As one of the greatest world financial centers, Hong Kong has an unique modern architecture impression of its own. Some famous buildings, such as Two International Financial Centre, Cheung Kong Center, Exchange Square, HSBC Main Building and Central Plaza etc. in Hong Kong are of the greatest architecture during the past decade, which also made Hong Kong a center of great modern architecture.
Due to the lack of land and highly developed business there, space is badly needed in Hong Kong. Therefore Hong Kong government cleared the old city during the 20th century and built these famous skyscrapers in order to solve the space problem. That is just why there are so many amazingly tall office buildings there today.
Hong Kong architecture reflects the trend of architecture in the world. There are postmodern commercial buildings, such as the Two International Finance Centre, Central Tower, HSBC Tower, and modern buildings such as Bank of China Tower, Cheung Kong Center in Hong Kong. Traditional architecture can be seen almost anywhere in Hong Kong Island. This blend of traditional Chinese and Europian architecture, outstanding western modern and postmodern architecture in Hong Kong is a unique architectural sene in the world.
12/12/2010
12/10/2010
The Sorrento
The Sorrento
Location: Union Square, Hong Kong
Building use: Residential
Architectural Style: modern
Structural Types: - highrise
Year: 2003
The Sorrento complex contains five buildings.
The number “4” is omitted because the pronunciation of 4 is similar with the word “death”, which is considered unlucky. The Sorrento 1 is the tallest residential-only building in Asia, and also the fifth tallest residential-only building in the world. All these five skyscrapers are next to each other, but there is a gap between the Sorrento 2 and the Sorrento 3. The is a foot bridge connecting the Sorrento complex with the Kowloon Station and the Elements Mall. Driving no more than 5 minutes, people can fine banks, restaurants, schools, hospitals, and cafeterias around.
The Sorrento complex is designed by Wong & Ouyang (HK) Ltd, achieving the goals of being both modern and practical. It has all metal construction, which makes it has the advantages of environmental protection and high accuracy. On the aspect of building structure, the developer of the Sorrento complex separate the main wall to all floors of the building by using high-tech computer programming, which aims to improve the utility of the building, especially the lower floors.
Sorrento Clubhouse facilities included indoor garden, outdoor playground, billiard room, tennis court, gymnasium, squash court, outdoor swimming pool, library, 3 multi - function hall, table tennis room etc. [2]
The luxury of the Sorrento complex is provided for the rich people in the superior market. According to the consumers’ demand, the Sorrento tries to create the atmosphere of Sanya Resort and the concept of “palace”.
[1][2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorrento,_Hong_Kong
Location: Union Square, Hong Kong
Building use: Residential
Architectural Style: modern
Structural Types: - highrise
Year: 2003
The Sorrento complex contains five buildings.
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| panoramio.com |
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| wongouyang.com |
The Sorrento complex is designed by Wong & Ouyang (HK) Ltd, achieving the goals of being both modern and practical. It has all metal construction, which makes it has the advantages of environmental protection and high accuracy. On the aspect of building structure, the developer of the Sorrento complex separate the main wall to all floors of the building by using high-tech computer programming, which aims to improve the utility of the building, especially the lower floors.
Sorrento Clubhouse facilities included indoor garden, outdoor playground, billiard room, tennis court, gymnasium, squash court, outdoor swimming pool, library, 3 multi - function hall, table tennis room etc. [2]
The luxury of the Sorrento complex is provided for the rich people in the superior market. According to the consumers’ demand, the Sorrento tries to create the atmosphere of Sanya Resort and the concept of “palace”.
[1][2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorrento,_Hong_Kong
12/01/2010
Kow Loong Peninsula View
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| http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kowloon |
11/30/2010
The Habourside
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| http://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-tw/File:The_Harbourside.jpg |
Location: 1 Austin Road Hong Kong
Year: 2000-2003
Use: Residential
Height: 255 meters / 738.1 feet
Architect: P & T Architects and Engineers Ltd.
