Liberal Studies Teaching Kit for Senior Secondary Curriculum
Visit: Central
Central Business
District
[Student notes]
Organized by
Funded by
Research Team
Preamble
i
Learning plan
Visit: Central - Central Business District
1.1 Itinerary
01
1.2 Background information of Central
02
1.3 How did Central grow into a CBD?
03
1.4 Check points
1
2
3
4
5
Statue Square
Court of Final Appeal (Former French Mission Building)
HSBC Main Building
Government Hill
New Government Complex
Summary, Key words and Further reading
04
06
07
09
11
13
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.
Liberal Studies | Visit: Central - Central Business District
Contents
Topic 06
Visit: Central - Central Business District
Major teaching areas
Liberal Studies
Module 2 Hong Kong Today
• Theme 1: Quality of life
• Theme 2: Rule of law and socio-political participation
• Theme 3: Identity
Liberal Studies: Module 6 Energy Technology and Environment
•
Theme 2: The environment and sustainable development
Liberal Studies: Module 3 Modern China
•
Theme 2: Chinese culture and modern life
Interdisciplinary teaching areas
Visual Arts:
•
Visual Arts Appreciation and Criticism in context
Design and Technology:
•
•
Strand 1 Design and Innovation
Strand 3 Value and Impact
Learning objectives
Liberal Studies | Visit: Central - Central Business District
Related teaching areas
• To appreciate the iconic architecture in Central, the central business district
• 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
Learning plan
Lesson
Visit
Central
Central Business District
Contents
•
1.1 Planned itinerary for the field trip
•
1.2 Background information of Central
•
1.3 Historical background of how Central was developed into a central
business district
•
1.4 Significance of the development of Central
1 Statue Square - the major public space
2 Court of Final Appeal - the rule of law
3 HSBC Main Building - the financial centre
4 Government Hill - the political centre in history
5 New Government Complex - the heart of political administration
i
1.1 Itinerary
Liberal Studies | Visit: Central - Central Business District
1
5
2
3
4
Pre-Trip Introduction (20 min)
• Background information of Central
• Objectives and introduction of on-site exercises
• Planned route
VISIT (approximately 2 hours)
15 min
1
Statue Square
15 min
10 min
40 min
40 min
2
3
4
5
Old Supreme Court
(Former Legislative
Council Building)
HSBC Main Building
Government Hill
New Government
Complex
01
1.2 Background Information: Central
Central - the development in the heart of an international city
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 infrastructure development in Hong
Kong, especially in Central. Both inter- and intra-city
transportation networks are located in Central for easy
accessibility.
The following modes of transport or network can be found
in Central:
Liberal Studies | Visit: Central - Central Business District
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 profound influence on
this area in terms of the following aspects:
© Gwulo
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)
Globalization & Localization
1. Globalization is a worldwide standardization
in cultural, social, economical, political and
technological aspects through exchanging and
integrating international knowledge and principles
among regions.
2. Localization is a development process that is guided
by the customs, culture, social and economic
conditions of a particular geographical area.
02
1.3 How did Central grow into a CBD?
Historical factors
Central was known as part of Victoria City when the colony was founded in 1841. It was first chosen to be
city’s major military and administration centre. Over the years, Central had attracted traders, missionaries
and people from all walks of life, paving the path for future development, renewal and reclamation work.
Efficient finance and transport hub
Since the early days, the vitality and accessibility of Central have always appealed to foreign traders and
professionals. It has become a hub of world-class service providers and a coordinator of global economic
activities such as financing, consulting, accounting and law. Roads and railways were built to link Central
efficiently to other parts of the city and the present Chek Lap Kok International Airport.
A wealth of world-class modern and historic architecture
Central is also the showcase of some of the best pieces of modern architecture. Many renowned
architects from all over the world have participated in the ongoing development process of Central. The
iconic modernist architecture, together with many valuable historic buildings, have contributed to the
development of Central as one of the most dazzling CBDs in the world.
© Gwulo
Liberal Studies | Visit: Central - Central Business District
What is a CBD?
A central business district (CBD) is an area of very high
land valuation characterized by a high concentration of
retail businesses, service businesses, offices, theatres,
and hotels, and by a very high traffic flow.
(Source: U.S. Census Bureau)
Metropolitan lifestyle
Nowadays, Central is more than a hub of commerce and finance. Central is a melting pot of global cultures
where various cuisines, international brands and 5-star hotels can be found, while its open spaces and
community facilities help promoting a vibrant and balanced metropolitan life.
[Discussion]
1
2
3
What are the characteristics of a CBD?
Name 3 office tower buildings that are owned by international firms or designed by internationally
known architects.
Where was the transport hub of Central and where is the present location? Why the change?
03
1.4 Checkpoints
1
Statue Square 皇后像廣場
Built in
Use
p
: late 19th century
: Former ground for military parade
Gathering space
p Statue Square in the 1960s
© Gwulo
p
Statue Square at present
© 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.
