Identity from Mediocrity——the Challenge of Built Heritage Conservation in Hong Kong
Cities evolved into the 21 st century often lose the historical connections to their original states and preserve less and less “substance in light of collective memories and images. What is happening is the ongoing globalisation and modernisation in many world cities (Smith, 1990; Logan,2002). Despite these built heritage are in tangible or intangible forms, they are being preserved less and less, in the form of being physically seen or recorded, and has become less known to our children and future generations. On one hand, owing to infrastructure expansion for easing traffic congestion, providing efficient infrastructural support and redeveloping for gaining better return on investments. High dense development and expansion of traffic networks and utilities, both directly and indirectly, has resulted in escalating property values.Steady and ongoing population growth and the lack of caring for historic buildings have resulted in the dramatic loss of built heritage in many world cities. Hong Kong, as an example, will definitely lose its glimmer attractions and identity with respect to local culture and historical uniqueness.Although it is claimed as one of the most famous international metropolitan cities, its efforts in preserving heritage and cultural identity have been in doubts in the past few decades. Owing to the lack of outstanding archaeological or architectural values, the pressure for infrastructural works or high property values, a number of potential built heritage in Hong Kong, are often demolished or dismantled in the process of urban renewal. As a city has commonly undergone rapid growth or sometimes under uncontrollable growth, there are often struggles and debates among citizens over conservation versus redevelopment;debates about economic values over environmental and social values. After the removal of Star Ferry Tower Building and Queens Pier, Hong Kong has entered into a new era of heritage awareness, rethinking the values of so-called “aged buildings with sustainable and historical significance in particular. The public has climbed to a higher level of the public participation ladder stated by S. Arnstein (Arnstein,1969). This paper explores the idea of mediocrity because the “commonalitycould become “specialty while the change of public view with respect to value and the gradual passing of time could make this a difference.In recent years, citizens in various communities formed some kinds of concerned groups or protest groups,have challenged the traditional approach of urban renewal; relocation, face-lifting and dismantling. On one hand, this strong bottom-up citizen movement has always interpreted as a positive social reaction.On the other hand, this is also regarded as a kind anti-government sentiment and a negative image of political propaganda.How can the balance be struck between development and conservation? This would definitely require a deeper understanding of heritage and its main principles -authenticity.
Conservation built heritage cultural value social value sustainable values authenticity public domain
Kevin K.K.Manuel
Division of Building Science and Technology,City University of Hong Kong
国际会议
北京
英文
612-619
2008-10-01（万方平台首次上网日期，不代表论文的发表时间）