Floor: 80
Architectural Style: Postmodern
Units / Rooms: 1,122 [1]
The harbourside has a beautiful Chinese name君臨天下. It means the king come to the world. The Harbourside is one of the most luxurious and expensive apartments in Hong Kong. This building is located near the Victoria Harbour, which makes it even more attractive to rich people. The Habourside has 80 floors. It is among the highest residential buildings in the world. Living in this building is a symbol of rich and luxury.
[1] http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=7287
11/18/2010
Langham Place Office Tower
Langham Place Office Tower
Location: 8 Argyle Street, Hong Kong
Height: 255.1 meters / 838 feet
Year: 1999-2004
Floor count: 59
Floor area: 93,153 m²
Use: office
This area was originally occupied by old residential buildings. However, the Hong Kong Land Development Corporation, along with the Great Eagle Corporation , started a renewal project: Langham Place. Langham Place is a business and commercial complex located at the intersection of Mong Kok's two busiest streets -- Argyle, and Shanghai.
It is an appropriate representation of Hong Kong at the crossroads of its British past and Chinese future. The building's curves are sweeping, but its height makes up for what could have been a liability. Instead of appearing bulbous, it is sinuous, tactile, and sexy. It helps demonstrate the contrasts that typify modern day Hong Kong. [1]
This building is divided into two sides, one is for hotel and shopping mall, and the other is for offices. People working in this superior office building can afford the hotel, food court, and shopping mall, which forms a stable consumption chain.
Langham Place Office Tower is one part of the Langham Place. It is the tallest commercial skyscraper in Kowloon, and also the seventh highest skyscraper in Hong Kong. The whole skyscraper is covered with beautiful blue shimmering glass wallcurtain and the building is famous for its curvy shape. It gives the old Kowloon a brand new and energetic look.
[1]http://www.glasssteelandstone.com/BuildingDetail/957.php
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| skyscrapers.cn |
Location: 8 Argyle Street, Hong Kong
Height: 255.1 meters / 838 feet
Year: 1999-2004
Floor count: 59
Floor area: 93,153 m²
Use: office
This area was originally occupied by old residential buildings. However, the Hong Kong Land Development Corporation, along with the Great Eagle Corporation , started a renewal project: Langham Place. Langham Place is a business and commercial complex located at the intersection of Mong Kok's two busiest streets -- Argyle, and Shanghai.
It is an appropriate representation of Hong Kong at the crossroads of its British past and Chinese future. The building's curves are sweeping, but its height makes up for what could have been a liability. Instead of appearing bulbous, it is sinuous, tactile, and sexy. It helps demonstrate the contrasts that typify modern day Hong Kong. [1]
This building is divided into two sides, one is for hotel and shopping mall, and the other is for offices. People working in this superior office building can afford the hotel, food court, and shopping mall, which forms a stable consumption chain.
Langham Place Office Tower is one part of the Langham Place. It is the tallest commercial skyscraper in Kowloon, and also the seventh highest skyscraper in Hong Kong. The whole skyscraper is covered with beautiful blue shimmering glass wallcurtain and the building is famous for its curvy shape. It gives the old Kowloon a brand new and energetic look.
[1]http://www.glasssteelandstone.com/BuildingDetail/957.php
11/14/2010
Cheung Kong Center
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| chinesearchitecture.com |
Location: 2 Queen's Road Hong Kong Island
Architect: Hsin-Yieh Architects and Associates Ltd. Leo A. Daly Pacific Limited
Floor: 63
Height: 928.1
Use: Office
Elevator: 28
Year: 1995-1999[1]
Cheung Kong Center is located at central Kong Hong Island area, one of the most expensive land in the world. One of the most famous American architect, Leo A. Daly designed this building and gave it a square base which could make the space more efficient and the office more usable. When completed in 1999, it was the third-tallest building in the city.[1] Although often listed as having 70 stories, this building actually lacks the following floors: 4, 14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 64. Thus in reality it is a 63-story building. The above floors are "missing" because 4 is an inauspicious number as it sounds much like the word for death. [3]
Numbers are very important for Chinese people. Just like Americans usually do not like number 13. So avoiding “4” shows respect to the employees who would be working on the 4th, 14th, 24th, etc. floors.
