MArch Thesis: The Future of Hong Kong City Hall by Lok man cho

RE-CENTERING CENTRAL: THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG CITY HALL

HKCH70

CHO LOK MAN Thesis Advisors: Mr. Christian Lange & Dr. Tao Zhu

Department of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong

Department of Architecture. The University of Hong Kong. 2021-2022. Semester 2. Master of Architecture Thesis. ARCH8084 DESIGN 14. Student ID: 3035776658 Published Date: 9 June 2022. All reights reserved. Printed and Bound in Hong Kong.

RE-CENTERING CENTRAL: THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG CITY HALL

HKCH70

CHO LOK MAN Thesis Advisors: Mr. Christian Lange & Dr. Tao Zhu

Dedicated to the 60th anniversary of Hong Kong City Hall

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

I would like to thank my thesis advisors, Dr. Tao Zhu and Mr. Christian Lange for their guidance and enlightments in the academic year. My project would not be such comprehensive and mature without their participation.

I would like to thank Dr. Ying Zhou as well for her advice in cultural policy and programme. I am also very grateful to have valuable conversations with local artists Ms. May Fung and Mr. Peter Nelson during my research in cultrual industry and art users.

I also sincely acknowledge my parents, Tiff Fan, my friends Janice Lam and Tiffany Yuen gave me a lot of help and support.

Hong Kong City Hall in 1962

Hong Kong City Hall in 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Background & Research

Pages

Thesis Position

8-9

Agenda

10-19

Site Condition of Hong Kong City Hall

20-31

Urgency

32-36

Agent

37-42

Research Methodology

43-50

Design Development

51-69

Schedule

70-71

Final Proposal

72-83

Significance

84-87

Readings

88-89

Appendix

90-100

Bibliography

101-104

Design

Cultural landscape extended from Hong Kong City Hall to Central Harbourfront

POSITION STATEMENT:

Hong Kong City Hall has been a significant cultural and civic venue since 1960s. This thesis re-examines the cultural mission and civic meaning in future context, in particular completion of Urban Design Study for the New Central Harbourfront in 2032. City Hall encounters spatial marginalisation and a fading cultural prominence by the construction of finance and government headquarters along the harbourfront as well as rise of large-scale cultural facilities along Victoria Harbour. Instead of conserving City Hall building in future planning, this project extends and grants City Hall a further role to support a 3 hectares of creative art space proposed in front of City Hall. Through regenerating City Hall, the extension of creative studio and residence welcomes local cultural as a source of creative power injecting into Central. It envisions a testimony of a cultural landscape that driving Hong Kong City Hall in re-orienting Central into a cultural and civic community.

AGENDA

Study of city hall buildings in the world 10

The Civic Centre of Hong Kong The early mission of civic buildings in Hong Kong is to provide amenities and recreation facilities for the public. Being the first public building, Hong Kong City Hall was established in 1962, which was a critical time to ease social unrest in 1960s including 1967 Riot, corruption, drug abuse and illegal immigrants. 1 Public buildings were built to stabilize the society and to respond social and recreational needs of the public, since the economic environment and living standard gradually improved during 1960s-1970s.2 Since then, they became a frequently visited and popular gathering place in Hong Kong. Reviewing the civic meaning in contemporary context, it has been inter-relating with macro perspectives from various economic, social, cultural incidents in past decades. In addition to the identity transited from British colony to special administration region, popularity of different media tools in the recent two decades, it is worthwhile to re-examine the role of civic buildings, transcending from mediating social conflicts to potential social contribution to society in contemporary context. What resources of a civic building could offer to the public at now and future? This thesis reviews Hong Kong City Hall through its 60 years of history, to open the discourse of future civic centre in terms of culture, architectural form, spatial quality and urban impact.

1 2

Chow, The City Hall and its 50 year Story, 24. Hong Kong City Hall, City Hall: Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 2.

AGENDA

Site Transformation surrounding Hong Kong City Hall across past, present and future.

A Spatial Statement towards Central There are issues of spatial order, ground accessibility regarding City Hall and the context of Central. City Hall has been facing a decline of spatial order throughout history. In early establishment in 1970s, City Hall is well connected to its neighbours including General Post Office, Queen’s pier, Star Ferry Carpark Building, Statue Square altogether they constituted Edinburgh Place, they formulated dual axis among colonial building . However, after Central reclamation completed in late 90s, Queen’s Pier was dismantled in 2008 , followed by General Post Office and Star Ferry Carpark building(to be demolished in 20233 ). The lost of neighbours gradually pushes City Hall in a land locked site, bounded by highways.

The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, “LCQ10: Future plan for the General Post Office Building in Central. ”

Centres and Axis developed along Central harbourfront.

Fig. 1 Central harbourfront in 20184 14

AGENDA Further, various mega buildings are constructed along harbourfront, referring to IFC complex, Tamar Government Headquarters and People’s Liberation Army Headquarters respectively. These entities connected with mass transit network and extended their accessibility by elevated footbridges, shaping Central as a centre of finance, politics and military since 1990s. City Hall is then marginalised by these axes. Moreover, after completion of New Central Harbourfront in 2032, the Statue Square- Victoria Harbour axis will be twisted by the new gigantic shopping mall, intensifying isolation of City Hall. How to revitalise Hong Kong City Hall spatially in above spatial set up in Central? This thesis explores spatial intervention by reconnecting City Hall in spatial relationship with Central.

Site context of City Hall in 2032

Elevated footbridges near harbourfront

Central Venue Management, 2017, Central Harbourfront Event Space website

Fig.2 Top view of memorial garden5

Memorial garden, taken on 27 Apr 2022

AGENDA On the other hand, City Hall building also demonstrates a unique courtyard compound in its architectural typology. It has a memorial garden framed by colonnades. Apart from recreational quality, courtyards could also moderate density within City Hall building cluster. This courtyard compound plays a spectacular spatial organization among Central, that against from skyscrapers’ verticality as seen in IFC tower as well as giCity Hall covered colonnade, taken on 27 Apr 2022

gantic shopping malls. This thesis would address this originality and architectural quality of courtyards, hence developing into an urban system in the regeneration.

Stairs connecting entrance of High block to memorial garden, taken on 27 Apr 2022

photo taken on 27 Apr 2022 5 6

Fig.3 Garden of City Hall surrounded by office buildings in Central6

Wikipedia user Wpcpey, The City Hall Memorial Garden, 2015, Wikimedia Commons Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Memorial Garden, 2022, Leisure and Cultural Services Department website

Programme Evolution of City Hall from 1960s to 2022.

Directory of City Hall from 1960s to 2022. 18

AGENDA

Re-programming of City Hall Hong Kong City Hall contains specificities on its users, programme and civic qualities. Unlike city hall buildings around the world such as in Ber¬lin, Singapore and Tokyo, that they majorly served as the mayor’s office. Since Hong Kong does not have a mayor, Hong Kong City Hall is given a unique mission that opens and serves entirely for the public. It is not only a cultural building of auditorium and concert halls but also converges multiple public service such as marriage registry, concert halls, exhibition galleries and memorial garden. These grant City Hall unique set of programmes since its establishment. However, since Cultural Centre, Museum of History and Museum of Art relocated from City Hall to Tsim Sha Shui promenade in 1990s, major cultural events were held in various cultural venues along Victoria Harbour such as West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre so that the originality of programmes in City Hall faded. This thesis is looking for re-programming potentials to regain its significance in steering Hong Kong cultural development.

Fig.4 Images showing public service & facilities provided in City Hall7 8 7 8

Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Hiring Facilities, 2014, Leisure and Cultural Services Department website Hoialwehuar, City Hall high block 10th floor Public Library interior, 2020, Wikimedia Commons

SITE CONDITION: Historical Significance City Hall has a profound history closely related to its site condition. Built in 1962 on a reclaimed land, the master layout design of City Hall by architect Ron Philips and Alan Fitch has already incorporated a public plaza in front of its entrance to connect Queen’s Pier, the promenade is known as Edinburgh Place, which served for public to enjoy Victoria Harbour view, became a popular social place. It is composed of low block where concert halls and theatres as well as high block, which accom¬modates library, reference archives, galleries and marriage registry. High block and low block is connected through a L-shaped colonnade. The entire building is constructed with Bauhaus style of clean façade and notion of freeing ground space by columns .9

Fig.5 Hong Kong City Hall in 196210

Fig.6 Queen’s Pier and Star Ferry Pier 11

Chow, The City Hall and its 50 year Story, 20-23 Public Works Department, “City Hall, Central District”, 58 Chow Fan Fu., The City Hall and its 50 year Story, 2

10 11

Fig.7 Axonometric Drawing of Hong Kong City Hall 12

Fig.8 Axonometric Drawing of Hong Kong City Hall 13 Chow, The City Hall and its 50 year Story, 26 Ibid.

12 13

SITE CONDITION

Also, as the first and only cultural building in Hong Kong in 1970s, various largescale celebrations was held in City Hall such as Festival of Hong Kong in 1967. Over four hundred sports and recreational activities were organized by colonial government to promote society cohesion after 1967 Riots.

There were light

shows performed on City Hall façade projecting to entire harbour. The proposed creative space would address on historical locations of civic generators such as Queen’s Pier on site, and to retain these locations for the public access.

Fig.9 Festival of Hong Kong15

14 15 16

Fig10. Edinburgh Place in 1970s16

Public Record Office, “Hong Kong Festival” , 2020. Ibid. Kongtouchi, City Hall in 1970, 2010

Central

General Post Oﬃce Star Ferry Carpark Star Ferry Pier

1985

Queen’s Pier

1:8000

Edinburgh Place Victoria Harbour

City Hall

City Hall established as a civic center of building group in Edinburgh Place

2008

Victoria Harbour

Dismantlement of Queen’s Pier disconnected City Hall with waterfront relationsip.

2022 Tamar Government Headquarters

Military Dock Victoria Harbour

Tamar government headquarter established as the center of harbourfront

2032 Relocated Queen’s Pier

Oﬃce and Retail Development Victoria Harbour

Disconnection of City Hall with completion of New Central Harbourfront.

