Hong Kong, the city of 10,000 skyscrapers
World-famous for its spectacular skyline, by 2024 Hong Kong will have almost 50,000 buildings, including 10,000 skyscrapers over 14 storeys high. That's twice the height of New York, making it the world's tallest city! Among the city's iconic skyscrapers, the 484-metre, 108-storey International Commerce Centre - known as the ICC - is the tallest building in Hong Kong and the 13th tallest in the world. On Hong Kong Island, the 415-metre-high IFC 1&2 (International Finance Center) dominates the landscape. What sets Hong Kong apart from other megacities is the surprisingly high concentration of these buildings. In fact, of the territory's total surface area of 1,100 km2, 40% is classified as nature reserve, and built-up areas make up just 25% of the territory! this means that 7.5 million inhabitants are concentrated on 275 km2, giving a real density of 27,200 inhabitants/km2. Hong Kong's skyscrapers, whether somewhat decrepit or ultra-modern, are not only impressive structures; they also tell the story of the city's evolution. In a city where space is limited due to its mountainous terrain, verticality emerged as an essential architectural solution as early as the 1950s-1960s, when Hong Kong experienced strong economic growth correlated with a high demand for housing and offices. The Yik Cheong Building, nicknamed the Monster Building, was built in the 1960s to accommodate Chinese immigrants arriving to work in Hong Kong. This complex, which appears in several films, can house 10,000 people.
A blend of Chinese and English influences
Hong Kong is a city where East meets West, and its architecture reflects this unique blend of Chinese influences and 156 years of British colonization, between 1841 and 1997. British colonial architecture can be seen in many of the city's emblematic buildings, such as the Legco (Legislative Council), built in 1912 with its Corinthian columns and imposing dome, the Western Market, St John's Cathedral and Government House, which boasts a neoclassical façade surrounded by lush gardens and was once the residence of English governors. Today, it is the main residence of the Chief Executive. At the same time, traditional Chinese architecture is also very much in evidence, notably in the temples, markets and parks scattered around the city and islands. The Man Mo Temple, one of Hong Kong's oldest and most beautiful, is a perfect example of Chinese architecture, with its curved green-tiled roofs, wooden sculptures and red lanterns. This sacred site, dedicated to the gods of literature and war, is an oasis of spirituality in the heart of the bustling Sheung Wan district. The Nan Lian Garden, next to the Chi Lin Nunnery temple in Kowloon, is a fine example of a Tang dynasty Chinese garden, with its wooden pavilions, ponds and carefully trimmed vegetation.
Tip: heritage trails have been laid out so that you can explore these emblematic buildings on your own. We recommend following the Central and Western Heritage Trail (sections A and B of the Sheung Wan Route).
The influence of feng shui
Feng shui, literally wind and water, is the age-old Chinese art of harmonizing living spaces with the natural forces of the environment. In Hong Kong, feng shui is concretely integrated into building design, influencing everything from the orientation of structures to the layout of rooms. It's not uncommon for skyscraper contractors or architects to refer to a feng shui master to make sure their project has good feng shui, as the opposite can have financial repercussions, as in the case of the Lippo Tower, for example, which is struggling to fill its offices due to what is deemed poor feng shui. The Bank of China Tower, designed by architect I. M. Pei, one of the city's most recognizable buildings, has caused controversy due to its sharp angles, which, according to feng shui, emit negative energies that affect surrounding buildings. In contrast, its neighbor, Norman Foster's HSBC Tower, is renowned for its excellent feng shui, thanks, for example, to an open first floor that allows air to circulate. Another example is the International Finance Centre (IFC), where feng shui played a crucial role right from the design stage (orientation, layout of entrances, shape of the tower...) to maximize the flow of positive energy, thus attracting prosperity and success. Another remarkable feature of some Hong Kong buildings is the dragon doors, large rectangular openings designed to allow the dragon to circulate between the top of the mountain and the sea, without disturbing its tranquillity.
The challenges of tomorrow's architecture
The first challenge is sustainability. With climate disruption and the need to reduce carbon emissions, Hong Kong must rethink the architecture of its skyscrapers to make them more environmentally friendly, as 60% of the city's greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings. Initiatives have already been launched to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, using technologies such as smart facades, solar panels, natural ventilation systems, green roofs and rainwater reuse. In Admiralty, one of the last towers to rise in 2024, the Henderson, includes many of these technologies.
Another crucial challenge is that of preserving cultural and historical heritage in the face of urban expansion. The harmonious integration of old and new is essential to maintaining Hong Kong's unique identity. Recent projects, such as the renovation of the former Hong Kong Prison and Police Station into Tai Kwun - Centre for Heritage and Arts, illustrate this approach. Since opening in 2018, this complex has become one of Hong Kong's major attractions, bringing together museums, cafés, restaurants and stores in a beautifully renovated historic building.
