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  1. 《LIFE+》Magazine
  2. 《LIFE+》Magazine Issue List
  3. Autumn 2022 Issue
  4. Conservation Through Observation
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  • Conservation Through Observation

    08 November 2022
    When Hong Kong’s Central Market re-opened to an admiring public in 2021, it quietly completed a triangular form that was first described in 2009, by then the Secretary for Development, Carrie Lam. Now at each point of this triangle lies a recently revitalised historical landmark; Tai Kwun, PMQ, and now Central Market. Successfully upgraded as part of Lam’s 2009 ‘Conserving Central’ initiative, together they represent only the opening chapter of a much larger conservation story, according to Hong Kong Architecture Centre (HKAC) Director, Joe Lui.

    “ When we talk about the triangle, I keep emphasising, don’t just look at the three buildings, look at the lines that connect them. What lies between them is really important, and the three points are the catalyst. Like the centre of the centre.” Joe Lui

    HKAC has a long established track record, working since 2006 to establish a clear bridge between architecture and the city’s broader community. Pre-Covid, guided walks, talks and exhibitions were numerous, with the ‘architecture for all’ approach engaging and inspiring all ages, whilst also earning a number of awards for its innovative outreach programmes. Architect Lui has an intense passion for the area we all know as Central. His background in master planning, and observations on how humans relate to the spaces created for them, meet in the details of this diverse neighbourhood. Keen to stress how it’s not simply the major landmarks that give Central its personality and appeal, Joe has his sights set on many of the older, smaller, privately owned buildings that form the area’s texture.
     

    “If you have a building of maybe 60 or 70 years old, we already see value in this. Ultimately, we want the city to flow with history and culture,” notes Lui, who sees the need for the private sector to become much more involved in preserving the past for future generations.

    Chinachem Group, with architect Donald Choi at the helm, were the natural partners for the HKAC, given their shared long-term and sustainable approach to revitalisation and preservation. The organisation needed a venue for seminars, exhibitions and events, so Chinachem’s first priority was to provide Lui and his team with an area in Central Market that’s
    now a destination for those wanting to learn more about the work this NGO is doing. And the next step for the partnership is to restart the comprehensive programme of guided walks that became so popular pre-pandemic.

    “We try to appeal to many different interest groups for our walks. For example, art, religion, finance, tall buildings, even food. We mix it around to try to attract the locals to learn more about their own city,” explains Lui. “We also do a lot of collaboration with the Education Bureau and schools. And from our base here (in Central Market), we can create lots of workshops and community engagement programmes.”

    Joe and his team are very keen to encourage those who frequent Central on a regular basis and often take it for granted, to pause, look, and start to recognise the unique stories and value contained within the fabric of this diverse locale. And this process of appreciation and preservation needs to start now.

    “ I dream about Hong Kong becoming 200 years old in 2041. I keep thinking, it’s only 19 years to go, so not much time. By then, I really hope our area within Central will be well preserved and well connected, particularly for pedestrians. And we’ll have created activities and events that people really want to participate in.” Joe Lui


    Tai Kwun
    10 Hollywood Road, HK

    Central Market
    93 Queen’s Road Central
    and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

    PMQ
    No.35 Aberdeen Street, Central
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
  • Front Cover1
  • Issue Highlights2
  • Foreword3
  • A Trio of Market Traders Share their Stories4
  • Conservation Through Observation5
  • Reviving an Essential Missing Ingredient in Central6
  • Meet Some of Central Market's Unsung Heroes7
  • A Typical Workday at an Untypical Workplace8
  • Meet the Co-worker Who Spends Most of His Day Under the Desk9
  • Reflect the Harmony between Human and Nature in Fungshui Woods10
  • Two Journeys of Transformation - The Fossil Garden and My Own11
  • The Comfort Zone of Sha Tin Kaifong 12
  • Converting an Empty Building for People Experiencing Homelessness13
  • Celebrate Great Moments in a Few Simple Clicks14
  • “No One is Left Behind”15
  • An Idea to Generate Social Impact 16
  • Impressed by "RU"17
  • Back Cover18

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