Timeline of events after Central reclamation in late 90s

SITE CONDITION Arts and Hong Kong City Hall Hong Kong City Hall represented the first museum as “City Museum & Art Gallery” during 1960s-1990s, later became Hong Kong Museum of History and Museum of Art respectively. It also accommodated Cultural service office (former Cultural Centre) during 1960s-1990s. Consequently, local artists had been working closely with City Hall in steering Hong Kong Art history in particular to 1960s-1990s. During the period of City Museum and Gallery, it collected majority of contemporary local art and organized Hong Kong Art Festivals, children art shows, design students’ graduation works for free admission. This only exhibition venue offered a platform to promote solo local artist’s work and categorize different periods of art history in Hong Kong. Hence, these art shows attracted a wide spectrum of public visitors and vast cultural creators to gather and discuss in City Hall. This research reveals how City Hall drove local arts and culture development throughout history and its cultural significance.

Fig.11 Exhibition “Hong Kong Art 1977” held in low block of Hong Kong City Hall17

Hong Kong Museum of Art, Contemporary Hong Kong Art 1977,1977, Hong Kong Museum of Art Archive.

Posters collection of exhibitions held in City Hall, before museum of art relocated to Tsim Sha Tsui 25

SITE CONDITION

{ City Hall is the only cultural landmark in Hong Kong } Chinese Ink Art, Western Paintings, Design, Print Art, Caligraphy, Pottery, Sculpture

First Comic published in Hong Kong Renjian Pictorial 1911

Special Topics

Handover of Hong K

Hong Kong Art Display 1998 Contemporary Hong Kong Art 2000

Special Topics of Hong Kong Art

Addition of Cultural Section in Local Newspaper 1940s

Hong Kong Contemporary Art 1975

Hong Kong Contemporay Art Show 1987

Early Hong Kong Art Shows ST. JOHN CATHEDRAL HALL

Hong Kong Art Biennial 2001 Hong Kong Artist Vision 2001

Hong Kong Art Festival 1972

Hong Kong Art Today 1962

CITY MUSEUM & ART GALLERY

Contemporary Hong Kong Art Biennial Exhibition 1992

Hong Kong Art Biennial Exhibition 1981 Hong Kong Art Review 70s-80s

Chinese Ink Art Western Paintings

Hong Kong Ar Biennial 2003

HONG KONG MUSEUM OF ART

Hong Kong Contemporary Art 1977

Hong Kong Early Artists individual shows

West

Hong Kong Art 1997

CATTLE DEPOT VILLA

Inﬂux of Chinese Immigrants to Hong Kong 1940s

HONG KONG ART CENTRE

Canton Operation 1938

Establishment of Hong

Comtemporary Hong Kong Independent Video Art Video Art Show 1993 1983 Installation Art Show

Leftist Riots 1967

1985 Asia Contemporary Art New Ink Painting Movement in 1970

1930

1940

1950

1960

1970

1980

1990

2000

Hong Kong City Hall was the first and only cultural landmark during 1960s-1990s.

Fig.12 Premier of I Have a Date with Spring, by Hong Kong Repertory Theatre 19 Fig.13 City Hall venue partner, Hong Kong sinfonietta performing at concert hall20 26

TAI KWUN

Contemporary Art, Performing Art

Kong 1997

t Kowloon Cultural District idea in Policy Address 1998

Feature article “Remembering Days Spent in Low Block of City Hall” published on City Magazine, 1977. 21 The author Shiwen Qiu praised City Hall cultivated a vibrant spectrum of poems, dances, music. He regarded City Hall a democratic platform for local youths to promote local culture.

Arts Go Digital Platfrom established for digital and virtual art

Contemporary China Art , Contemporary East Asian Collection Specialised Topics of Hong Kong Design, Moving Image and Architecture

M+ MUSEUM Visual Culture

Hong Kong Art History Research Hong Kong Art History Research Pilot 2013 Hong Kong Art History Research 2nd phase 2016 Hong Kong Museum of Art Collection Databank 2019

Apart from art history, City Hall provides international standard concert hall to support local theatrical groups and orches-

AGE, JCCAC New Forms of Art in installation, arts curation and media Kong Arts Development Council 1995

Performance Art, Movie, Video Art

Hong Kong Independent Video Art 1993

tra, such as the premier of local drama script “I Have a Date with Spring ”in 1992.18 The provision of such facilities offered equal access for local artists, regardless of their experience and scale, they are able to hire venue in an affordable price. This public mechanism offers opportunity for local amateur

2010

2015

2020

2025

art groups developed their operations to a professional model. Throughout the history, City Hall has been supporting and nurturing numerous generations of local artists and performing groups, which strengthen City Hall’s locality in providing affordable art for Hong Kong.

Leisure and Cultural Service Department, Hong Kong City Hall 40th anniversary, leaflet, Hong Kong, 2002. Ibid. Qiu, “Remembering Days Spent in Low Block of City Hall” ,1977, on City Magazine, Vol.7, Hong Kong.

19 20 21

SITE CONDITION Culture Network of City Hall The location of City Hall also acts as a key connection to major cultural venues along Victoria Habour. Central Piers connects Tsim Sha Tsui promenade of Museum of Art and Cultural Centre via Star Ferries. While West Kowloon Pier will provide water taxi service to Tsim Sha Tsui East as well as Central in its completion in 2024. 22 In terms of mass transit railway, Hong Kong Station takes 5 minutes to arrive at Kowloon station travelling between Central Habrourtfront and West Kowloon Cultural District. Lung Wo Road provides a shortcut between Central to Wanchai, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). However, due to the current City Hall has limited accessibility to these infrastructural connections, there is a potential to connect current triangular network between Wan Chai, West Kowloon and Tsim Sha Tsui, so that it extends to become a more complete four-sided cultural network.

Mappings showing transport connection between Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, West Kowloon and Wan Chai. 22

Transport Department, “Licensed Ferry Service Trial Launch of “Central – West Kowloon – Tsim Sha Tsui East – Central”, 2021, Hong Kong.

On the other hand, establishment of Museum of Art and HKCEC are the cultural centres along Victoria Harbour since they concentrate cultural activities inside building. While West Kowloon Cultural District represented a district model, consists of a park, multiple museums and outdoor cultural activities. From this reading, it asserts a potential of practicing a distinctive cultural model for extension of City Hall in order to regain its originality in terms of cultural role and spatial organization.

Similarities between development time of West Kowloon Cultural District and New Central Harbourfront

Therefore, in order to intervene spatial order in Central and empower existing cultural network, the proposed arts and cultural hub would further extend City Hall to another 3 hectares of land, connecting to no. 9& 10 Central as well as reconstructed Queen’s Pier, further extended by art ferries travelling between Wan Chai, West Kowloon and Tsim Sha Tsui. This would align City Hall into an arts and culture axis with an order, that re-establishes City Hall as headquarter of integration, reinforcing cultural, local art significance in Central. The axis is adjacent to a gigantic shopping mall to be completed in 2032.

URGENCY Time The timeframe of research and design anticipate the future, which my investigation aligns with “Urban Design Study for the New Central Harbourfront” , a masterplan of Central conducted by the Planning Department in 2011 and to be completed in 2032.22 The extensive land use planning was proposed after Central Reclamation phases completed in late 1990s. It aspires to create a vibrant harbourfront with enhanced scenic view to Victoria Harbour for the public as well as a variety of tourists, retail, leisure and recreational activities.

See appendix A-B for enlarged zoning plans and master layout plan of New Central Harbourfront masterplanning

Fig.14 Master Plan of Urban Design Study for the New Central Harbourfront23 22 23 24

Planning Department, Urban Design Study for the New Central Harbourfront, Hong Kong, 2011, 92-105 Ibid. Ibid.

URGENCY

Among 8 zoning sites divided in harbourfront, Site No. 3 (Comprehensive Development Area) & Site No.4 (Waterfront related commercial and leisure use) is adjacent to City Hall, which implicates it would be surrounded by commercial zones in 2032, leading to a disconnection of a civic building towards overall planning of harbourfront. Moreover, the provided green corridor connects along harbourfront rather than vertically to connect people from inner central towards the harbour.

Fig.15 Site Boundaries of Site 1-7 in New Central Harbourfront masterplanning and schedule of completion.24

URGENCY

Apart from context of Central, this thesis reflects about meaning of civic architecture in the timeframe of now and future 10 years. In light of ongoing COVID-19 challenges, our physical social pattern and size descends under various social distance restrictions, these also change how our communities are grouped which a trend in smaller size / more intact association of people. To sustain civic quality produced by public, it is also in need of a public occupancy of a large space so as to secure an environment allowing free flow of cultural activities. Among the discipline of imagining future civic architecture, In “Democratic Monument” a proposal of future town hall of Britain by Adam Furman, he foresees the future would be a better democratic system that outspokes civic awareness, minority groups. By fusing monumental fragments, the conglomeration became new reflection space allowing ephemeral events. 23

Fig.16 “The Democratic Monument” , a future City Hall proposal by Adam Furman 23

23 24 25

Adam, “The Democratic Monument: Adam Nathaniel Furman’s Manifesto for a New Type of Civic Center”, Arch Daily, 2017. Lead8 Hong Kong Limited, “Site 3 New Central Harbourfront” . Antiquities and Monuments Office, “Declared Monuments in Hong Kong - Hong Kong Island” , Antiquities and Monuments Office website, 2022.

Spatial Urgency This project asserts a different stance than government’s planning vision on civic space making. It critiques on preservation approach regarding City Hall future condition, thus planning authority does not propose any spatial relations/linkage to utilize this building to a greater impact on harbourfront. The urgency is to save City Hall from segregated site that foreseeable in future, as well as alternative urban planning for Central based on civic and cultural quality.

Fig.17 Rendering of Comprehensive Development Area, Site No.3 designed by Lead 8 + Henderson Land 24

Fig. 18 Hong Kong City Hall is promoted to Declared Monuments in Hong Kong, 2022 25

URGENCY Cultural Urgency In terms of cultural urgency, the proposed 3 hectare of creative community tackles with art space problem encountered by local young artists. The following research would elaborate on local artists lack of affordable art space in Hong Kong, with statistics supported. Apart from diverse and small studio space existed in market, this creative space provides a space solution for housing local artists for their art creation, a foundation to support Hong Kong cultural development meanwhile amplifying cultural value of City Hall. The provision of creative space and residence is designated to an open structure to accommodate different user groups at different times. For example, visual artists at a certain period then musicians, drama performers these cultural occupants are welcomed to inhabit the site to empower cultural production that assist cultural policy.

