
• Designed with reference to bamboo, a Chinese cultural symbol
• Carefully proportioned to give the tower an elegant, slender appearance
• Distinctively different elevations on four sides
p
The interior of the atrium also echoes with
the triangular exterior forms
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[Exercise 3]
Draw a sketch of geometrical composition of the Bank of China Tower.
Plans and elevation of the Bank of China
Tower. The form transforms from a square at
the base to a prism. © Helen Fan
Arts | Visit: Central — Architectural Forms in Different Time Periods
p
[Do you know...]
• The architect of the building, I. M. Pei, is well-known for using geometry and especially triangles in his design. The triangle is the most structurally stable and efficient geometrical shape. It is therefore widely used in high-tech buildings for structural efficiency and strength.
• As a Chinese, Pei has also blended Chinese symbols and traditions in his design
• Do you know any other buildings designed by him?
© Casey Hon
p
The idea of Chinese Garden is integrated with
Bank of China, a piece of modern architecture
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5
Fringe Club
Built in
:1890
Style
:Neoclassisicm (meaning a mixed style based on classicism)
Use
: 1890-1970s ﹣ Old Dairy Farm Depot consisting office, dairy shop, with cold storage warehouse and room for meat smoking
Significance:
A Grade I historic building
The first awardee of Hong Kong Government Heritage Award in 2001 in recognition of its success in historic conservation
p
The external wall features a mix of different
materials, including the distinctive red and white
bandaged stucco and brickwork. The base of the
walls were decorated with Shanghai plaster (a
rough-textured material) simulating granite.
© Casey Hon
p
Fringe Club’s property was originally a pitch-roofed
Dairy Farm Depot built in 1890. Its pitched roof was
demolished in 1908
p
Its filleted southwest corner was added during 1913
renovation
p
Bandaged brickwork decoration was added in 1916.
With circular bull’s eye windows and square motifs
p
Bandaged brickwork was replaced by paint
rendering and Shanghai plaster cladding in around
1940s
Arts | Visit: Central — Architectural Forms in Different Time Periods
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
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6
Duddell Street Steps & Gas Lamps
Built in
: Granite steps, 1875–1889
Street Lamp, early 20th century
Use
: Connection between Ice House Street and Queen’s Road Central
Aesthetic Significance
• Earliest reference to the street lamps dated back to 1922, noted as Two-light Rochester Models
• Good quality stonework (granite)
• Colonial features
• Rare masonry balustrades in Hong Kong
© Casey Hon
Cultural Significance
• The nostalgic atmosphere has inspired many
famous movie scenes, e.g. ‘In the Mood for Love’ directed by Wong Kar-Wai
p The grand granite balustrades
[Discussion]
1 From 1950s onwards, all the gas lamps in Hong Kong were replaced by electric lamps. Why do you think these gas lamps at Duddell Street have been kept?
Arts | Visit: Central — Architectural Forms in Different Time Periods
Historical Significance
• Declared monument
• An iconic street scene reflecting the colonial history of Hong Kong
• Duddell street was named after George Duddell, an auctioneer and significant property owner in the area in the mid-19th century.
• The only four surviving gas-powered street lamps in Hong Kong
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Appendix: Western Architectural Styles
Ancient Greek architecture
Considered the origin of Western architecture, ancient Greek
architecture has a history of over a thousand years, distinguished
by the use of ‘classical order’, which is a particular proportioning
system composed of elements such as columns, the pediment, the
entablature and so on. Greek buildings have simple, clear forms.
Examples:
The Parthenon, Athens, Greece (438 BC)
Temple of Athena Nike, Athens, Greece (427 BC)
The Parthenon © Mike Hui
p
The Pantheon
© Richjheath - Wikipedia User
p
Notre Dame Cathedral
© Tom S. - Wikipedia User
p
St. Peter’s Square
© François Malan - Wikipedia User
Ancient Roman architecture
Dated back to 100 BC, with significant influence from Greek
architecture. Distinguished by elements such as semi-circular
arches, domes and the volumetric gesture. The Roman temples,
amphitheatres, baths, basilicas etc. stand testimony to the greatness
of this style. Often referred as ‘classical architecture’ together with
ancient Greek architecture.
Examples:
The Colosseum, Rome, Italy (82 AD)
The Pantheon, Rome, Italy (188 AD)
Gothic architecture (12th to 16th century)
The style was prominent during the high and the late Medieval
period, distinguished by pointed arches (different from the
semicircular Roman arches), large rose windows, window tracery and
the emphasis on the creation of vertical lines in the design.
Examples:
Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France (1163 AD)
King’s College Chapel, Cambridge, UK (1515 AD)
Arts | Visit: Central — Architectural Forms in Different Time Periods
p
Neoclassical Architecture (18th to late 19th century)
Beginning in the 18th century, the style was influenced by Classical
Greek and Roman architecture, and partly influenced by the Italian
Palladian style.
Examples:
St Peter’s Square, Vatican (1667 AD)
The British Museum, London, UK (1847 AD)
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Summary
Central has always been Hong Kong’s economic and political centre, featuring many
landmark buildings that have contributed to the evolution of the city’s unique skyline.
The form and outlook of a building is not purely aesthetic, but is also influenced by its
cultural, political and technological context.
Key words
Modernism
Neoclassical architecture
Structural expressionism
Arts | Visit: Central — Architectural Forms in Different Time Periods
Bauhaus
Classical architecture
Colonial architecture
Geometry and Proportion
Further reading
1. 香港電台《漫遊城市建築》，香港電台 ， 2009
ht t p : / / r thk. hk/ e le ar ning/ar c hit ect ur et our/index .ht m
2. Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Webisite of Antiquities and Monuments Office. 2004,.
ht t p : / / www. a mo. gov.hk /en/main.php
3. “HSBC Main Building.” Arup, 2012
ht t p : / / www. a r up. com/P r oject s /HSB C_Headqua r t er s _ 1_ Queens _ Ro ad _ Cent r al.as p x
4. LegCo Civic Education Corner - The Legislative Council Building. Hong Kong Legislative Council. 2012.
ht t p : / / www. le gco. gov.hk /young/englis h/building /le g co _ build ing _ 1.ht m l
5. “Hong Kong City Hall - Introduction.” Hong Kong City Hall. Leisure and Cultural Services Department, 2007.
ht t p : / / www. cityha ll.gov.hk /en/index.php
6. 胡恩威《香港風格》，香港：CUP Publishing Ltd. 2005
© Rory
Organizer
Sponsor
Research Team
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