HKFP Lens: ‘Love at last sight’ – bidding farewell to Hong Kong’s modernist General Post Office after 50 years
When the General Post Office was built in Central half a century ago, conservationists mourned the loss of the building it replaced. The old General Post Office was a marvel of Edwardian architecture: sweeping archways and granite veranda pillars beneath a distinctive façade of rose-coloured Amoy brick – the gold standard for durability on the […]
The modernist General Post Office (GPO) in Central, Hong Kong, which opened in 1976, is finally being hailed as an iconic piece of the city's heritage despite its demolition being imminent. The building, with its sharp lines and white concrete walls, stands just five storeys above the harbourfront, a design that was influenced by the society of the 1970s which emphasized functionality over ornate decoration.
The former chief curator of the Hong Kong Museum of History once described the GPO as "Hong Kong's most beautiful building," placing it alongside the demolition of the old Hong Kong Club as one of the most regrettable architectural choices made by the city. However, unlike its predecessor, the modern GPO has gained recognition as time passed by. Conservationists who lamented the loss of the ornate Edwardian structure in the 1970s now find themselves in the same position as they watch the demolition of the modernist GPO.
The GPO's design, with its clean and functional aesthetic, reflected the priorities of the society in which it was built. The 1970s saw a rapid pace of modernization and development in Hong Kong, and the GPO was built accordingly. Its sharp lines and stark white appearance were chosen to serve the needs of a growing population, with decoration considered optional. As the GPO prepares to be demolished, it is now being appreciated as a symbol of Hong Kong's architectural evolution.
Written by urgent.news from Hong Kong Free Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