Art Venue Ecosystem

AGENT

The proposed 3 hectares of creative space will supply 300 creative studio welcome artists from 11 domains of creative industry to work and live in the site. 11 domains include film and video producers, television and radio broadcasters, musicians, crafters etc. These creative community emphasized on affordable art basis which inherited local character of City Hall. Therefore, it supports diverse cultural users with shared workshop space, art supplies shop. This thesis uses visual art graduates to illustrate the operation and project vision. On the other hand, the creative community opens for public. This integration between existing City Hall building and extension would set up public corridor to link from Edinburgh Place to the harbourfront. Visitors could enjoy multiple galleries, restaurants, workshop by walking through the extended art and cultural hub.

AGENT

Cattle Depot Artist Village, photo taken on 1/5/2022

Spatial Analysis of Cattle Depot Artist Village, JCCAC building, Fotanian Open Studios

JCCAC building, photo taken on 1/5/2022

Space Problem encountered by Local Visual Art Graduates Local artists in every art discipline require studio space for artwork creation and exhibition. While supply of studio space in Hong Kong generally divided into two types: government-subsidized space such as Cattle Depot Artist Village and Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre (JCCAC) or market-driven space such as factory buildings. From the research comparing major art villages in Hong Kong, it is found that even in subsidized entity such as JCCAC, most of units’ rent are determined at market price except 15% of units (20 units) are set below market price that target at art graduates. According to JCCAC report, the waiting queue of these subsidized studio space is around 400 people at 2011.26 Meanwhile, as more education institutions establish visual art in bachelor and post graduate programmes, according to statistics every year there are around 320 visual art graduates joining the demand of affordable creative space for their career. As a result, the research pointed out a massive space demand of affordable creative space that outweigh existing capacity and supply in Hong Kong. 26

Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre, Annual Report, 2021, 2.

AGENT

Benefits towards local visual art graduates Since the extension consists of 3 hectares land which equivalent to 7.5 times JCCAC building footprint, aims to provide 300 creative studio and residence for local art graduates. Not only to respond the spatial needs of visual art graduates, this creative community aspire to provide affordable neighbourhood in terms of shops selling hardware and resources, canteen, recreational facilities and shared equipment rooms. Considering a variety of art medium/expertise of visual art graduate, such as sculpture, Chinese art, video art, print making etc, the shared facilities provided in site would reference to Hong Kong Baptist University Academy of Visual Art (AVA), the largest visual art campus in Hong Kong, to continuously supply resources and manifest affordability notion to these young artists upon graduation. These shared facilities would gather and foster interactions between artists in similar disciplines and interest, encourage collaborations opportunities to develop events/ exhibitions.

Facilities and Shared space provided in Kai Tak Campus, Academy of Visual Arts, HKBU.

AGENT

no. of people Hong Kong Baptist University, Academy of Visual Arts (AVA) 128 Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Visual Arts 19 Master of Arts in Visual Arts (MA in Visual Arts) 8 Research Postgraduate Programme (MPhil & PhD)

The University of Hong Kong Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

The Chinese University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Fine Arts Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Ph.D. in Chinese Art

20 5 -

Hong Kong Arts School & RMIT Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art)

The Education University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Creative Arts and Culture Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Creative Arts and Culture and Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Visual Arts) double degree

The Polytechnic University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Applied and Media Arts City University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Creative Media

Proposition of cultural users and target capacity

Fine Arts Graduates in Hong Kong every year

29 30

400+ waiting artists for renting in JCCAC

+ 320+

local art fresh graduates

a a

321

Vicious cycle of limited creative space in H

320+

AGENT

From perspective of City Hall, the occupants of local artists could bring back arts and culture quality originated in this building. Existing facilities in City Hall such as auditorium and exhibition gallery could adopt as art exhibition events and art seminars for the community. Also, some floors in high block could be regenerated as activity hall and recreation hall that serve for these art residents. In general, City Hall would be regenerated as headquarter and gathering production of the 300 creative units, that this additional role would further position City Hall as cultural landmark in Central.

Regenerated Directory of City Hall in 2032.

AGENT Contributions towards Hong Kong Creative Industry and Indexes In fact, visual art is one of eleven domains of creative industry that assessed for economic value in Hong Kong creative industry. From Study on Creative Indusno. of people Hong Kong Baptist University, Academy of Visual Arts (AVA) 128 Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Visual Arts 19 Master of Arts in Visual Arts (MA in Visual Arts) 8 Research Postgraduate Programme (MPhil & PhD)

try in Hong Kong, the research speculates how creativity engage with the wider economy in Hong Kong. 27 that400+ the relationship chart puts as core creative activThe University of Hong Kong Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

waiting artists

ities such as performing arts, artsfor & renting craftsin JCCAC in the foundation to support various The Chinese University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Fine Arts Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Ph.D. in Chinese Art

20 5 -

limited subsideized

activities in cultural and creative industry (such as artwork/ space design products) and Hong Kong Arts School & RMIT Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art)

local art 320+ fresh graduates

for young artist

further impact on wider economy for example relating to tourism, housing etc. The Education University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Creative Arts and Culture Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Creative Arts and Culture and Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Visual Arts) double degree

29 30

This establishment of creative space also retains human capital and creativity in The Polytechnic University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Applied and Media Arts

Central, driving creative industry value chain as well as activating in future City City University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Creative Media

Fine Arts Graduates Hall integration. in Hong Kong every year

321

Vicious cycle of limited creative space in Hong Kong

320+ local art fresh graduates could participate in Structural/ Institutional Captial

11 Creative Industry Domains Advertising Architecture Art,antiques and crafts (incl. visual art) Design Digital entertainment Film and video Music

Cultural captial

Performing arts

Human captial

Publishing Software & computing

Core creative activities

Television and radio

Creative Cultural industries and activities

Social captial Outcomes of Creativity

Rest of the Economy Fig.1 Creative Industry Categories1

Fig.2 Creativity, Creative Industries and the wider Economy2

Fig.3 Hong Kong Creative Index3

Centre for Cultural Policy Research, Baseline Study on Hong Kong’s Creative Industries, The University of Hong Kong, 2003, p.60-70. Hong Kong Ideas Centre, Study on Creative Industries in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Ideas Centre, 2009, p.38 3 Centre for Cultural Policy Research, A Study on Creativity Index, Home Aﬀairs Bureau, The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, 2005,p.41 1 2

see appendix F for supportive information of Hong Kong Creative Industry Study

Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre, Annual Report, 2021, 2.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Interview The purpose of interview is to directly communicate with art users and collect their feedback on design scheme. Since local artists practice very diverse and personally more than other pro¬fessions, it is crucial to evaluate this proposed art community based on their first-person perspective. Local artists from different specialties shall be identified to represent key opinions from their sectors. For example, curator role, administrator of non-governmental art organization, independent artists. The design project aspires to address their difficulty and habits of art creation. Further, interview process prompts an instant response and dialogue between architectural designer and artists, on perception of Hong Kong cultural development.

Name

Title & Position

Specialties

Selected Works/ Publications

Ms. May Fung

Chairperson of Art and Culture Outreach (ACO), Foo Tak Building; One of the founding members of Videotage and 1aSpace (now in Cattle Depot Artist Village) ; Advisor to the Leisure & Cultural Services Department and the Home Affairs Bureau (present)

Video Art, Art education, Art Village administration

New Horizons: Ways of Seeing Hong Kong Art in the 80s and 90s (2021) HKMoA, Five Artists: Sites Encountered (2019) ,M+ ,Hong Kong. (Not) Just a Historical Document: Hong Kong-Taiwan Video Art 19801990s (2018) ,MOCA Taipei.

Mr. Peter Nelson

Assistant professor at the Academy of Visual Arts and the Augmented Creativity Lab at Hong Kong Baptist University

Computer graphics, Painting and drawing, Computer Games, Art History, Visual Studies

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY It is a valuable opportunity to conduct an interview with Ms. May Fung, independent artist and the founder of Arts & Culture Outreach, management of Foo Tak Building. Her experience in advising JCCAC and Cattle Depot Art Village has polished my understanding of art village operation. She also generously shared her knowledge in creative industry, spatial quality of an art space in Hong Kong that the key is to create a framework that encourage artwork diversity, mobility of artists as well as raw and disordered quality of their work routines. We discussed about early design geometry and May provided valuable and constructive feedback to me in her position as independent artist.

Interview with Ms. May Fung, a local artist & art administrator and educator Date: 5/4/2022 Location: Zoom Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes

Interviewee Profile:

Ms. May Fung Mei Wah art medium: video art

- Founder of Videotage, in Cattle Depot Artist Village - Chairperson of Art and Culture Outreach (ACO), Foo Tak Building, art village in Wan Chai - Deputy School Supervisor at HKICC Lee Shau Kee School of Creativity - Advisor on film to the Leisure & Cultural Services Department - Member of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council. Recent Works: 2021- New Horizons: Ways of Seeing Hong Kong Art in the 80s and 90s ,HKMoA, Hong Kong Museum of Art ,Kowloon City, Hong Kong, Hong Kong 2019- Five Artists: Sites Encountered ,M+ ,Hong Kong, Hong Kong 2018-(Not) Just a Historical Document: Hong Kong-Taiwan Video Art 1980-1990s ,MOCA Taipei ,Taipei, Taiwan Photo Credit: Hysan 95

Recent Works: 2021- New Horizons: Ways of Seeing Hong Kong Art in the 80s and 90s ,HKMoA, Hong Kong Museum of Art ,Kowloon City, Hong Kong, Hong Kong 2019- Five Artists: Sites Encountered ,M+ ,Hong Kong, Hong Kong 2018-(Not) Just a Historical Document: Hong Kong-Taiwan Video Art 1980-1990s ,MOCA Taipei ,Taipei, Taiwan Photo Credit: Hysan 95