The Cheung Kong Center is adorned by a grid of fiber optic lights that can be programmed to change color. This sprakling illumination is only enhanced by the building's black curtain wall which makes the building a silhouette in the daytime, and an inky peaceful void at night."[4]
[1] http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=1346
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheung_Kong_Center
[3] http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=1346
[4] http://www.glasssteelandstone.com/CN/CheungKongCentre.html
11/13/2010
Great Hong Kong buildings
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| http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_of_Hong_Kong |
Bank of China Tower
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| http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_of_Hong_Kong |
The HSBC Headquarters Building (left) and its neighborhood at night.
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| http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_of_Hong_Kong |
Hong Kong night view from Victoria Habour
Architecture in West Kow Loon
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| http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Harbour_Crossing |
Western Habour Crossing of West Kow Loon
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| http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Kowloon |
The Union Square development
Hong Kong Island Central View
Central is the heart of Hong Kong. Any type of architecture can be found here. is rich in Central is extremly rich in history and heritage. Highest skyscrapers in Hong Kong are mostly located in this area.
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| http://www.daynews.com.cn |
Victoria Habour at night
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| http://www.daynews.com.cn |
Two International Finance Centre
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| http://www.daynews.com.cn |
E. Queen Road
11/11/2010
The Cullinan
Location: Union Square, Hong Kong
Height: 269.9 meters (886 feet)
Year: 2002-2008
Floor: 68
Building Uses
- mixed use
- hotel
- residential
- office
Architectural Style: modern
Materials: glass
The Cullinan is the sixth phase of the Kowloon Station residential development, and the tallest residential building in Hong Kong. [1] It is like a twin towel. The two divided towers of the Cullinan complex are called The Cullinan North Tower and The Cullinan South Tower. The developer of the complex is Sun Hung Kai Properties, a major properties developer in Hong Kong and a leader in the real estate industry. The Cullinan Tower has all glass curtainwalls, which gives it the modern look. It shows an innovative and futuristic image together with all the other modern buildings on the Union Square. Also, the Cullinan Tower has a sweeping view of the Victoria Harbor, which makes it more popular among all the residential skyscrapers in Hong Kong. The Cullinan Tower is built for the richest people in Hong Kong, and it becomes the symbol of luxury. According to Time magazine, it "could well qualify as the world's most expensive apartments." [2]
[1]http://wikimapia.org/13894645/The-Cullinan
[2]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cullinan_Towers
10/26/2010
The Masterpiece
Location: Hanoi Road , Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong HK China
Height: 261 meters
Year: 2002-2007
Floor count: 64
Floor area: 115,600 m²
Building Uses
- mixed use
- hotel
- residential
- retail
Architectural Style: modern
Materials: glass, steel, concrete
The masterpiece in Hong Kong is a residential skyscraper. It is located in the center of Tsim Sha Tsui, in front of Victoria Harbor. People can enjoy the view of Victoria Harbor in the Masterpiece from different directions. As it is built beside the railway station, connecting all the railway network in the urban area, it is very convenient for people to travel outside. Thus, these advantages make the Masterpiece one of the most popular residential skyscraper in Hong Kong. It is now used in three parts. There are luxury hotels and shops on its lower floors. On the middle floors, there are gym, swimming pool, shared with the hotels. The top floors are all for residential use.
10/19/2010
One Island East
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| hongkonghustle.com |
Location: 14-16 Westlands Road Hong Kong
Year: 2006-2008
Floors: 67
Floor Area: 141,000 m²
Elevator Count: 28
Building Uses: office
Architect: Wong & Ouyang (HK) Ltd.
