Dense, futuristic, brilliant and formidable. The steel and glass skyline of Hong Kong is without peer in the world. A manifestation of phenomenal economic clout, hyper capitalism, massive foreign investment over time and in truth, a dearth of sprawl space, the skyscrapers of Hong Kong elicit awe and wonder.
The iconic skyline of Hong Kong was not a calculated design by a mad architect. It arose, both in literal and figurative terms, expressly because of precious little wiggle room for real estate on Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. The geographical limits of the Special Administrative Region are rigid and completely inflexible. On average, less than 1.3 km separates the lofty hills of Hong Kong from the harbour. As a result, the city makes Manhattan look desolate and population density trails only Macau, Monaco and Singapore. Without a doubt, Hong Kong is the most vertical city in the world. More than one-third of the tallest residential buildings in the world are in the city and at any given moment, more people go about their daily business above a 14th floor in Hong Kong than any other place on Earth. Impressive facts indeed. With that in mind, here are some notable gems on the Hong Kong skyline.
With a tentative, final delivery date sometime in 2010, the International Commerce Centre is the latest high-rise architectural marvel on the Hong Kong skyline. The bare stats of the West Kowloon skyscraper are incredible. 118 floors, 484 m and a roof that will trail only the Burj Dubai and Shanghai World Financial Centre in height. The ICC Tower’s home is special as well – just across Victoria Harbour from 2 International Finance Centre. One key tenant will be Ritz-Carlton, who will operate a luxury five-star hotel on the top fifteen floors.
2 International Finance Centre
The Central District of Hong Kong has a spectacular skyscraper in 2 International Finance Centre. The waterfront commercial development is a magnetic landmark and current king of the skyline in the city. In fact, only two other skyscrapers in the People’s Republic of China top it.
The list of tenants at 2IFC includes BNP Paribas, Moody’s, ING Group and Ernst & Young. Four Seasons also operates a flagship five-star hotel and restaurant at 2IFC.
Though not nearly as tall as other skyscrapers in Hong Kong and throughout the People’s Republic of China, HSBC Main Building stands out. Sir Norman Foster, the lead architect on the 1985 project, has his signature and stamp all over the iconic facade and as a result, no matter how high Hong Kong’s skyline develops, HSBC will remain indelible and photogenic. The Feng Shui-friendly edifice lights up in spectacular fashion after dark, perhaps best appreciated from the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbour.
Currently number two in skyline height in Hong Kong, the reinforced concrete marvel that is Central Plaza was also the king of the sky in all of Asia from 1992 to 1996. The 78-story skyscraper has many curious features, from a four-bar neon tower clock to a 378 m-high anemometer.
Central Plaza’s triangular floor plan is rather ingenious as well. The idea behind the design was not a mere question of aesthetics but rather, to provide more efficient use of office space and beautiful views of the harbour. As a result, a visit to Central Plaza’s Sky Lobby is a must.
The Center is the fourth-tallest landmark on the Hong Kong skyline and one of the few with a core entirely made of steel. Built between 1995 and 1998, The Center’s claim to fame is a fantastic light show that dramatically climbs the tower, courtesy of hundreds of neon lights.
Especially festive in December to coincide with the Christmas season, the light display is another testament to the ingenuity inherent in Hong Kong’s phenomenal cityscape. For a great view of The Center, head to the top of Victoria Peak.
World-famous architect I.M. Pei was the creative force behind perhaps the most recognizable and unique skyscraper in Hong Kong. The Bank of China Tower was the first to break the 1,000 feet mark outside of the United States when it was completed in 1990 and was the tallest building in Asia for three years.
A pop culture icon, the BOC Tower features two observation decks. A public one on the 43rd floor and one by appointment only, on the 70th floor. The latter is well worth the effort and offers unbelievable views of Hong Kong.
Though often cited by critics as a blatant affront to pure feng shui design, the BOC Tower remains a characteristic example of Hong Kong’s remarkable skyline and a tour de force in I.M. Pei’s long and illustrious career.
Check out the best discounts on terrific hotels in Hong Kong.
Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Responses to this Article
Leave a Reply