Keynotes On Hong Kong City Hall: She agreed Cityhall is a significant and the only cultural landmark in 1960s until 90s, especially it provided books and resouces access as the first public library hence before the Central Library (2001). She recalled her memory of borrowing books in her teenage times and later held screenings and exhibitions in high block when she became video artist. Thefore Hong Kong City Hall is very well related to her art creation journey. Also from art history perspective, it is established in the times of Hong Kong economic boom and experienced 1967 riots, serving as the only cultural landmark providing art exhibition space in Hong Kong certainly makes City Hall as a compact nutshell as well as significant histroic building in Central. Since development of Cultural Centre, HKMOA, West Kowloon cultural district, City Hall has gradually became one of cultural buildings as seen in nowadays. On Art Culture/ Artist Village: According to May’s experince in managing/advising Cattle Depot Artist Village, JCCAC and Foo Tak Building in Wan Chai, She emphasized on an essential character of any art village- raw and disorder. Cattle Depot Artist Village is a typical example of art creation space, with all varied materials, quite chaotic placement of tools, no discipline, never there is alignment, artists would like to use stairs, walls, a greater freedom for their creation. However the interesting point if City Hall regenerates with art village concept, it imposes contrast with disciplined forces in Central such as military headquarter, lavish shopping malls etc. It is important to set up this raw character in artist creation space, otherwise it would overlap with PMQ genre buildings that already existed in Central. May also suggested lecture halls and auditorium facilities in City Hall that are beneficial for art community, such as seminar, publish artwork purposes. As a result, City Hall could actively participate in art generation process. Regarding existing art entities, May pointed out there is a lack of art space for young art graduates in Hong Kong. From our discussion of JCCAC, Fo Tan Studio and Cattle Depot, despite they welcome ad hoc activities to join in their studios, very limited capacity in general compared to an increased number of fresh graduate. Also, May evaluate mobility in moving around art spaces for affordable rent sometimes is motivative for artist to create, since changing environment may prompts their inspiration. As a video artist, May perceived her practice a quite lenient spatial requirement, she values more surrounding context and atmosphere than gorgeous interior renovation. It would be great if garden is provided for artists’s gathering. On Cultural Industry & Wider Economy: May sees visual art as one of forces in cultural economy and creative industry. She shared some of her insights in how visual art could support the value chain and cultural production of creative industry. Despite in general art buildings is difficult to acheive self sustained operation, cultivating human captial is a signifacant factor and fundamental to foster sustainable growth in cultural economy in long term.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The second opportunity to reach out artist is through external consultation session organized by the Department of Architecture. I am honoured to have conversations with Dr. Peter Nelson, assistant professor at the Academy of Visual Arts and the Augmented Creativity Lab at Hong Kong Baptist University. In the consultation session, we discussed the design project’s economic impact on creative industry, how the project tackles affordable space problem from art graduates. Peter responded towards the governance of these art communities that he suggested me to research on different operations and terms & conditions offered in subsidized art communities worldwide, in order to articulate the originality of this project that provide conditions based on evaluations of other art communities.

Consultation Session with Dr. Peter Nelson, Assistant Professor at the Academy of Visual Arts of Hong Kong Baptist University Date: 27/4/2022 Location: Zoom Duration: 20 minutes Organizer: Department of Architecture, University of Hong Kong

Interviewee Profile:

Dr. Peter Nelson

art medium: visual art of computer game and landscape studies - Assistant professor in Academy of Visual Arts, Hong Kong Baptist University -current board member of Digital Games Research Association (DiGRA) and Chinese DiGRA

Photo Credit: Academy of Visual Arts, HKBU website

Keynotes In the consultation session, I presented my research about visual art graudates, current art village studies and creative industry to Peter as his expertise on visual art could provide valuable comments. I also presented my latest design scheme of the creative community to envision young arts talents as empowerment of City Hall. Firstly, in terms of user, Peter agreed on shortage problem of affordable art space encountered by local art graduate. He also concerned what would be the career paths of art graduate if they chose to reside in this creative space, is there any upward mobility for them to move on to the next location? It is an issue of resource allocation. Given that the capacity of the land is limited, the key of operation is to determine the order of these art graduates increased in every year. For example, a short term lease in 2-3 years may facilitates the mobility of different art graduates could enjoy the resources. Secondly, in terms of working routine and production, Peter also emphasized on mobility is needed for artists’ practice. Keeping a group of artists as permanent occupants may not be the best environment for artists ‘creativity and inspirations. In this way, Peter suggested to conduct a global overview of different art community in terms of their operations and terms. This overview would help my proposal differentiate from existing models. He is interested to know the conclusion of research and thesis’s originality of selecting the most appropriate model for this community. Thirdly, in terms of City Hall, since young generation of artists may not very associate with City Hall’s cultural significance, Peter suggested me to look for venue of recent art students graduation shows, as they would also outreach their works to art venues in Hong Kong. City Hall provides convenient location in transport that it could be an incentive to attract art shows and visitors.

Prepared Questions In the case of HKBU AVA Kai tak Campus, what spatial qualities would art students/ young local artists desire in a creative space? In terms of affordable art space, do you think residence and shared facilities would benefit young artists or limit their freedom of art medium? From the view of Hong Kong visual artist generation, how do they perceive Hong Kong City Hall in relation to their art development? Would they regard City Hall as a prominent place of exhibiting their works? If you were an art graduate this year, and this project would provide inexpensive residence, studio space and supported hardware shops, do you consider to join this creative space in Central? What are the pros and cons in developing visual art career in Central?

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Cattle Depot Artist Village visited on 30/4/2022

JCCAC visited on 30/4/2022

very sufficient storage space for artist in each backyard

installed with arrayed windows and curtain system to adjust based on exhibition requirements

some of working studios are open for public when there is exhibition

corridor space also serve for displaying artwork

Site Visits Existing art village and community offer me a valuable understanding of artist’s routine and their working environment. I visited JCCAC building and Cattle Depot Artist Village in April. JCCAC building is a vertical artist village while Cattle Depot demonstrates a horizontal artist village, they both accommodate differently in terms of capacity and shared resources. Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre (JCCAC) is a multi-discipline art centre which provides about 131 studio units for a variety of artists. The site is revitalised from Shek Kip Mei Factory Estate in a old district. Industrial layout are transformed into arrangements of studio flats. Artists work in studio, occasionally open to public during weekends. Also, they can reserve a shared exhibition hall on ground floor, while atrium provides central courtyard to organise weekend art market for public 48

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Art Publications A selection of art publications examine specialized art development issues. For example, construction of West Kowloon Cultural District, revitalization of industrial buildings, post-colonization towards Hong Kong identity as well as Hong Kong art history. The reading list below is written by scholars, art organization, institutions, curators so as to provide various perspective, including for and against interventions in artist working environment. These materials provided key concerns from various stakeholders into operations of the proposed arts community in Central. see appendix C for the Art Publication List that referenced

Book List of City Hall Since Hong Kong City Hall involves complex historical, cultural collective memories, there are lots of text sources available to trace its roots. Among the available materials, I found very useful from the year books of every 10 year published by City Hall. Especially these books concluded how City Hall experience changes by social environment, cultural facilities, context of reclamation in each decade. The author of every yearbook is different, some refers to official narrative by Leisure and Cultural Services Department, others such as 50th anniversary year book is written by Mr. Chow Fan Fu, an experienced art critic as well as columnist writing about music and culture in Hong Kong. Therefore, the books provide me a comprehensive review through diverse perspectives to examine Hong Kong City Hall.

see appendix D for the book list

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Audio Visuals Apart from text materials, there are art seminars spoken by renowned art historians, educators to discuss research output. Hong Kong Museum of Art launched a research project “Hong Kong Art History Research – Pilot Project” in 2013 28, the first holistic analysis on Hong Kong art history. The research output was published in a recorded seminar which held in 2013. It is available online for public access. This recording provides me a summary of Hong Kong art history where “local” artists emerged and cultivated in 1960s-1970s, which most of researchers regarded City Hall as a prominent exhibition place to nurture the first generation of local artist and collect Hong Kong contemporary art. In this way, the purpose of design project could be also regarded connecting the birthplace of first generation local artists in 70s and potential millennials generation artists that overlooks vitality and creativity for Hong Kong.

Fig. 19 “Hong Kong Art History Research – Pilot Project”, 2013, Museum of Art and Asia Art Archive

see appendix E for transcript of seminar

Museum of Art and Asia Art Archive, “Hong Kong Art History Research – Pilot Project” , 2013

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT Structure Since my research argues for a new space, cultural programme and users for the future of City Hall, the design part would investigate at integrated urban framework and space-making for this proposed arts and cultural hub. Drawings and models would be the main methodology in design development. Drawing would generate different reading of site context and reveal different scale of information while modelling would give spatial sense to address overall density and configuration.

Design Purpose

Design Language

Spatial Intervention of establishing a central axis aligning City Hall and its extension to form an integrated arts and cultural hub, which provides 300 creative studio space for cultural users from creative industry.

Mat Building Strategy

Courtyard Compound from City Hall

incorporate the beneﬁts from mat building

Design Quality

embrace courtyard architectural quality

Open, Flexible Urban Framework for future City Hall metrics & scale of framework ﬂexible composition of cultural programme spatial quality building system atmosphere and interaction

Design Structure and flowchart

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT Exploration of Design Geometry I In early exploration, I use foam to produce 3 diverse massing strategies in the site model, namely courtyard language, village houses and L-shaped modules. They give different volumes and density to the site. In the evaluation, I found courtyard language gives a more unity of an integration with City Hall while the other two test seems to divide the extension and existing City Hall, informed by their typology.

1. Courtyard Language

2. Village houses

3. L-shaped modules

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT Mat Building Mat building is a term first used by Alison Smithson, published in his essay “How to Recognise and Read Mat-Building” in 1974. 29 He described Mat buildings are urban collective forms yet open and flexible, they are close-knit patterns allow individuals to retrieve freedom and possiFig. 20 Berlin Free University overview, built in 1963 30

bilities to expand. This concept was derived from Europe had a high housing demand to rebuild cities for middle class group after second world war, that government introduced with open and expandable framework of housing. The urban form also proposes more permeable alternative of a functional and rationalised models such as in Le Corbusier’s Athens Charter . Smithson conceived the mat typology historically related to traditional dense fabric

Fig. 21 Berlin Free University plan 31

that he referred to old city of Kuwait. Smithson also consolidated different examples of mat buildings to demonstrate this generative structure and process of addition in his essay. Berlin Free University is the exemplary model of a mat building.

Fig. 22 Berlin Free University circulation drawing 32

Smithson, “How to recognise and read mat-building”, 573-590 Anonymous. Free University of Berlin Rank, Shiksha study aboard, photograph, 2022. Candilis-Josic-Woods, The Free University of Berlin Plan, on Socks studio website, 2015 32 Ibid. 29 30 31

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT In research done by Calabuig, Gomez and Ramos in 2013 continued to explore potentials of mat typology, they consolidated 3 composition principles including metrics, programme and place.