[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?
Liberal Studies | Visit: Central - Central Business District
Statue Square in the 1900s
© Gwulo
Statue
Square
04
2
Please mark on the following maps the axis on which the Government House and other important Government buildings align. What could be the reason for this planning? Please discuss how the axis
relates to Governmental operation and political administration.
Secondly, what can you tell about the urban development of Central by observing the following maps?
Site map of Central and the promenade, 1842
p
Site map of Central and the promenade, 1856
Seafront Reclamation
The Statue Square was built on reclaimed land. New land
was obtained by reclamation during the colonial period.
Another purpose for reclamation along the promenade by
the waterfront (the Praya) was to repair the damages from
a typhoon in 1847. The Praya Reclamation Scheme project
was proposed in 1855 and completed in 1873, adding
significant land to Central, and a new road, Des Voeux
Road, was built by the new seafront.
• Economic perspective
Given the scarce buildable land and great demand
for office buildings, the reclamation along Victoria
Harbour was one way to solve the problem.
p
Site map of Central and the promenade, 1889
• Social perspective
Public squares have always been an important feature in western town planning. During the 1873
reclamation, Statue Square was incorporated into the planning to provide leisure and gathering space
for the people, as compliant to western design principles.
Liberal Studies | Visit: Central - Central Business District
p
A new mode of transportation, the tram, had also begun
to operate along this new shoreline in 1904, gradually
replacing rickshaws, one of the primary modes of
transportation in the past.
05
2
Old Supreme Court (Legislative Council Building) 舊最高法院（立法會大樓）
Built in
Style
Architects
:
:
:
1900-1912
Neoclassical incorporated with Chinese architectural characteristics
Aston Webb and E. Ingress Bell
Use:
1912-1978 : Supreme Court
Except during World War II when Japanese troops occupied Hong Kong and the turned the
building into the headquarters of Hong Kong Military Police.
1985-2011 :
Legislative Council
Due to a structural crack discovered during the construction works of the Mass Transit Railway in 1978, the building was closed for reinstatement and alteration works. It was reopened in 1985 as Legislative Council Building.
Future use :
Court of Final Appeal
u
The exterior of the Old Supreme Court was declared a
monument by Antiquities and Monuments Office and protected
legally under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance
[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.
Liberal Studies | Visit: Central - Central Business District
Colonial architecture
The Old Supreme Court (Legislative Council Building) is in a
colonial style influenced by Western aesthetics (Neoclassicism).
However, to better suit the local climate, some details, such the
Chinese tile roof, are a reflection of Chinese influence. The stone
used was granite, a locally available material of Hong Kong.
06
3
HSBC Main Building（匯豐總行大廈）
Built in
: First HSBC 1865-1886
Second HSBC 1886-1935 (Victorian style)
Third HSBC 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)
*Most expensive building in world at time of completion
(HK$ 5.2 billion)
Architect
: Lord Norman Foster (architect of Hong Kong International Airport, Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and West Kowloon Cultural
District)
Liberal Studies | Visit: Central - Central Business District
u
The land lot in front of the HSBC Main Building to the
waterfront is to remain a permanent free space for public, as
stated in the lease with the government. The building with
unobstructed view of the seafront is considered to enjoy good
Feng Shui (water represents wealth in Feng Shui).
© Ian Lambot
What is the relationship between architecture and city identity?
The HSBC Main Building 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
© Ian Lambot
Phototaking Tips
Photography is not allowed anywhere in
the building except in the atrium
[Do you know...]
You can find some bullet scars on the body of the left lion,
Stephen. The marks were left during Japanese occupation in WWII.
07
© Ian Lambot
The ground plaza of HSBC Main Building was dedicated to the public *
in order for HSBC to obtain additional permitted gross floor area of the
site (i.e. more floor area can be built on the same site). For years, it has
become a popular gathering space for foreign domestic helpers during
holidays. Starting in 2011 and until recently, the plaza has been used by
the ‘Occupy Central’ movement as their base of protest.
Please interview some of the visitors on the site and find out how this
public space is perceived.
Suggested questions:
• How do you use this place?
• How often do you come here?
• Do you think the place is important to Hong Kong? Why and how?
© Foster + Partners
Liberal Studies | Visit: Central - Central Business District
[Exercise]
*Building (Planning) Regulations 22(1)(b)
08
4
Government Hill（政府山）
Court of Final Appeal (Former French Mission Building)
終審法院（前法國外方傳道會大樓）
Built in : 1842 (the first building on Government Hill)
Use
: At first a residence, the building had been adapted
to many different uses throughout its history,
including the Russian Consulate, the base of a
French mission, government offices, headquarters
for provisional Hong Kong Government after Japanese surrender in WWII. The building has been
used as the Court of Final Appeal since 1997, but
with the Court relocating to the Legco Building after
2011, its future use is yet to be determined.
