• Asia Society Hong Kong Center Publishes Heritage Revealed Transformation of the Heritage Site to Modern Utilization for the Hong Kong Community

    2 March 2015

    Hong Kong, January 7, 2015 – Delving into the historical context and modern use of the Former Explosives Magazine Compound in Admiralty, Hong Kong, Asia Society Hong Kong Center (“ASHK”) proudly publishes Heritage Revealed (language: English and Traditional Chinese)  in December 2014.

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    The main objectives of this book are to REVEAL historical significances, CONNECT the past with the present, SHARE the architectural work and its use for the community, SUPPORT Hong Kong government’s effort in heritage conservation, and COMMEMORATE theAsia Society Hong Kong Center’s transformation of the Former Explosives Magazine Compound.

    The production of the first print run of Heritage Revealed was generously supported by the Hinrich Foundation, Jebsen & Co. Ltd., and the Cypress Group. Architectural conservationists, historians, the ASHK team and supporters joined in honouring the continuous hard work of those that made the site what it is today.

    “Through preservation and adaptive re-use, the Asia Society Hong Kong Center campus was transformed from a derelict military site into a tranquil refuge and the modern cultural hub we very much hope you will enjoy,” Mr. Ronnie C. Chan, Co-Chair of Asia Society and Chairman of Asia Society Hong Kong Center proudly stated.

    Heritage Revealed highlights the transformation of the Former Explosives Magazine to the current site of Asia Society Hong Kong Center, and allows the readers to explore the history in the context of the military – both army and the navy – and the modern utilization of the compound for the Hong Kong community.

    “We trust this book will serve as a reminder of the history of the location and the Center’s commitment to fostering a greater understanding of Asia amongst the people of Asia and the world,” Mr. Merle A. Hinrich, Founder of The Hinrich Foundation remarked.

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    The book cover of Heritage Revealed

    Through the pages, Heritage Revealed showcases the exhibition space in the Chantal Miller Gallery, the world-class sound and theater facilities in the Miller Theater, the exchange of intellects in the Hong Kong Jockey Club Hall, and more.

    Referring to the characteristics of the site, Mr. Hans Michael Jebsen, Chairman of Jebsen & Co. Ltd. exclaimed, “The fact that a site as important and unusual as the Explosives Magazine Compound was not only saved but transformed into a unique public space, is probably amongst the world’s best examples of revived historical architecture.”

    The book also reflects contrasting themes such as the outdated to the contemporary, the basic to the creative, and the past to the present. From photographic images to architectural insights, the people and their stories, Heritage Revealed opens an intimate window to the historical stories and modern use of the site.

    “In just two years, the Center has GG_Block_Before_After_LowReswelcomed tens of thousands of visitors and thousands of students, schools and community groups to our exhibitions and public educational programs, while our guided tours of this heritage site have attracted visitors from both near and far,” S. Alice Mong, Executive Director of Asia Society Hong Kong Center recalled on the promise for the site to be accessible to all. “Those former military magazines are now literally exploding with ideas and creativity!”

    ASHK appreciates the contribution of Katie Cummer, Assistant Lecturer for the Architectural Conservation Programmes (“ACP”) of the University of Hong Kong, Dr. Lynne D. DiStefano, Adjunct Professor and Academic Advisor of ACP and Professor Lee Ho Yin, Director of ACP, in providing historical significance and architectural insights of the site for the publication of Heritage Revealed.

    Heritage Revealedis for sale in the Asia Society Store in the Hong Kong and New York Center, respectively.

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