For metrics, it is important to set up a unit of walking

distance/ width of pedestrian street then to devise it as framework of the mat building. For programme, the selection of programme requires to inter-related with each other so that to emphasize close-knit fabric, it also compose the circulation inside mat building. For place, mat buildings have vernacular character of dense, loose that could associates with old city fabric as contextual response.

Fig.24 Model and Plan of Frankfurt-Romerberg Centre35

Fig.25 Model and Plan of Venice Hospital proposal36 Fig.23 Mat Building study by Calabuig, Gomez and Ramos 34

Calabuig, Domingo, Castellanos and Ramos, “The Strategies of Mat-Building.”, 83-91 Ibid Hans Teerds, “Candilis-Josic-Woods: dialectic of modernity” 36 Thomas Cugin, Hôpital, Venice, Photograph,1964. 33 34 35

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT Benefits from Mat Building Strategy Mat building provides open flexible urban form that could act as container in this creative community, on one hand to allow freedom of arts and cultural user’s for their creativity works while allow expansion for future’s need. On the other hand, the mat typology could also integrate with courtyard compound of City Hall, that their covered walkways could adjoin the new and old structure together as a powerful and continuous community implanted in Central waterfront. Moreover, the horizontal structure suggest statement of differentiate from super high rise office towers in Central.

1;1000 Site Model projecting mat building strategy on site 55

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Figure and Ground

Courtyard

Hong Kong City Hall Completion year: 1962 Architect: Ron Philips, Alan Fitch

Berlin Free University Completion year: 1967 Architects: Candilis, Josic, Woods and Schiedhelm

Venice Hospital proposal year: 1965 Architects: Le Corbusier

Shou County Culture and Art Center Completion year: 2016 Architects: Zhu Pei studio

Study of courtyard buildings precedents

Plaza of Kanagawa Institute of technology Completion year: 2016 Architects: Junya Ishigami+ associates

Study on Courtyard Language Precedents of courtyards are selected to examine spatial organization. By comparing figure and ground relationship, they articulate density and figure ground relationship of courtyards. For example in City Hall, the buildings mass framed courtyard as void space, and inside it allow solemn activities in memorial garden and retreat space from busy city life in Central. While Berlin Free University express punctuations as unified structure that diminish hierarchy in campus setting, Shou County Culture and Art Centre produce multiple courtyards for variety of common space and garden, bringing landscape quality to interior space. 56

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Exploration of Design Geometry II Learning from mat building and courtyard precedent study, I started with projecting mat building strategy and distribute the 300 studio space into the site. Given that the site is restricted by a maximum development height of 20 metres , the building mass would become a low rise compound. The extension would start from the elevated walkway of current City Hall, cover existing road (Lung Wo Road) and all the way to the harbour until arrival at No.10 Pier. These site context serve as important guides to initiate grid framework that align to City Hall building cluster. The middle strip is extended from entrance lobby of City Hall would form a public corridor. Overall proposed building fabric is fine grain that is absent and new to harbourfront. 57

Geometry Exploration 1

Geometry Exploration 2

In addition, the horizontal low rise geometry is expressed as horizontal landform, as a statement against verticality of office towers surrounded in Central such as AIA Central, Jardine House and Hong Kong Club. Since the social agenda of this project is to emphasize civic and locality injected in Central, the spatial form should also contrast with environment. Geometry Exploration 3

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

City Hall

Existing Satellite Image of site

Plan development 1

Programme composition During the process of developing a coherent logic of spatial organization, there are various iterations of drawing figure and ground to stimulate reading of integration of City Hall. In Fig. X, I used building mass to create meandering experience for visitors as well as maintain privacy of residents. Then, using building mass to frame central courtyards of each grid, the process transform the plan from a quite arbitrary arrangement to a rationalized layout of studio and shared programmes of restaurants, workshops and art supplies shop. 59

Plan development 2

Plan development 3

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT Building System In order to address and respect language from City Hall, it is also necessary to examine structural components of City Hall, referring to column and slab system. Then, the proposed organization could slightly modify column and slab system, by increasing floor height and introducing of City Hall covered colonnade, taken on 27 Apr 2022

mezzanine floors in between each storey, in order to allow flexibility for occupants adapting from 2 storeys to 4 storeys, depending on their function. Mezzanine floor system gives freedom of use to artists and autonomy of deciding whether double/ single height space.

Diagram showing structural modification learning from City Hall

1:200 model experimenting spatial varinats of colonnade structure 62

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT There are various building examples which demonstrate high flexibility of space in terms of their structural system. For example in Polyvalent theatre designed by Lacaton & Vassal architects, structurally it is combined with concrete columns and light weight envelope, which the column installed with sliding panels, curtains. They could transform, divide or interconnect into versatile performance space. Another example is St. Mary at the Quay Church, the project converts from church to well being centre by inserting mezzanine system in tall ceiling space of the church. It demonstrates an interplay of new and existing structure in terms of materiality.

Fig.26 Interior of performance hall and plan, Polyvalent theatre by Lacaton & Vassal architects37

Fig.27 Mezzaine system in St.Mary church, designed by Molyneux Kerr Architects 38 37 38

Philippe Ruault. Polyvalent Theater / Lacaton & Vassal. Arch Daily. 2013 Andy Marshall, St Mary at the Quay / Molyneux Kerr Architects, Photograph, 2016

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT Regeneration of City Hall City Hall would enact as the headquarter in proposed creative space to support different cultural users in future. In particular to artists, high block of City Hall provided exhibition gallery to organize cultural exchange activities internally, for example cultural salons. Also, some floors of reference library could be exclusively defined to art archive, provide comprehensive resources for young artists’ reference. While for low block, existing concert halls and theatre could also serve for art seminars, press conference to engage art with the public. Since the extension connects from entrance lobby of City Hall, the design envisions increase public passage to travel between City Hall and harbourfront. In future, it is anticipated to broaden audience of future City Hall, to attract artist from creative industry and public in this civic landmark in Central. It is also believed this interaction would inspire young artists and a new art interest to the public.

Arts & Culture Exhibition

Creative Studio

Supported shops of resources and hardware

Hong Kong art archive and library Assembly Hall Activities Hall

Connaught Road Central

City Hall High Block

City Hall Low Block

Lung Wo Road

Creative Community for Visual Art Graduates

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT 2

New directory of City Hall in 2032

2 1

4 1

Legend 1 Creative Studio 2 Residence 3 Common garden

Legend 1 Creative Studio 2 Residence 3 Common garden 4 Shops

2 2/F plan 1:200

Partial Plan showing courtyard on 2/F

Storage Building

20m

extended covered walkway

section 1:200

Partial Section of courtyard

Mobile Exhibition Platform

West Kowloon Pier

M+ Museum

max. development height

No.10 Pier

West Kowloon Cultural District 1:1000

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Study Model 1:500 this model is used to increase design resolution in terms of internal organisation of courtyard and site context response, in particular to City Hall building cluster and Victoria Harbour. The initial model was extruded from plans, resulting a bulk mass facing to Edinburgh place. (indicated by red dot line)

1. Original condition of 3 storeys

2. Removing 1 storey

3. Opening up roof

4. Descending 1 storey to pier side

Process of taking away storeys to align height of City Hall building cluster . Transforming roof heights into various terraces and stepped form

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Evaluation from Study Model After experimenting building height with City Hall building cluster, it is found a descending height would allow a sectional dynamics and terrace quality. The proposed structure also sensitive to Victoria harbour and connecting the piers’s height.

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT Atmosphere Thumbnail sketches are produced to explore atmosphere produced inside creative neighbourhood. Every central courtyard offers a meeting place among residents to exchange thoughts and collaboration opportunities, garden with additional landscape aspires to stimulate inspiration of young artists. Also, the bridges are designed to connect upper storeys and access to lower levels by stairs. Young artists are encouraged to walk through other studio space to foster interaction among occupants.

Residence

Shops and Galleries

Front Perspective

Pier Connection 69

SCHEDULE Stage

Organization of Work

Thesis Review Date (2022)

1 Site Research+ Issue Speculation (Early Jan- Late Jan: 4 weeks)

Research on historical and cultural significance of City Hall, Analysis of intervening City Hall as project site and the thesis potential output: Mappings of City Hall and context in various stages during development, Drawings representing issues/ challenge of City Hall in urban scale.

Review 1 24/1

2 Proposed Statement+ Design Iterations (Early Feb- Mid Mar: 6 weeks)

Formulate arguments on regenerating City Hall in terms of social/historical/ cultural/ financial perspective. Consolidated research to suggest usership of site. Proposed outline of programmes locate in the site.

Review 2 14/3

output: Research leading to proposed art community, research on potential users. Master plan .Urban section. Site Model of 1:1000 to illustrate initial design iterations. 3 Design Strategy + Programme + Operations relating proposed art community (Mid March- Mid April: 4 weeks)

Consolidate previous research to argue this proposal benefits to Review 3 users and City Hall. Speculate 1 design logic to adopt for mas20/4 terplan. Speculate a certain type of cultural users and how this proposal enact a cultural/ economic /social impact on Central. output: -Drawings of integrating City Hall and proposed art community. -Interview transcript of local artists perception in residing in Central. -Research of local artists of their needs and difficulty encountered in present condition (transcript of interview). -Models of iterations of same design strategy in different parameters

4 Final Production (Mid April-Late May: 6 weeks)

Finalising narrative from research stage as well as previous experiments; Develop Renderings/ Illustration of atmosphere of art community; Develop comprehensive proposal of integrated arts and cultural hub which leads to its significance ; Working on Presentation materials such as videos, layout of exhibiting models

Final Review 2/6

output: -Masterplan and urban section to illustrate project vision -coherent interface of showing research on previous stages -Drawing Sets of 1:500 & 1:100 to explain the project dimension and focus -Rendering of showing atmosphere -Key Drawings -Models of 1:100 to increase resolution of particular view

SCHEDULE Interim Reviews The thesis’ evaluation consists of pre-thesis stage, 3 interim reviews and final review. At each interim review, research and design process is presented to critics and discussed the significance, position, arguments of my project. The review transcripts also act as important self-reflection on feedback from different professors, guests, in order to communicate more efficiently, also to refine design/research directions based on the aim of thesis. (please see appendix G- K for transcript of each reviews and materials).

