Cultural Constructs

Wherever you are in Hong Kong, no matter which way you look, the streets and skyline are filled with buildings designed by Rocco Yim. From creating the government headquarters in Tamar to Tai Kwun to the Four Seasons Hotel and iSquare mall, the veteran architect has been one of the city’s most influential forces in design during his 42-year career. Yim’s steady hand and talent for designing buildings that mesh seamlessly with their neighbourhoods have earned him commissions for two of Hong Kong’s largest upcoming projects, one on each side of Kowloon.

At 68, Yim himself is slight and unassuming with a gentle demeanour. His office in North Point is plain, adorned only with stacks of books and small paintings. There are few traces of the countless