Hong Kong is densely populated with limited land. To address the issue of land shortage, various high-rise buildings have gradually emerged, creating the unique skyline of this city. Recently, Blue Lotus Gallery held an exhibition titled “Hong Kong Modern: Architecture from the 1950s to the 1970s,” inviting urban planners, writers, and photographer Walter Koditek to share his photography based on his book of the same name. Through an aesthetic and informative perspective, he guides everyone to understand the architecture of Hong Kong during its transformation period from the 1950s to the 1970s.
In the decades following the war, many Hong Kong architects who had migrated from mainland China or studied abroad applied modern principles to address housing shortages, large-scale construction, and limited budgets. Despite often prioritizing economic efficiency over design considerations, these architects still approached their designs in a unique and practical way that balanced functionality and aesthetics.
右：Walter Koditek《Chung Chi College Chapel》 Hong Kong, courtesy of Blue Lotus Gallery
右：Walter Koditek《St. Ignatius Chapel. Wah Yan College 》Hong Kong, courtesy of Blue Lotus Gallery
右：Walter Koditek《Hong Kong Club Building》 Hong Kong, courtesy of Blue Lotus Gallery
When Koditek documents and captures each building for this project, it also invites us to examine the different designs brought about by the influence of the modern architectural movement, as well as the architectural details presented in response to local needs and conditions. The consistent framework and composition of each building’s exterior often attract the viewer’s attention, leading to the easy oversight of the subtle aspects of the architecture; the designs and arrangements of different building exteriors, whether they are famous landmarks or common buildings that dominate the Hong Kong cityscape, reflect the underlying relationships between architectural forms.
右：Walter Koditek《Hong Kong City Hall 》 Hong Kong, courtesy of Blue Lotus Gallery
右：Walter Koditek《’True Light Girls’ College 》 Hong Kong, courtesy of Blue Lotus Gallery
From the True Light College, Ho Man Tin Village, Kowloon Flour Mills, to the Hong Kong City Hall, the Miramar Hotel, Koditek not only visually records the modernist architectural heritage of our city, but also awakens our attention to the disappearing or facing reconstruction architectural group. It is worth everyone’s personal visit! The artist will hold a sharing session at the gallery this Saturday (January 14th) at 11 am. Remember to pay attention if you are interested!
“Hong Kong Modern: Architecture from the 1950s to the 1970s” by Walter Koditek, Solo Exhibition
Date: January 14, 2023 to February 12, 2023
Time: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Location: Blue Lotus Gallery, 28 Pound Lane, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Image source and learn more: Blue Lotus Gallery