Reflection of previous studios My previous studios developed unique ways of model making method to drive urban designs, which equipped me skills of digital making techniques. However, this model methodologies is difficult to control project’s resolution, which clay printing became quite abstract to deduce architecture. I realized it is important to align methodology with my project resolution. Since this thesis envisages cultural extension of existing City Hall, it focuses on constructing a convinced argument bridging three issues of City Hall building, Central and Hong Kong cultural development. The methodology should assist in the narrative

nting path of robotic arm 3d printing

Clay 3d print tile

instead of developing another complexity of exploration. Also, this thesis does not relate to a technological question, 3d-printing would not considered as means of response towards a cultural problem.

Contours of Mountain

Printing path of robotic arm 3d printing

Clay 3d print tile

2021-2022 semester 1: led by Tao Zhu and Christian Lange, A “China” Town in the Making 71

FINAL PROPOSAL The final set of drawings consolidated design development in spatial organization, precedents study, building structure, spatial quality. The design would speculate a regeneration proposal of arts and cultural hub in Central.

1:1000 Site Plan

This arts and culture axis integrates City Hall with creative studio hub extension, further connects ferry plaza, reconstructed Queen’s Pier and eventually to the Central Pier No.9 & 10, which art ferries would transport vistiors among cultural venues in Wan Chai, Tsim Sha Tsui and West Kowloon. The vertical axis establishes City Hall as the core centre to gather public and cultural users. 1:1000 Site Model front view 72

MAT BUILDING & COURTYARD In order to set out framework, it is based on dimension of city hall building cluster, then the building mass maintain openness to see harbour and landscape views, thirdly internal circulations. Fourthly, the division of courts that could open a public corridor from the Edinburgh place, all the way to the harbourfront

FINAL PROPOSAL

enlarged view from G/F plan On the ground floor, the infill of courtyards each is given a theme such as museum, ampitheatre, playground, market and they present civic qualities that bring into Central harbourfront. this drawing also reveals the method of infill, that City Hall infilled with programmes such as concert halls and garden. The extension continued infill language of different open space served for cultural users (artists) and public. The extension also constitute a central axis that opens from City Hall entrance lobby to harbourfront.

FINAL PROPOSAL

enlarged view from plan

For first floor plan, public could visit from elevated walkway of City Hall to multiple galleries, restaurants, art supplies shops then to the harbourfront.

1:500 1/F plan 75

FINAL PROPOSAL

Contextual Response to Site The overall form and density are specifically addressed the heights of city hall building and Victoria Harbour. After testing various height in study model, the height variation of framework ascends from City Hall and end with descending levels to dissolve the mass to pier connection. On the roof, it is accessible by public and decorated with landscape roof garden. It gives multi-level landscape quality to the harbourfront.

(right)1:500 Front Perspective (bottom) 1:500 Design Model

(right) Axonometric view (bottom) 1:500 Design Model

Art archive & gallery

Art Seminars/ Cultural Salon Exhibition Hall

Shops

For the section, The integration would also regenerate City Hall existing facilities to serve for diverse cultural users. For example, the galleries and art archive could support artist’s resources and exhibition, eg. auditorium could be art seminars, cultural salons purpose. The sectional model utilise landscape views outside the window to illustrate interconnected courtyard spatial quality.

max.height 20m

workshops

cafe

gallery

plaza

market

No.10 Central Pier

1:150 Section Drawing

1:150 Sectional Model

FINAL PROPOSAL

Condition 1: extending elevated walkways from City Hall to enter arts and cultural hub. Edinburgh Place is re-activited as entrace lobby of extension

Condition 2: overhang courtyard above Lung Wo Road

Condition 3: cafes, pavilions could be independtly installed in the central courtyard

Condition 4: Descending levels and walkway leading to Central Pier

Spatial Sequence: This project embraces courtyards qualities, using courtyard to organise programs so that the atmosphere surround with greenery, openness, fluid environment for local artists in this cultural creator. 80

Inside the building, it is imagined artists could freely take up open space for their creation and installation of their works, these open space could also adapt to other cultural users such as designers, musicians etc. 81

EXHIBITION

Degree Show Setup on 3/F Knowles Building , photo taken on 4/6/2022.

Close up of table set up, photo taken on 4/6/2022.

Thesis Statement besides panel 82

PANEL

The concept of panel is producing 1 drawing to collect key questions, background of this thesis and collaging various final images and drawings. It illustrates the urban vision and socio cultural significance among cultural network of Hong Kong. Section is shown in the sectional model

Exhibition Items: 1. Panel Drawing of 3000mm x 1500mm, printed & mounted on foam boards; + 150 x 150 thesis statement 2. 1:150 Sectional Model installed on window sill, 600(H) x 300(D) x 7000 (L) Models Show on tables: 3. 1:1000 Site Model 4. 1:500 Design Model 5. 1:200 Partial Study Model 6. 1:1000 iteration model 7. Book, “Where modern Hong Kong began: the City Hall and its 50 Year Story”, by Chow Fan Fu 8. Postcard of Hong Kong City Hall 60th anniversary campaign, by Leisure Cultural Service Department 9. 3 booklets documenting background, research, and design development

Posters along window sill

10. anniversary posters installed along window sill, produced by Leisure Cultural Service Department and my derivative; 150x150 each 83

SIGNIFICANCE Spatial Significance This thesis manifests a strong confrontation towards Central spatial set up in 2032, that the project incorporates Hong Kong City Hall a new order of space, connecting the cultural extension, existing piers, reconstructed Queen’s pier and art ferries as unity. It celebrates a cultural and civic focus that differs from finance, commercial, political and military centres along future Central harbourfront. Hence, to re-orient Central to a centre of creative community in urban vision.

This revitalisation of Hong Kong City Hall works very different from the world’s City Hall regeneration in terms of scale. For example, the National Gallery Singapore is revitalised from former City Hall building. It is an adaptive re-use of heritage building structure and renovated as galleries within a building scale. While Hong Kong City Hall has necessity to intervene and reactivate neighFig.28 Interior of Singapore National Gallery, renovated from City Hall building39

bouring context, that goes beyond the building scale to a district scale.

In terms of design quality, the proposed open and flexible framework consists of multi-level courtyards. My thesis also evaluates public space along harbourfront, such as Tamar Park and promenade walk. They engage with single level and institutionalised space. Courtyards prompts openness and flexibility to organise different cultural programs, thus this quality enriches existing harbourfront. On the other hand, the project provides an urban framework in Central, allowing adaption of diverse programmes and future expansion. Despite this project illustrates the possibility for young artists based on insufficient affordable art space in Hong Kong and potential cultural impact, this structure offers a massive space potentially responding towards other socio-economic issues in future. Accordingly, it secures an environment to empower civic role in fostering Hong Kong socioeconomic improvements.

Fernando Javier Urquijo, Skylight over Singapore Courtyard, 2016, Photograph

SIGNIFICANCE Socio-cultural Significance This is a social regeneration project of Hong Kong City Hall. The extension of creative studio and exhibition constantly brings influx of young arts & cultural users to engage City Hall facilities, hence their creative works would attract wider spectrum from the public. In this way Hong Kong City Hall is regenerated as activator to engage affordable art and creativity with public, hence sharpened originality of City Hall. Its cultural mission is then reinforced to empower among cultural network between Wan Chai, Tsim Sha Tsui and West Kowloon. By introducing cultural users to the site, this project supports the core creation which is the fundamental driver of Hong Kong creative industry. Relating Hong Kong City Hall with current cultural policy would grant cultural significance and potential economic impact in Central. This asserts alternative stance and more forward-looking aspirations from government’s conservation approach.

Conclusion This year marks the 60th anniversary of Hong Kong City Hall. To conclude my thesis at this meaning milestone, I would like to echo the official title of anniversary campaign this year, “Refine Classic”. To City Hall, refining classic offer an opportunity to review its past achievements throughout 60 years and to promote its cultural spirits in ongoing exhibitions. To me, in terms of architecture, refining this classic entity is to refine its spatial order, to regain sociocultural significance as well as to update its cultural mission. Altogether these interventions aims to empower this civic centre in future context in particular to New Central Harbourfront in 2032. As an imaginative proposal to celebrate Hong Kong City Hall 70th anniversary, I believe Hong Kong City Hall owns the cultural, civic power to lead Hong Kong socio-cultural events in coming decades. Fig.29 Hong Kong City Hall 60th anniversary poster, featured “Refine Classic” as theme of this year. 40

Leisure and Cultural Services Department, “Refine/d Classic” , poster, 2022, on 60 Years of Cultural Dynamics website

READINGS Zhou, Ying.”West Kowloon Hong Kong” in The Grand Project : Understanding the Making and Impact of Urban Megaprojects. edited by Christiaanse, Kees., Anna Gasco, and Naomi Clara Hanakata, 119-148. Rotterdam: Nai010 Publishers, 2019. West Kowloon Cultural District is selected as one of eight documentation sites regarding a grand projects. To uncover capital, economy and power of government bodies, the chapter investigated from its planning history, that West Kowloon is a by-product from Hong Kong Airport programme. The mega transport infrastructure facilitate Express Railway station and luxury residential development above station. Apart from the cultural value as promised through museums construction. West Kowloon closely benefite to tourism industry of attracting overseas and Chinese tourists to its convenient location by high speed railway. Ho, Selina, Yau, Wen, and 1a Space. A Documentary of Talkover/handover. Hong Kong: 1a Space, 2007. This book collected works from more than twenty active local art artists since the handover of Hong Kong to its 10th year. Their work reflected political and social context transitions during the decade, including demolition of queen’s pier, freedom of speech, commercialized cultural system etc. Among conversation with artists, they gradually realized and disregarded the contemporary mainstream culture and eager to locate Hong Kong’s identity and its originality. This phenomenon could also be traced since the rise of independent art organization in 1990s such as 1a space and ParaSite, allowing artists as individual or collect to explore identity, autonomy and post colonization these issues. The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Department of Fine Arts. 香港視覺藝術年鑑 Hong Kong Visual Arts Yearbook. Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, 2011. This issue of yearbook covered various public issues occurred in 2010, such as rise of revitalization of industrial buildings and West Kowloon District. The former discussed revitalization impact on artists working environment, rent, their community, artists opposed the way of government intervening revitalisation industrial buildings. The policy structure inclined to land owner benefit instead of users, which is the core spirit of culture hidden in industrial building. They expressed their suggestion towards media exposure, building regulations, land owners so as to sustain their art creation. Mak, Hoi Shan. 我們來自工廈 = From the Factories. Chu Ban.; 初版. ed. Hong Kong: Hong Kong Baptist University kaitak Centre for Research and Development, 2014. The book particularly examined local artists, craftsman, writers worked in Kwun Tong Industrial buildings. It collected several essays reflected from its history, the transition of Kwun Tong from a industrial, re-export centre to an informal cultural community, as well as the future CBD to be envisioned in east Kowloon. Local artists group is passively involved in the development process, implying cultural value is not prioritized than profit-driving outcome. The book also consisted of a series images of existing studio interiors and their work, as means of historic record of Kwun Tong. Venturi, Robert., Museum of Modern Art, and Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts. Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture. 2nd ed. Papers on Architecture. New York: Museum of Modern Art, 1977. Venturi argued architecture is necessarily to contradictory and complex. The paradoxical quality was absent in modern architecture which overly pure and rational. To develop complexity in architecture, it had to accommodate “both-and” conditions, a hybrid quality to generate richness of space, also it is crucial that these contradictions leading to a totality or unity. 88