The Court of Final Appeal is a symbol of Hong Kong’s judicial
system. It is a distinctive monument that speaks well of Hong
Kong’s colonial past, with different uses in different periods. It is
a declared monument.
St. John’s Cathedral（聖約翰座堂）
Built in : 1849
Style
: Gothic Revival in Victorian period (19th century)
Use
: Main Anglican Cathedral and the seat of the Archbishop of Hong Kong
St John’s Cathedral is the oldest surviving example of Western
architecture in Hong Kong, sitting on the only freehold land
(permanent).
© Sherry Fung
Government House（香港禮賓府；前港督府）
Built in :
Style
:
Use
:
1855
Neoclassical with Japanese influence as the building was modified during Japanese Occupation during WWII
Residence of the Chief Executive and 25 colonial governors, also the venue of reception
and ceremony for important events.
Liberal Studies | Visit: Central - Central Business District
© Sherry Fung
09
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 was completed;
In 1956, the Central Wing was completed;
In 1959, the West Wing was completed.
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 of most Government departments
[Discussion]
1
Central Government Office (Central
Wing) © Sherry Fung
p
Central Government Office (East Wing)
© Sherry Fung
Liberal Studies | Visit: Central - Central Business District
p The horizontality of the elevation (West Wing, on the left
with blue tint) is ended by the adjacent heavy building mass
(East Wing) with a different surface material and formal
expression. © Karen Tsui
p
How do you navigate around Central? What kind of circulation path can you find here?
10
5
New Central Government Complex, Tamar 添馬艦新香港政府總部
Built in
: 2008-2011
Use
: Former use as the naval base of British Forces Overseas Hong Kong was ceased on 11
April 1997. The proposal of adapting the Tamar site as the location of the new Central
Government Offices was announced in 2002,and it was subsequently approved in 2005.
Construction completed in August 2011.
Architect : Rocco Design Architects Limited
Historical Significance
• The site was named after HMS Tamar, a British ]naval vessel which fought for Hong Kong in
WWII, and was once the British naval base as well as the venue of many large-scale cultural
events or concerts
Social Significance
• The administrative functions of the Government is placed together with the Chinese People’s
Liberation Army Forces Hong Kong Building, the symbol of military power
Chief Executive
Offices
LegCo
p The form of the Government Complex is to symbolise
the openness of the Government（門常開）
© Rocco Design Architects Limited
Liberal Studies | Visit: Central - Central Business District
Aesthetic Significance
• The form of the government complex is symbolizes the openness and transparency of the government （門常開）
• Compared to the functionalist style of the old Central Government Offices, the new design focuses much more on sustainability and the visual language is very much in line with the
nearby commercial buildings along the seafront
• The new buildings are more prominent architecturally than the old buildings, giving the Government offices a more powerful sense of presence
Central
Government
Offices
© Rocco Design Architects Limited
11
Cultural Significance
• The Tamar site broke away from its history of being a military site during the ten years when
the development project was on hold.
• The 4.2- hectare open ground was left idle and was used occasionally as the venue for festivals, performances and other public uses. Various events had been held here, including
‘Harbour Fest’ in 2003 and a Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) event in 2006.
Tamar site before construction of the New
Government Complex
©James Lee-Wikipedia User
[Discussion]
1
2
What do you think about the importance of public space? How does the Tamar Park relate to the city?
Please discuss the significance of the relocation of the Government Offices and Legislative Council from Central to Tamar. Do you agree with the decision to relocate them? Is the new location suitable?
Liberal Studies | Visit: Central - Central Business District
t
12
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
relocation of the political centre also marks the historical change in Hong Kong as from colonial rule to
become a special administrative region of China.
Key words
Central business district (CBD)
Colonial architecture
Globalization
Localization
Public space
Liberal Studies | Visit: Central - Central Business District
Further reading
1. More about the design of HSBC Main Building
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
2. Tamar site
http: / / www. td. gov.hk /mini_s it e/t amar/cont e nt _ eng.ht ml#b t n1
3. Central Government Offices
http: / / www. gover nment hill.or g/Wes t WingAr c hit ect ur eRe p o r t -eng lis h.p d f
http: / / www. hktimeline.hk /dow nload/govt hill-t imeline.p d f
4. Government Hill
http: / / www. gover nment hill.or g/index.ht m
5. New Government Complex
http: / / www. build ing.com.hk /feat ur e/2008_0 502t amar.p d f
6. Legislative Council Building
http: / / www. le gco.gov.hk /young/englis h/build ing /le g c o _ build ing _ 1.ht m l
7. Globalization
http: / / www. inve s t orw or ds.com/2182/globaliz at io n.ht ml
http: / / www. globalmon.or g.hk /en/
© Gwulo
Organized by
Funded by
Research Team
13