Height: 294.8 meters/ 967.1 feet
One Island East was built in 2008. The whole facade of the building was made of glass which makes the offices bright and clear during day time and the makes the whole building bright and light in the night. Commercial buildings in the east Hong Kong Island are generally only 20 to 40 stories, so One Island East stands out with 70 stories in east Hong Kong. There are two sky lobbies at 37th and 38th floor.[2] People who are going to higher floors of the building can take express elevators which only stop at sky lobbies floor and transfer to local elevators that stop at every floor. The sky lobbies was first used in John Hancock Center at Chicago.[3] The sky lobby can save our time when travelling to higher floor of the building.
[1] http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=31697
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Island_East
[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sky_lobby
10/14/2010
Nina Towers
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| skycraperpictures.com |
Location: Tsuen Wan, New Territorries, Hong Kong
Year: 2000-2007
Architect: Arthur CS Kwok Architects & Associates Limited
Height: 318.8 metes / 1,046 feet
Floor: 80 / 42
Use: Office, hotel
Elevators: 60[1]
Nina Towers are a twin tower of 80-story and 42-story high-rise buildings in Tsuen Wan, New Territories, Hong Kong. The original design of this towers was just called Nina Tower and was supposed to be the tallest tower in the world at 518 m or 1,699 ft. However, due to its location near Chek Lap Kok Airport, the height was restricted to the current 319.8 m or 1,049 ft.
The owner of Chinachem Group later changed her plan and broke it into two towers. The lower is known as Nina Tower, symbolising the late Nina Wang or Kung Yu Sum natively, the owner of Chinachem Group; the higher is Teddy Tower, symbolising her husband Teddy Wang, who was kidnapped and has since disappeared. Despite the different tower names, the whole development is called Nina Tower. [2]
[1] http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=1319
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nina_Tower#cite_note-0
10/09/2010
The Center
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| Photo from zhulong.com |
Location: Central, Hong Kong Island
Height: 346 meters/ 1135 feet
Year: 1995-1998
Architect: Dennis Lau & Ng Chun Man
Use: Office
Materials: Glass, steel
Floors: 73
Floor Area130,032 m² [1]
The Center is located at Central, Hong Kong Island, right next to Central Plaza and Two International Finance Center. The Center is the fourth tallest skyscraper in Hong Kong. This building does not have a concrete core and is for office use only. The forty one Toshiba high speed elevators inside of this building are the fastest and longest elevators in Hong Kong(12m/s, 43.1km/h). [2]
[1] http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=123
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Center
10/04/2010
Central Plaza
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| Photo from librand.com |
Location: Central, Hong Kong Island
Height: 374.0meters / 1227 feet
Architect: Dennis Lau & Ng Chun Man
Use: Office, religious
Year: 1989-1992
Floor: 78
Materials: Glass, steel, concrete reinforced, concrete [1]
Central Plaza is located at central, Hong Kong Island, right next to Two International Finance Center. Been built in 1992, Central Plaza is still among the top ten highest buildings in the world. The building has a rough triangular prism structure, which means it has a rough triangular base. However, all the sharp edges have been cut. This makes the building looks more steady and mild. Moreover, Hong Kong people believe in “Feng Shui”(1) and consider it very important when designing and constructing new buildings. It is believed in Feng Shui that sharp edges of a building could bring some negative qi(2) to the neighborhood of it. Cutting the sharp edges not only brought respect to its neighborhood but maximized the use of land on one of the most expensive land in the world.