Koolhaas,Rem and Mau, Bruce “What Ever Happened to Urbanism?”, in SMLXL, edited by Jennifer Sigler, 960-971. New York: The Monacelli Press, 1995. This essay particularly reflected on the late 20th century, where urbanization and population accelerated in city. Koolhaas first criticized the city was overloaded with buildings yet without order, a chaotic environment where historic urbanism ideas were all unrealistic. He then raised the new urbanism shall grounded on existing features of urban conditions, that is evolving and everchanging. He believed this was also an opportunity to discover hybrids and expand notions of urban concepts, to perform partial intervention, which he summarised new urbanism as “it is not about the new, but the more and modified”. Lacaton, Anne, Jean-Philippe Vassal, Jennifer Sigler, and Leah Whitman-Salkin. Freedom of Use. Incidents.Cambridge, Massachusetts ; Berlin: Harvard University Graduate School of Design : Sternberg Press, 2015. This book presented the core values and design principle of architects Lacaton and Vassal. They advocated to add rather than to erase, they never demolished a building but added on light envelopes on top of sites. The co-existence of two structures granted freedom to inhabitants how to use the space as well as promoted open and generous design. Tschumi, Bernard. Architecture and Disjunction. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 1994. This book collected various essays written by Tschumi regarding space, program and disjunction respectively. Tschumi discussed space is only meaningful if it’s an experience of senses, led by subjectivity, where he searched for moment of space, a convergence of experience and architectural concept. He then discussed the interchangeable nature between program, actions and events, the constitution would need disjunction as instrumental device to produce conflicts, unexpected output that estranged cultural conditions. Rem Koolhaas, Bernard Tschumi, Ana Miljacki, Amanda Reeser Lawrence, and Ashley Schafer. “2 Architects 10 Questions on Program.” Praxis (New York, N.Y.), no. 8 (2006): 6-15. The transcript recorded conversation between Rem Koolhaas and Bernard Tschumi on the topic of program in relation with form and their important works. Both of them perceived program as agenda, the beginning point of a project, Koolhaas uses program to generate typology as a result of form, such as horizontal skycrapper in Parc de la Villette and hyper-centralisation of programs in CCTV project. While Tschumi argued program sometimes reciprocal, sometimes conflict with form to generate unexpected scences and events, it is more crucial to develop program as agenda to establish experience, movement of bodies within architecture.

Appendix A - Urban Design Study for the New Central Harbourfront - Master Layout Plan

Appendix B - Urban Design Study for the New Central Harbourfront - Key Sites

Appendix C - Art Publication Study List Title

Year

Author

Topic

“West Kowloon Hong Kong” in Grand Project

2019

Ying Zhou, edited by Christiaanse, Kees., Anna Gasco, and Naomi Clara Hanakata

Mega urban develop ments, West Kowloon Cultural District

Zhou, Ying.”West Kowloon Hong Kong” in The Grand Project : Understanding the Making and Impact of Urban Megaprojects. edited by Christiaanse, Kees., Anna Gasco, and Naomi Clara Hanakata, 119-148. Rotterdam: Nai010 Publishers, 2019.

Hong Kong Visual Arts Year book

2006Department of Arts, 2010 the Chinese University (issue of Hong Kong annually)

Public issues relating visual arts, Local arts events

The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Department of Fine Arts. 香港視覺藝術年鑑 Hong Kong Visual Arts Yearbook. Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press, 2011.

From Factories

2014

Mak Hoi Shan

Art studios in Industrial buildings, Revitalisation

Listen Up ?!

2019

1a Space

Local arts development, Exhibitions by 1a space

2002

Lai Kin Keung

Hong Kong Art History, local culture

形彩風流 : 香港視覺文化史話

Mak, Hoi Shan. 我們來自工廈 = From the Factories. Chu Ban.; 初版. ed. Hong Kong: Hong Kong Baptist University kaitak Centre for Research and Development, 2014. 1a Space, Editor. Listen Up?!. 1st edition. Hong Kong: 1a Space, 2019. Lai, Kin Keung. 形彩風流 : 香港視覺文化史話. Xianggang Di 1 Ban.; 1st ed. Hong Kong: Joint Publishing, 2002.

A Documentary of talkover/handover; 十年回歸前後話 : 紀錄文獻

2007

Ho Selina, Wen yau and 1a Space

Local visual art events, colonization

Ho, Selina, Yau, Wen, and 1a Space. A Documentary of Talkover/handover. Hong Kong: 1a Space, 2007.

Hong Kong Art History Research Pilot Project

2013

Asia Art Archive, Hong Kong Museum of Art

Hong Kong Art History, Oral History

Asia Art Archive, Issuing Body. 香港藝術史研究 : 先導項目 = Hong Kong Art History Research : Pilot Project. Hong Kong: Asia Art Archive, 2013.

Appendix D - Book List of City Hall Title

Year

Anniversary

Author

City Hall : The Cultural Centre of Hong Kong: 1967, Fifth Anniversary.

1967

5th

Hong Kong City Hall

Hong Kong City Hall. City Hall : The Cultural Centre of Hong Kong: 1967, Fifth Anniversary. Hong Kong: Govt. Printer, 1967.

Hong Kong City Hall, 1962-1982 : Twenty Years in Retrospect

1983

20th

Siu, Hin-yeung, Stephen, James Gray Marshall, and Hong Kong.

Siu, Hin-yeung, Stephen, James Gray Marshall, and Hong Kong. Urban Council. Hong Kong City Hall, 1962-1982 : Twenty Years in Retrospect. Hong Kong: Urban Council, 1983.

The City Hall : 30th Anniversary: A Platform for Tha Arts

1992

30th

Hong Kong Urban Council

Hong Kong Urban Council. The City Hall : 30th Anniversary: A Platform for Tha Arts. Hong Kong: Urban Council, 1992.

Hong Kong City Hall 40th anniversary

2002

40th

Leisure and Cultural Service Department

Leisure and Cultural Service Department. Hong Kong City Hall 40th anniversary. Hong Kong: Ming Pao Press. 2002

Where modern Hong Kong began: the City Hall and its 50 Year Story

2012

50th

Chow, Fan Fu

Chow, Fan Fu. Where modern Hong Kong began: the City Hall and its 50 Year Story. Hong Kong: Hong Kong City Hall, 2012.

Appendix E - Seminar Keynotes from “Hong Kong Art History Research Pilot Project” Hong Kong Art History Research Pilot Project: Panel Discussion Day Organiser: Asia Art Archive, Hong Kong Museum of Art Publication Year: 2013, November

Topic 1 - “Periodisation of Art in Hong Kong” (1 hour duration)

Publication of Research Output

Topic 2- “Approaches to Researching Art in Hong Kong” (1 hour duration)

Authors: Sandra Walters Wucius Wong Liu Kuo Sung Hon Chi Fun Mui Chong Kee Nigel Cameron

Speakers: WONG Ain Ling, Film Critic and researcher LUI Tai-lok, Head of Department of Sociology, University of Hong Kong Oscar HO Hing-kay, Professional Consultant of Cultural and Religious Studies, Chinese University of Hong Kong CHAN Chi-tak, Assistant Professor, Department of Literature and Cultural Studies, Hong Kong Institute of Education Moderator: KOON Yeewan, Associate Professor, Department of Fine Arts, University of Hong Kong

Seminar Keynotes Questions (Q) and Discussion (D) Q: How do you conduct Hong Kong art history research in a historian perspective? thus Which methodology do you determine to summarise Hong Kong art? D: Periodisation of art is fundamental to reveal Hong Kong Art history. There are multi-perspectives to categorise, in terms of identifying important incidents such as Canton Operation in 1938, 1967 leftist riots etc. While Hong Kong arts include movie, drama and visual arts, it is difficult to adopt division of time period to capture all of genre. Instead, we captured intangible traits of Hong Kong arts from old newspapers, oral history of various stakeholders to complete full understanding of art history in earlier times 30s-60s. Also, Since proper venue set up in 1960s such as Hong Kong City Hall, art exhibitions emerged specialised topics to summarise “contemporary” artists such as Hong Kong arts festival and biennales, these offer great references to consolidate local active artists in the decade. Q: What are the distinctive feature of Hong Kong Art? D: There is a wide discussion to define local context and Hong Kong art. Very soon we recognise early Hong Kong art is indispensible with Guang Dong context and their influences, the influx of guang dong people in 30s injected cultural forces to Hong Kong and gradually develop the sense of localists. We think mobility and movements are the distinctive features of local art... in fact, local culture and arts is much richer than we understand, since the artworks repond to Hong Kong distinctive context, the fusion of East meet West, also the artists were courageus to challenge new forms and collaboration with lifestyle. Q: What/Who shall be the impact after a holistic Hong Kong Art research project lauched? D: The difficulty we encountered is that oftenly after Hong Kong Art academic research is published, it became an educational institution’s product instead of promoting to the general public, the lack of discussion and responses drive the failure and limitations. We always desire inter-disciplinary response from literacture, architecture, movie, university, self-initiated organization to collaborate our Hong Kong art history. In this way, it is very important to identify who we wrote for, whether these research benefitial to art students or potential investors, to empower the impact of our research.

