Hong Kong – 31 March, 2015 – Great by Design: British Architecture – Asian Vision, an exhibition organised by The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in partnership with the GREAT Britain campaign, was unveiled last night at a VIP reception hosted by RIBA President Stephen Hodder MBE.
Hong Kong Financial Secretary John Tsang and British Consul-General Caroline Wilson delivered remarks during the event to highlight how collaboration between the UK and Asia has profoundly influenced the evolution of architecture, from the iconic Peak Tower to the much emulated Hong Kong International Airport. The reception was attended by specially invited guests including Vincent Ng, President of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects, and representatives of Hong Kong’s business and architectural sectors.
John Tsang, Financial Secretary of Hong Kong, said, “This exhibition does a superb job of underscoring the GREAT in Great Britain’s Hong Kong collaborations. It does so by illuminating some of the world’s most recognised architectural landmarks, spotlighting the creative thinking – the inspirations, large and small – that has made them memorable..”
Stephen Hodder MBE, President of The Royal Institute of British Architects, said “British architecture has formed a natural and intuitive relationship with Asian vision, foresight and entrepreneurial flair to produce some of the world’s most creative and innovative projects. From Norman Foster’s ‘High Tech’ HSBC building to Zaha Hadid’s seamless Innovation Tower for the Polytechnic University of Hong Kong, this exhibition offers an opportunity to see the story behind the spaces where we live, work and play.”
Free of charge and open to the public from 31 March to 11 April 2015, Great by Design comprises specially commissioned films, architectural models, animations and conceptual drawings presented in the form of a dynamic and informative installation. It showcases how our city is shaped, offering the public rare insight into the creative background of some of the world’s most recognised buildings and outstanding recent projects.
Throughout the duration of the exhibition there will also be screenings of the BBC TV series ‘The Brits who Built the Modern World’, aired for the first time in Asia.
Film screenings: Free of charge
Episode one – 1 April 2015, 7:30 – 8:30pm
Episode two – 8 April 2015, 7:30 – 8:30pm
Episode three – 9 April 2015, 7:30 – 8:30pm
The exhibition was preceded by a public forum on Monday, 30 M
arch, chaired by Stephen Hodder MBE. Supported by The Chinese University Hong Kong and the University of Hong Kong, Professor Colin Fournier from the School of Architecture at The Chinese University of Hong Kong delivered a keynote exploring the themes of collaboration and creative partnerships reflected within the exhibition. A panel discussion involving Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, Oval Partnership, Broadway Malyan and TFP Farrells offered a unique opportunity for the public to find out more about the architectural world.
Architectural practices contributing to the exhibition include Aedas, Benoy, David Chipperfield Architects, Foster + Partners, TFP Farrells, Heatherwick Studio, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners and Zaha Hadid Architects.
The exhibition is sponsored by Battersea Power Station, RocaConcepts, Showtex, Ming Hing Development Company and FACT. Supporting Organisations include Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Institute of Architects, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong University, and the RIBA Hong Kong Chapter.
Exhibition Details: Free of charge The Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong 31 March – 11 April 2015, open Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 10pm, except Public Holidays
More information on the exhibition can be found on the RIBA website: http://www.architecture.com/WhatsOn/March2015/GreatbyDesignBritishArchitecture-AsianVision.aspx