Feng shui 風水, is an ancient Chinese system of aesthetics believed to use the laws of both Heaven (astronomy) and Earth (geography) to help one improve life by receiving positive qi.[2]
In traditional Chinese culture, qi, 氣 also spelled chi or ch'i in English, is an active principle forming part of any living thing. [3]
[1] http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=112
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feng_shui
[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qi
[4] Photo from librand.com
10/01/2010
Two International Finance Centre
Two International Finance Centre 國際金融中心二期
Location: Central, Hong Kong Island
Architect: Cesar Pelli & Association Architects
Year: 1997-2003
Height: 406.9 meters / 1,134.9 feet
Stories: 90
Use: Office, parking garage and retail
Material: Glass, Steel[1]
The outlook of the Two International Finance Center is famous of its simple, steady and “The width of the tower is 56.960 meters at the base, and 39.148 meters at the main roof, according to the blueprint.”[2] The indented top of the building makes it to look slimmer, smart, light and tall. The large amount of glass brings more nature light into the office rooms during day time, relaxing the people inside. While during the nights, the building would be lighted up. It looks just like a torch standing right besides the Victoria Harbor, shining and waving to Kowloon Island, and to the entire world. The Two International Finance Center is the symbol of the Victoria Harbor which is one of the most famous harbor all over the world and famous by its night scenery.
[1] http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=11
[2]http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=11
[3]Photo from gakei.com
International Commerce Center
Location: West Kowloon, Hong Kong IslandArchitect: Wong & Ouyang (HK) Ltd.
Year: 2010
Height: 484.0 meters /
Stories: 108
Use: Hotel, observation, office, parking garage, retail
Built in 2010, the International Commerce Center of Hong Kong stands at the center of Hong Kong island. It is still the tallest building in Hong Kong and the fourth tallest building in the world. It has a glass facade and three horizontal column on the exterior of the building. During the night, we can see the beautiful colorful bright light from the rooms through the glass facade. The lower corner of the building looks like being cut. It creates a special steady feeling of this building.
9/27/2010
Hopewell Center
Hopewell Center 合和中心
Location: Hong Kong
Address: 183 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island
Architect: Gordon Wu
Year: 1977-1980
Height: 216.0 m /708.7 feet
Floor: 66
Use: Office, restaurant, retail, parking [1]
The Hopewell Center Hong Kong is located at the central business center of Hong Kong island. Built in 1980, it was once the tallest building in Asia in the 80s. There are 30 elevators inside of this building. I cannot imagine a building with 64 floors having no elevator. Employees, customers and workers go up and down everyday with these elevators. Therefore modern architecture requires highly developed machinery engineering to support daily life and transportation inside of it.
http://www.hopewellholdings.com/cn/hhl_hopewell_centre.htm
Location: Hong Kong
Address: 183 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island
Architect: Gordon Wu
Year: 1977-1980
Height: 216.0 m /708.7 feet
Floor: 66
Use: Office, restaurant, retail, parking [1]
The Hopewell Center Hong Kong is located at the central business center of Hong Kong island. Built in 1980, it was once the tallest building in Asia in the 80s. There are 30 elevators inside of this building. I cannot imagine a building with 64 floors having no elevator. Employees, customers and workers go up and down everyday with these elevators. Therefore modern architecture requires highly developed machinery engineering to support daily life and transportation inside of it.
http://www.hopewellholdings.com/cn/hhl_hopewell_centre.htm
9/24/2010
Bank of China Tower
Address: Bank of China, 1 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong
Architect: Ieoh Ming Pei
Year: 1985-1989
Height: 369 meters / 1,209 feet
Stories: 70
Having a height of 1,209 feet, Bank of China Tower of Hong Kong was the tallest building in Asia until 1992 and is still the highest office building in Hong Kong. It has a unique diagonal exterior structure. This kind of design was fresh and fashion at the end of 80s. Some people also see this tower as a flourish bamboo, which means thriving and prosperous in traditional Chinese culture. The glass facade creates a transparent effect of the whole building, which could also bring more natural light into the offices. The four shaft of the building is narrowed as the building rises, which makes the building seems higher lighter and straighter and also saves metal constructing materials of the building.
Bank of China Tower was once the symbol of Hong Kong. Standing at the center of Hong Kong business district, it represents the spirit of architecture of Hong Kong: efficient, tall, modern and fashion, always being brilliant and always walking in advance of the whole world.
9/20/2010
Enjoy Hong Kong at night
Hong Kong is famous for its high skyscrapers as well as its gorgeous night view.
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