Appendix F - Creative Industry Domain & Study

1. Centre for Cultural Policy Research, Baseline Study on Hong Kong’s Creative Industries, The University of Hong Kong, 2003, p.27.

2.Centre for Cultural Policy Research, A Study on Creativity Index, Home Affairs Bureau, The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, 2005,p.41 95

Appendix G - Review 1 transcript Thesis Review 1 Date: 24/1/2022 , 1500-1515 Reviewers: Dr. Tao Zhu, Prof. Christian Lange, Prof. Eike Schling

In the review, I presented the conflict and challenge that City Hall affected by Central New harbourfront development, as traced from 1970s to 2027 future. Then, I formulate my thesis topic as to regenerate City Hall as contemporary social and civic centre in Central, which different from finance and authority centre as the present. Also, I propose hybrid typology as one of possibility to transform City Hall in addition to its existing fuction. The reviewers (Christian) commented the drawings must engage cultural and social significance of City Hall in Edinburgh Place, in order to argue City Hall is a prominent site that intervnetion is necessary and worth to take place. Also, the reviewers (Christian and Eike) reminded that the research require a deep understanding of site context for example the highways and infrastructure, how they affect negatively towards City Hall site, that creates problem. Reviewer( Tao) questioned are there negative impacts of current preservation of City Hall building? it seems also possible to argue City Hall building is now in a retreat position and it can be a refuge site for preserving elements. If the thesis’s position is to insert new civic energy into City Hall building, what specifically value that the thesis embraces? the value is the key to provide an unique role for City Hall to compete with different intensity centres established along the harbourfront. In the next stage, three reviewers expected to see an architectural documentation of City Hall, to search possible intervention part of City Hall, if regeneration strategy is adopted.

Appendix H - Review 2 transcript Thesis Review 2 Date: 14/3/2022 , 1500-1520 ; Zoom Reviewers: Dr. Tao Zhu, Mr. Christian Lange, Dr. Ying Zhou, Mr. Donn Holohann, Mr. Kent Mundle

In the presentation, the research is summarised to address cultural, social and spatial problem of City Hall. In terms of proposition stage, I extracted 4 sites of major art venues between Central and West Kowloon Cultural District, Tsim Sha Tsui Museum complex and Wan Chai via water transport and railway connection. Also, from studies on local art ecology and artists village reveal gaps of lacking a community-engaged art practice in Hong Kong. Lastly, I consolidated my proposition as to introduce an art residence for local artists in front of City Hall. Through integration of City Hall and local art creation community, the City Hall could be inserted with art values to support Hong Kong cultural industry. Meanwhile to bring local artists a spacious, prominent art venue on the waterfront of Central. Comments and Discussion There are in-depth discussions on CULTURE. Dr. Ying Zhou asked the resolution and specific type of Hong Kong local arts culture. Compared to West Kowloon Cultural district, for example M+ museum contains its particular culture about contemporary east Asian art collection. The thesis need to calibrate the range of local arts. Also, regarding the study on art ecology, the thesis also need to investigate value chain, subsidization model of current cultural district/buildings/venues in order to find position how the proposed model differentiates from existing. She pointed out the problem of current Hong Kong cultural policy does not have a clear definition of local culture, so that it often rely on visitors, as means of promoting tourism. The thesis should study existing art entities such as Art Development Council to examine their role thus the “gap” in local arts industry. There are discussions surrounds on LAND. Donn questioned the expense of land for Central site. Since Central is highly valuable land in particular along harbourfront, how the thesis could convince government to transform the land for cultural development? The thesis needs to be realistic at the same time with making a statement on introducing public agency in Central. Also, the site characteristic of including Victoria Habour could also seen as a free port for liberating the space apart from commercial, commodity values grounded in Central. Questions about PROGRAMME is extremely critical in this thesis. Donn doubted that the thesis proposed art residences which cheap and big studio could simply resolve the issues underlying the study. Thesis may need to expand and contain diverse programme of art related community in order to respond with various issues discussed. Ying urged a careful intervention in sites of City Hall. City Hall being the original art museum and galleries, how the function of City Hall work with the particular local art culture. The programme should also fit into local artists’s practice and routine, cater to their spatial needs so as to avoid naïve statement of helping local artists. 97

Appendix I - Review 3 transcript Thesis Review 3 Date: 20/3/2022 , 1120-1140 ; In person review Reviewers: Dr. Tao Zhu, Prof. Christian Lange, Prof. Ulrich Kirchhoff, Mr. Kent Mundle

In the presentation, I introduced creative art space for local artists is the future extension of Hong Kong City Hall. The proposal came from arts and culture complexity from City Hall as well as responding towards lack of affordable art space issue encountered by local artists. The vision of this project is to set up arts and culture quality in Central. Apart from presenting the project from social vision, I developed architectural form as horizontal low rise form, inspired by courtyard compound in City Hall. The duplication of courtyard is adopted as spatial organization strategies, also supported by courtyard precedents. Comments and Discussion Ulrich and Kent are more concerned about the architectural project of creative art space. The thesis project needs a social statement and equally important of its spatial quality. Ulrich finds it is understandable the horizontal form and volumetric generated from the research and argument. However, he is looking for more in-depth methodology on the design and resistance of project in particular courtyard making. Ulrich also concerned about whether this creative art space would benefits to the public in terms of open space, instead exclusively reserved the area for artists. Kent suggested to further study the precedents of Berlin Free University organization, to facilitate precedents to make this building structure more convincing. In terms of programme, Ulrich questions on how the creative space survive in Central since it is lack of supporting facilities and irrelated with nearby programmes. Kent suggested the following month could work on developing the programme into more affordable sets of facilities for art graduates. Christian suggested the programme should also incorporate the development of art graduates such as how to assist them to make a living, so that these bottom-up notions could be included in a highly-subsidized scheme. Tao commented the whole project focused on future of city hall and how to open the city hall to the public and artists as target group. He suggested a public corridor should introduced in harbourfront since the area lacks vertical linkage to inner Central. 98

Appendix J - Final Review transcript Thesis Final Review Date: 2/6/2022 , 1500-1530 ; In person review Internal Reviewers: Dr. Tao Zhu, Mr. Christian Lange, Mr. Thomas Tsang; External Reviewers: Ms. Clover Lee (PlusClover), Claude Godfrey (Henning Larsen), Ivy Lee (Leigh & Orange), Michael Ng (Foster & Partners)

IIn the presentation, I first summarized thesis background, intervention with PowerPoint slides, as well as key images illustrating the project’s originality. Then I introduced models and panels. Lastly, I concluded my position of sustaining social and cultural significance of Hong Kong City Hall and my perception to create Central with diversity and creativity. Comments and Discussion The reviewers accepted project narrative of a cultural programme as extension of City Hall, it is a strong statement towards Central and its potential impact. They focused more on architecture-making quality of this arts and cultural hub instead. In terms of integration with Hong Kong City Hall, Ms. Clover Lee is looking for how the project leads to a new understanding of Hong Kong City Hall, which she thought the project could generate more integrative quality if also adjusting existing City Hall. Mr. Claude Godfrey thought the extension building is well designed yet the openness quality is not drawn from City Hall, which he found it is quite enclosed. He also found interesting/ paradox in comparing courtyard of City Hall is quite introvert while my language of courtyard is very open and flexible. Ms. Ivy Lee concerned about how this framework sensitive to neighboring context and how I set up site boundaries, which I explained that I perceived a historical linkage by connecting Edinburgh Place with reconstructed Queen’s Pier and re-establish spatial order of City Hall so that the orientation of framework is very site-specific in Harbourfront area. Mr. Michael Ng wondered courtyard language whether it is a DNA of Central’s organization, he thought it is unique to City Hall but quite outstanding from Central, then he imagined if the project inverts the solid void relationship, would the internal streets manifest a larger relation to Central. To reflect from final review, I sincerely appreciated all the excitements from critic and their valuable comments. I agree on it increase project’s resolution if further spatial intervention in existing City Hall. also in future context, the perception of City Hall could be different from its establishment as it always engages with everchanging socio-economic issues too. From my view, I think City Hall is still an excellent venue of concert and I respect its every architectural quality in this thesis, since it is well functioned for so many years. The problem/ conflict of City Hall is its decline of spatial order and conflict of site context erasing its prominence. Therefore, my approach focus on extension and revitalizing the internal programmes of City Hall. 99

Appendix K - Final Review Powerpoint Slides 8/6/2022

8/6/2022

Re-Centering Central: The Future of Hong Kong City Hall 5th anniversary leaflet by Hong Kong City Hall , 1967 Translated “City Hall – Hong Kong Cultural Centre”

Man Cho Thesis advisors: Tao Zhu & Christian Lange

Extracted from Hong Kong City Hall Social Media page

Imaginary 70th anniversary poster for Hong Kong City Hall Edinburgh Place

Interview with artist & art educator

Ms. May Fung

Mr. Peter Nelson

- One of the founding members of Videotage and 1aSpace - Chairperson of Art and Culture Outreach (ACO), Foo Tak Building, vertical art village in Wan Chai - Assessor of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council - Advisor to the Leisure & Cultural Services Department and the Home Affairs Bureau

- Assistant professor in Academy of Visual Arts, Hong Kong Baptist University - current board member of Digital Games Research Association (DiGRA) and Chinese DiGRA

(photo credit: Hysan95)

(photo credit: Academy of Visual Arts, HKBU website)

Fig.1,3-5: Shadrach Woods, Candilis-Josic-Woods: Building for People (New York: F.A.Praeger, 1968), 208 Fig.2: Free University of Berlin, on shiksha website Fig. 1 Roof plan

Fig.2 Exterior view

Fig. 3 system

Fig. 4 circulation

Open space

Art exhibition “ Hong Kong Contemporary Art” in 1977, Low block of City Hall, photos owned by Hong Kong Museum of Art

8/6/2022

residents court

Enlarged 1/F plan

Hong Kong Art History Timeline

Imagining Cultural Landscape in Central

Cultural users court

8/6/2022

public court

Enlarged G/F plan

Posters collection of art exhibitions in City Hall during 1962-1990s

Introducing greenery, open, fluid environment for art and culture creation

Thank you

Hong Kong City Hall, 1962

Hong Kong City Hall, 2019

Hong Kong City Hall 60th anniversary poster, magazine cover on Arts Manager, volume 18 issue 7, Apr 2022

100

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