Conservation Through Observation

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.