The Architectural Services Department has, for the first time, published a book on public architecture with the aim of promoting awareness of public architecture in Hong Kong.
Speaking at the book launch today, the Director of Architectural Services, Yue Chi-hang, said members of the public had few opportunities to acquaint themselves with public architecture as books on the subject were scarce.
Modern design: Director of Architectural Services Yue Chi-hang
at the launch. Two projects, the Hong Kong Wetland Park and Public
Health Laboratory Centre, are among the 33 stories covered in the book.
"This new book is, therefore, intended to fill the gap, enabling the public to learn more about public architecture in Hong Kong," Mr Yue said.
He said, people, architecture and urban spaces are one and cannot be separated.
"Public architecture relates to us subtly and in such a detailed way that every one of our movements in the built environment counts. Public architecture not only influences our way of life but also the quality of our life."
The book, entitled "POST 97 public architecture in hong kong", features 33 of the department's articles on public architecture' in the past to years.
Mr Yue said, however, that when the title was chosen, there was no intention to relate it to the return of sovereignty in 1997. Instead, it is just to go over again some of the department's projects executed in the past 10 years and make them the basis of the book.
The book contains bilingual articles describing the concepts and designs of these buildings and has more than 300 high-quality photographs.
The stories are divided into six main themes - "People . Places", "Day . Night", "Body . Soul", "Boys . Girls", "Rest . Play", and "Today . Yesterday".
Award-winning buildings
Public buildings and facilities such as schools, parks, open spaces, municipal services buildings, libraries, museums, government buildings, hospitals and even crematoria are covered in the book. Some of them are award-winning buildings in major design competitions.
To make it readable, he said, simple language is used to describe the department's design approache for different types of public building and facilities.
"It not only demonstrates how we interpret our thoughts and beliefs about public architecture, but also demonstrates our ideals about public architecture," Mr Yue said.
"Through this book, we hope the public will share our ideals and love for public architecture."
The book will be on sale in bookstores from October 28, at a price of $195.
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