Transformative Hong Kong港創未來 Collateral Event of 18th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia

Transformative Hong Kong港創未來
Collateral Event of 18th International Architecture Exhibition –
La Biennale di Venezia

Exploring the Critical Territorial, Architectural & Urban Space Issues Facing Hong Kong’s Future

Jointly organised by The Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation and Hong Kong Arts Development Council, with The Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) as the Partner and Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as the Lead Sponsor, the “Transformative Hong Kong” Exhibition will be staged in the 18th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia from Saturday 20 May to Sunday 26 November, 2023. A press conference was held on 5 May, to announce theme and curatorial team of the “Transformative Hong Kong” Exhibition at the 18th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia.

When Hong Kong’s future is being transformed by such mega-projects as The Northern Metropolis and the East Lantau Metropolis, and by such innovations as Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), The Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation and Hong Kong Arts Development Council will be revealing these creative visions to the world through their “Transformative Hong Kong” Exhibition, one of the nine Collateral Events of the 18th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. The exhibition will share Hong Kong’s transformation with the world, and reveal both a city in a constant state of transformation and where creative design in this city is heading to.

International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia is the most prestigious biennale gathering for architecture community around the world. The Organiser of the Hong Kong exhibition, The Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation, and the Co-organiser Hong Kong Arts Development Council announced that the Hong Kong Curatorial Team formed by Ar. Sarah Kwok Yan Lee, Professor Hendrik Tieben and Ar. Yutaka Yano, has been appointed for curating the Hong Kong Exhibition. In response to “The Laboratory of the Future”, the overall title defined by Chief Curator of the 18th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, Lesley Lokko, the Hong Kong curatorial team has developed the “Transformative Hong Kong” Exhibition, consisting of 11 sets of exhibits with interactive mixed media representations and visual essays, snapshots of this transformative moment in our city, to feature the voices of a diverse group of creators who are distinctly Hong Kong in nature, and in vision.

Ar. Benny Chan, President of The Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA), Partner of the Hong Kong Exhibition said in today’s press conference that, “The International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia is one of the most influential events in the world for architects to envision the future of different architectural planning of their countries. We are going to explore the insights into Hong Kong’s transformation in urban planning and architectural design while we preserve local traditions and culture, continuing to innovate under the discussion around the Belt and Road Initiative.”

Mr Kenneth Fok said in the remarks that “Committed to establishing an overseas exchange platform for local architects and design talents, Hong Kong Arts Development Council and Hong Kong Institute of Architects have joined hands together to showcase our exceptional architectural art and design to the international audiences at the Venice Biennale Architecture since 2006. Throughout the years, we have witnessed the extraordinary advancement accomplished by our architects and artists, as well as the persistent efforts contributed by every member of the artistic team.”

Ar. Julia Lau, Chairman of The Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation, Organiser of the Hong Kong Exhibition said on the same occasion that, “The Foundation is excited to have the Hong Kong Curatorial Team formed by Ar. Sarah Lee, Professor Hendrik Tieben and Ar. Yutaka Yano on board. We can’t wait to see the inspiring exhibits by our industry pioneers in expressing their different views beyond on the city’s changes over time under the scales of territory, architecture and urban space.”

Mrs Lowell Cho, Assistant Head of Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Lead Sponsor of the Hong Kong Exhibition, expressed her gratitude to The Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation and Hong Kong Arts Development Council for co-organising the Hong Kong Exhibition again to promote Hong Kong’s architecture on the platform of International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia.

The “Transformative Hong Kong” Exhibition will be presented in three designated scales - “Territorial Transformations”, “Architectural Transformations” and “Public Space Transformations”, with focused themes on Hong Kong’s sustainability, climate change, technology and energy/resource management, and how the architectural collaborations and innovations using the city as the “laboratory” to meet the challenges faced by the future generation of Hong Kong.

Territorial Transformations

According to Professor Hendrik Tieben, a member of the Hong Kong Curatorial Team, “Territorial planning has long been the social issues for Hong Kong’s future development. Ongoing mega-projects and recently initiated territorial planning framework will profoundly transform the city. Even though the complexity and depth of the subjects extend far beyond the scope of this exhibition and a fluid transitional phase is often difficult to crystalise or capture, nevertheless the exhibition introduces a unique insight into selected critical urban issues facing Hong Kong in the near future”.

Architectural Transformations

Curator Ar. Yutaka Yano supplemented that, “Hong Kong is a global financial and aviation hub and a densely populated urban centre which presents unique challenges and opportunities for urban planning and architectural innovation. With the advent of smart city technologies and digital fabrication, Hong Kong's design practices are transforming and increasingly propelled by sustainable-agenda, data-driven and adaptable urban design philosophy. However, Hong Kong's unique cultural heritage is not lost in the pursuit of technological advancement. By embracing innovations, architects continue to aspire to create sustainable spaces while preserving the rich cultural heritage that makes Hong Kong unique. ”

Public Space Transformations

For Ar. Sarah Kwok Yan Lee, curating the “Public Space Transformations” scale has presented her an opportunity. “For the public space in Hong Kong, the key question remains: how can residents of the dense urban areas be provided with suitable open spaces near their homes and ease of access to the wider distant natural areas? This question became particularly urgent under the COVID 19 Pandemic during which access to open spaces became an essential factor for health and well-being,” says Ar. Sarah Kwok Yan Lee. “Public Space Transformations is essential in the creation of more successful public spaces and will be the stronger consideration of community views, existing place qualities and environmental conditions and we remain optimistic and are encouraged by both new generations of designers as well as the more established practices in this endeavor to improve Hong Kong's public space that support our way of life.”

“Transformative Hong Kong” Exhibition will be exhibited from 20 May to 26 November 2023 in Venice, Italy. The exhibition will return to Hong Kong in the first quarter of 2024. More information will be released on the official website in due course.

Transformative Hong Kong港創未來
Hong Kong Exhibition at the 18th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia