Tall Storeys – Evolution in Hong Kong Architecture – 1965-2014

A major retrospective on Hong Kong architecture to showcase the city’s expertise and experience in responding to the challenges of high density development and promote collaboration between architects in Hong Kong and the UK will be staged in London from 30 October to 26 November 2014.

The exhibition, entitled “Tall Storeys – Evolution in Hong Kong Architecture – 1965-2014” (“Tall Storeys”), looks back at how Hong Kong architects have been responding to the rapidly changing social and economic environment since the 1960s and architects’ key role in the transformation of Hong Kong into a metropolis which is one of the most densely populated cities in the world.

Tall Storeys is the first ever exhibition staged by the Hong Kong Institute of Architects in London, as part of its celebration of the 50th anniversary of the HKIA Annual Awards. The exhibition presents some 30 works of architectural significance in Hong Kong in the past 50 years, telling the story of how Hong Kong architects have been responding to various social and economic challenges, and gained extensive expertise in high-density, high-rise urban developments. All selected works are award winning projects of the HKIA Awards, which were inaugurated in 1965 to recognise outstanding architectural achievements of HKIA members.

The exhibition will present some of the early projects that dealt with the challenge of a rapidly growing population in Hong Kong and formed the basis for the city’s unprecedented housing programme, as well as the evolution of a new hub model in the 1980s which features mutually supportive uses integrated with underground rail stations.

Coinciding with the “Hong Kong Week in London”, Tall Storeys will also include a range of activities and events for professionals and members of the public. Two opening forums with the themes of “Reconnecting Cultures” and “High Density Cities - Hong Kong Typologies “ will be held, featuring distinguished Hong Kong architects including Mr Rocco Yim, BBS, JP of Rocco Design Architects, and others. They will discuss the historical development and consider the future of Hong Kong architecture, through sharing of personal experience and insight.

The exhibition is produced by Ms Sarah Lee and her team at Sky-Yutaka Architecture and Design and supported by RIBA; with Create Hong Kong* office of the HKSAR Government as the leading sponsor. It will be open to the public with free admission from 10am to 5pm, Mondays to Saturdays, from 30 October to 26 November 2014.