Brutalist Architecture in Hong Kong

Brutalist Architecture in Hong Kong

Brutalism is an architectural style arising in the mid 20th century in the United Kingdom, amongst the European modernist movement in the post-war reconstruction years. Originating from the French word béton brut – translated as rough concrete – it is characterized by exposed raw concrete forms and strong geometry, and prioritizes function over form. In the 1960s, its influences spread to the then-British-controlled city of Hong Kong. Hong Kong is an urban city undergoing constant and rapid remodelling. As many Brutalist buildings were built before the 1980s [15], many have fallen out of favor due to outdated design and lack of upkeep, and – like other old buildings in the city – inevitably face demolition to make space for the new. There has been a renewed interest in this style of architecture in the last decade, with the public and social media attempting to document the building that are still left standing. In a fast-changing city like Hong Kong, this becomes all the more urgent.

is51102025

gnlw1

Site

1417

26/03/2025

03/26/2025 09:08:50 pm

cm x cm x cm

current,22.302711,114.177216;

Brutalist Architecture in Hong Kong

TEXT

Building

3780

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Digital interpretation of Brutalist Architecture in Hong Kong, if incorporated into tourism, can address United Nations’ Sustainable Development (UN SDG) Goal 8 – Promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth – specifically Target 8.9 with the aim to “devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”