Liberal Studies Teaching Kit for Senior Secondary Curriculum

Hong Kong Today

Conservation &
Revitalization of
Historic Buildings
[Teacher notes]

Organizer Sponsor Research Team

Contents

Liberal Studies | Conservation and Revitalization of Historic Buildings

Preamble
Teaching plan i

Lesson 1: Conservation and Revitalization of Historical Buildings

1.1 What is Conservation? What is Revitalization? 07

1.2 Methods of Building Conservation 08

1.2.1 Preservation 09
1.2.2 Maintenance 09
1.2.3 Restoration 10
1.2.4 Reconstruction 11
1.2.5 Adaptation 13

Summary, Key words and Further reading 15

Class activity: Role Play 16

Disclaimer
Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise
take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) do not
reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
2012 Hong Kong Institute of Architects
Topic 08
Conservation and Revitalization of Historic Buildings

Interdisciplinary teaching areas

Liberal Studies | Conservation and Revitalization of Historic Buildings

Major teaching areas
Liberal Studies: Module 2 Hong Kong Today Visual Arts:
Theme 1: Quality of life Visual Arts Appreciation and Criticism in
context
Theme 2: Rule of law and socio-political participation
Theme 3: Identity Visual Arts Making
Design and Applied Technology:
Strand 3 Value and Impact
Related teaching areas
Liberal Studies: Module 6 Energy Technology
and the Environment
Theme 2: The environment and sustainable development

Learning objectives
To learn the definitions of conservation and revitalization
To learn the common methods of building conservation
To evaluate case studies demonstrating how buildings can be preserved
To understand various perspectives and concerns about conservation through activities

Teaching plan
Lesson Contents
Lesson 1 1.1 Definitions of conservation and revitalization
Conservation and Discussion on the importance of conservation
revitalization 1.2 Introduction of 5 main conservation methods
Discussion on pros and cons of each method using local cases
Class activity: role play Discussion on various concerns over conservation through role play
Summary of views raised by students during role play as conclusion of the
topic
This topic is related to Topic 09: Conservation Policy in Hong Kong and Topic 10: Revitalizing Historic
Buildings in Hong Kong.
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Liberal Studies | Conservation and Revitalization of Historic Buildings
Revitalization of Historic Buildings
Lesson 1 Conservation and
Lesson 1
Conservation and Revitalization of Historic Buildings
Introduction: do you know these historic buildings?

Liberal Studies | Conservation and Revitalization of Historic Buildings

t Kom Tong Hall, Mid-Levels (Sun Yat-sen
Museum) - Former residence of Ho Kom
Tong and the headquarters of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Status: declared monument

Year of completion: 1894
Architectural style: Edwardian
The Edwardian style was popularised
in Britain during 1910s. Key features
include a rough exterior surface
(rustication) on the ground floor and
colonnades on upper floors.

t Blue House, Wanchai - Chinese medicine

clinic on the ground floor and residential
units on upper floors

Status: grade 1 historic building

Year of completion: 1920s
Architectural style: Balcony-type tong
lau

Tong Laus are Hong Kong shop houses.

On the ground floor, there is usually a
shop, and narrow residential units fill
the upper floor.

Teaching Tips
More information about Tong Lau
architecture can be found under
Topic 01: Culture in Vernacular
Architecture.
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 Liberal Studies | Conservation and Revitalization of Historic Buildings
p Tsang Tai Uk, Shatin - Walled village

Status: Grade 1 historic building

Year of completion: 1867
Architectural style: Hakka walled village,
Guangdong vernacular architecture

Hakka walled village is a subset of

Lingnan architecture. The building
usually occupies a rectangular lot and
is made of green bricks, with wok yee
gable wall.

Teaching Tips
More information on Walled Village
architecture can be found under Topic 01:
Culture in Vernacular Architecture. Further
reference can be made under Science Topic
01: Forces in Buildings- A Historical Review

u Hong Kong City Hall, Central - Cultural

complex including a public library, a
concert hall, a theatre, an exhibition hall,
marriage registrar, restaurants and offices

Status: Grade 1 historic building

Year of completion: 1960s
Architectural style: Modernist

In contrast with classical architecture,

modernist buildings are asymmetrical
in form, with exposed structures. The
form of the building is determined by
its functions.
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 [Discussion]
Read the following information and discuss the outcomes of the 1881 Heritage revitalization project.

The original main building

Liberal Studies | Conservation and Revitalization of Historic Buildings

The Former Marine Police Headquarters Compound before revitalization Curry Tse
p The Former Marine Police Headquarters Compound, Tsim Sha Tsui (now the 1881 Heritage) was converted into a
hotel with shops while certain historical features, such as the time ball, tower were retained.
Background information Neoclassicism is a movement of
the mid-18 century. Its architecture
Status: Declared monument employs features similar to Greek
Year of completion: 1884 buildings, such as classical orders and
Architectural style: Neoclassical open porches with pediments.
Use: (2009 - Present) Tourist Attraction, hotel and retail shops

Major events in the revitalization process:

May Flying Snow, a subsidiary of Cheung Kong (Holdings) was awarded the tender for the site on a 50-year land
2003 grant at HK$352.8 million.
Dec There were 192 trees on the site. The developer agreed to plant 92 trees to compensate for the 149 lost. To
2003 make way for the widening of Canton Road, a century-old granite retaining wall was demolished.
May Cheung Kong unveiled a scheme to convert the former Marine Police headquarters into a hotel and retail
2004 complex.
Nov Conservationists found Cheung Kong wiped out the original landscape at the site and transplanted
2006 century-old trees into huge pots.
Source: South China Morning Post
<http://topics.scmp.com/news/hk-news-watch/article/Error-nets-HK15b-bonus-for-developer>.

Changes of the former Marine Police Headquarters:

Part of the site Current situation
Main building Adapted and reused as a hotel, the outer wall is changed
from white and blue colour into cream colour
Granite retaining wall Dismantled for the widening of Canton Road and re-
stored on Kowloon Park Drive
Tsim Sha Tsui Hill (underneath the Main Building) Wiped out and replaced by a retail complex
Signal tower (Time ball tower) Retained
Stable Block Adapted and reused as a restaurant
192 trees 24 are kept and 19 transplanted 04
 The Burra Charter (1979) originally provided basic principles and procedures to be followed in conservation
projects in Australia. Because of its usefulness and practicability, the Antiquities and Monuments Office often
refers to the articles in the Burra Charter as guidelines on conserving heritage places.

Conservation requires the retention of an appropriate visual setting and other relationships that
contribute to the cultural significance of the place. New construction, demolition, intrusions or other
changes which would adversely affect the setting or relationships are not appropriate.
- Article 8, Burra Charter

New work such as additions to the place may be acceptable where it does not distort or obscure the
cultural significance of the place, or detract from its interpretation and appreciation. New work may
be sympathetic if its siting, bulk, form, scale, character, colour, texture and material are similar to the
existing fabric, but imitation should be avoided.

Liberal Studies | Conservation and Revitalization of Historic Buildings

- Article 22.1, Burra Charter

1. What were the original functions of 1881 Heritage? Can you guess its original functions from its current form
and appearance?
2. A modern shopping mall with classical motifs has been built where Tsim Sha Tsui Hill (underneath the main
building) was wiped out. Do you think this is appropriate?

Possible perspectives
1. It was the Marine Police Headquarters from 1881 to 1996.
2. For: It is a successful revitalization project because it converted the site into a cultural and shopping landmark
in Hong Kong. This will bring huge economical benefits and stimulate local tourism. Besides, the new setting
of the 1881 Heritage is compatibly integrated into the urban area after revitalization.

Against: The revitalization project fails to conserve the historic and cultural significances of the Former Marine
Police Headquarters.
According to Article 8 of the Burra Charter, Tsim Sha Tsui Hill was a major element reflecting the historic
relationship of the site , and it should not have been destroyed. The Headquarters was built there because
the elevated landscape had the superiority to monitor and control the harbour. The demolition of the hill is
irreversible so it is inappropriate.
According to Article 22.1, the mall replacing the hill cannot show the historic significance so it detracts from
its interpretation and appreciation. The proportion of the newly-built mall is larger than the main building,
which distorts the appearance of the heritage and detracts from its cultural significance. The mall is also
considered to be an imitation of neoclassical architecture, which may confuse the identification of the original
heritage and the new building.
Furthermore, the new programs of high-class hotel and restaurants make it difficult for the general public to
access the site.
In short, while attaining touristic and commercial success, 1881 Heritage has some lingering conservation
concerns.

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 [Discussion]
4. City Hall is only about 50 years old. Why is it important to preserve such a young and modern-
looking building?
5. Some historic buildings are/were privately-owned and therefore have little to do with the
collective memory of the general public. Should we respect the decision of their owners if
they wish to demolish those buildings?

Possible perspectives
4. City Hall is an important landmark on its own and in a larger context of Central, which is a collective
memory of many Hong Kong people. Along with Queens Pier and Edinburgh Place, it was the first

Liberal Studies | Conservation and Revitalization of Historic Buildings

batch of public buildings planned at Central harbourfront after 1950 - reclamation. It was built in
modernist style which was prevalent at the time of construction. Moreover, it was the first public
venue to host cultural activities for local Chinese and thus has a high social value.
5. This is a controversial issue that is still being discussed. The citys identity and development are
actually largely contributed by the private sector. The fact that some buildings are not usually
open to public does not necessarily mean that they do not possess any socio-historical value.
Various parties including the government, the private property owners and the public have the
responsibility to protect the historical assets of our city. Conflicting interests do occur, but there
are also different ways to achieve a win-win situation, which shall be further discussed in class.

p Hong Kong City Hall, Central p Queens Pier, Central - The pier in utilitarian style was
demolished in 2008 after months of protests in spite
of its grade 1 status Larry Suen

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1.1 What is conservation? What is revitalization?
What is conservation?

Conservation encompasses all the processes of looking after a place so as to retain its cultural significance. It includes
maintenance and according to circumstances may include preservation, restoration, reconstruction and adaption, or
even a combination of more than one of these approaches.

(Source: Australia ICOMOS. The Burra Charter: The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance. Burwood:
Australia International Council of Monuments and Sites. 1999.)

What is revitalization?

Liberal Studies | Conservation and Revitalization of Historic Buildings

To conserve existing (sometimes historic) buildings or districts by putting them to good contemporary use. This ap-
proach gives historic buildings and districts a second life by reconnecting them with society.

Government Interests

Cultural asset is preserved

Creation of new cultural landmarks
Public engagement in heritage
protection is encouraged

Public Interests
Revitalization
Local culture and character
Economic Interests
can be retained
Job opportunities
Opportunity to improve existing urban
environment Business opportunities

New cultural resources for public New tourism resources

enjoyment and education Better use of land resources
Increase in awareness of
cultural heritage

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1.2 Methods of Building Conservation
According to the Burra Charter, there are 5 main strategies in conservation:

1. Preservation

Protective care of fabric and place

Liberal Studies | Conservation and Revitalization of Historic Buildings

2. Maintenance

Continuous protective care of fabric and place

3. Restoration

Returning to a known earlier state

4. Reconstruction

Returning to a known earlier state

Introduction of new materials

5. Adaptation

Change in function
Introduction of new materials

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1.2.1 Preservation

To maintain the fabric of a place in its existing state, preventing deterioration.

Liberal Studies | Conservation and Revitalization of Historic Buildings

p Example: Hong Kong Observatory 1883 Building, 1883
The two-storey brick building is well preserved and is still being used as the administrative office of the Hong Kong
Observatory. Both the building and the original function as an observatory are preserved.

1.2.2 Maintenance
The continuous protective care of the fabric and setting of a place. To be distinguished from repairing, which involves
restoration or reconstruction.

p Example: Main Building, the University of Hong Kong, 1912

The external faade of the Main Building is a declared monument.
Maintenance is carried continuously out to ensure the upkeep of the building. 09
 Liberal Studies | Conservation and Revitalization of Historic Buildings
p Example: Kom Tong Hall (Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum), 1894
Former residence of Ho Kom Tong and later the headquarters
of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

1.2.3 Restoration
To return the existing fabric of a place to a known earlier state by removing
accretions or by reassembling existing components without the introduction
of new materials.

Before the building was opened publicly as Sun Yat Sen Museum,
conservators had studied its historical photographs and tried to restore its
grandeur. Old stone fireplaces and chandeliers were reinstalled while rusted
cast iron balustrades were cleaned and repainted with a protective coating.
The existing materials were used whenever possible in the restoration
process. For example, broken tiles were replaced with intact, existing tiles
from concealed areas.
p Restoration artist replacing
ceramic tiles.
Architectural Services
Department, HKSAR (Above)
Hong Kong Museum of
History (Below)

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1.2.4 Reconstruction
To return a place to a known earlier state. Distinguished from restoration by the introduction of
new material into the fabric.

One of the earliest public buildings of Hong Kong and originally part of Murray Barracks in
Central, Murray House was taken down in 1982 to make way for the Bank of China Tower at
a time when the city experienced rapid economic growth. It was dismantled into 3000 blocks
with each piece catalogued and labelled for later reconstruction. In 1990, Murray House was

Liberal Studies | Conservation and Revitalization of Historic Buildings

reconstructed in Stanley as part of the Ma Hang Estate development by the Housing Authority.

p Example: Murray House, 1846

Former Murray Barracks in Central

Teaching Tips
It should be pointed out that reconstruction does
not always require demolishing a whole building
and reassembling it later, as in the case of Murray
House. In other cases, only partial reconstruction
is carried out in the original site.

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 Liberal Studies | Conservation and Revitalization of Historic Buildings
p Murray House, Central 1982 p Murray House, Stanley
Information Services Department

[Discussion]
Although each part of Murray House was catalogued, some parts including the stone chimneys were still lost during
the relocation process. As a result, the chimneys of High Street Mental Hospital, which was also a historic building,
were borrowed to replace the loss. Other borrowed parts included a flagpole from the HMS Tamar and stone masonry
columns from a Shanghai Street pawn shop.

Please read the following:

The physical location of a place is part of its cultural significance. A building, work or other component of
a place should remain in its historical location. Relocation is generally unacceptable unless this is the sole
practical means of ensuring its survival..

- Article 8, Burra Charter

1. What social and cultural problems can you think of from the reconstruction and relocation of Murray House?

Possible perspectives
Relocation of site:
The context of Central and Stanley are very different. Relocation affects both districts: on one hand, the con-
nection between Murray House and Central is lost while it is questionable whether the building should be
located in Stanley (as in the context of a western style building is standing near to a Tin Hau Temple).

Preservation of original architecture:

Damage to building parts is inevitable during the dismantling process. Such damage may be unrecoverable. By
taking building parts from other buildings including the historic High Street Mental Hospital, damage was also
done to another historic building.

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 Teaching Tips
More information can refer to Arts
Topic 01: Art and Architecture.

1.2.5 Adaptation

To modify a place to suit the existing use or proposed use.

Adaptation, sometimes known as adaptive reuse, is a method of

expanding or extending a buildings social functions by modifying the
structure. It may involve changing parts of the building to meet the

Liberal Studies | Conservation and Revitalization of Historic Buildings

requirements of an existing or proposed use while keeping significant
features.

The Yau Ma Tei Theatre was classified as Grade II Historic Building which
was once the largest cinema in Kowloon. It was built between 1925 and
1931 and is the only remaining pre-war theatre building in Hong Kong. Its
dominant architectural style is Neoclassical with Art Deco influence. The
Yau Ma Tei Theatre and the nearby Red Brick Building (i.e. the Engineers
Office of the Former Pumping Station) have been converted into a venue
for Cantonese Opera. It is scheduled for completion in 2012. It will be multi-
functional, including a 300 - seat auditorium and stage.

p Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre,

adaptive re-use of the Shek Kip Mei
Factory Estate

p Yau Ma Tei Theatre in 1990 p Theatre after renovation in 2011

Leisure and Cultural Services Department
Art Deco is an artistic design that decorates a
building with geometric shapes and gives it a linear
symmetrical look. The style usually adds onto a
neoclassical or modernist building.

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 [Discussion]
1. Discuss the possible pros and cons, constraints and effects of each method.
Pros
Preservation Building form as it has evolved over
time can be retained.
Maintenance Stabilises building conditions
Restoration Restores property to an architecturally
pure state and therefore is a better
representation of a particular
historical era. Cultural value can be
fully reflected.
Reconstruction Facilitates interpretation by recreating
important structures or details
Adaptation Building can function as part of a
society rather than staying as an
empty sculpture.
Cons
Less flexibility: it may be more
difficult to accommodate future
development since the buildings
existing state has to be preserved.
Maintenance cannot solve any severe
structural problems and it is also
Liberal Studies | Conservation and Revitalization of Historic Buildings
costly.
It is common to alter a building
according to the owners needs. These
alterations can also be considered
part of the buildings history and
often reflect the aesthetics of certain
periods. To what extent should
such alterations be tolerated and
preserved?
May require techniques or materials
that are lost or hard to find.
Technically challenging.
New material is introduced.
Authenticity of the building is
lowered.
Changes in structure may have to be
made. Authenticity of the building is
lowered.
Teaching Tips
Students should understand while these are
the most common methods, there are also
other conservation strategies. Very often,
these methods are combined and customized
according to the site specific requirements.
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Summary
1. Conservation is the process of protecting a place or building so as to retain its cultural significance.
2. Revitalization is to conserve existing (sometimes historic) buildings or districts by putting them to current
use.
3. Five methods of building conservation include Preservation, Maintenance, Restoration, Reconstruction
and Adaptation.

Key words
Conservation
Revitalization
Preservation

Liberal Studies | Conservation and Revitalization of Historic Buildings

Maintenance
Restoration
Reconstruction
Adaptation

Further reading
1. Commissioner for Heritage. Conserve and Revitalise Hong Kong Heritage. 2008.
<http://www.heritage.gov.hk/en/index.htm>.
2. Hong Kong. Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Antiquities and Monuments Office. 2004.
<http://www.amo.gov.hk/en/main.php>.
3. The Burra Charter: The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance. Burwood, Vic.: Aus-
tralia ICOMOS, 1999. <http://australia.icomos.org/wp-content/uploads/BURRA_CHARTER.pdf>.
4. Conservation Office. Leisure and Cultural Services Department, 2006.
<http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/Conservation/index.htm>.
5. Stubbs, John H., and Gunzburger Makas, Emily. Architectural Conservation in Europe and the Americas:
National Experiences and Practice. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, 2011.
6. South China Morning Post. Error Nets HK$1.5b Bonus for Developer. SCMP.com. , 23 Nov. 2010.
<http://topics.scmp.com/news/hk-news-watch/article/Error-nets-HK15b-bonus-for-developer>.
7. 2 0 1 1
8. Pa c e Pu bl i s h i n g L t d 1 9 9 8
9. CUP Publishing Ltd. 2005
1 0. 2 0 1 0
http://www.gnci.org.hk/liberalstudies/the-burra-charter.html
1 1.
2261 201 2 3
http://www2.mingpaoweekly.com/contents/?id=18140&page=1

Organizer Sponsor Research Team

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Liberal Studies | Conservation and Revitalization of Historic Buildings
Class Activity :
Role Play
Class Activity: Role Play
Suggested flow
Pre-class preparation by students:
Identify a nearby building targeted for redevelopment (to be decided by the whole class)
Conduct simple research on the background of the selected building
Each student should play the role of a stakeholder
Brainstorming

Structure of the role play (for reference only):

Liberal Studies | Conservation and Revitalization of Historic Buildings

Life begins to change for the tenants, residents and business owners in this building
Development plan is revealed
Various parties voice out their opinions. Some people oppose to the development while some
support it as a means to regenerate the area (multiple-perspective thinking)
Antiquities Advisory Board members would hold a meeting to discuss whether the building should be
conserved (grading)
Conservationists and residents consult the architects to propose an alternative development strategy
(for example, using one or some of the 5 conservation methods)
Secretary for Development, developers and various parties will negotiate the final solution

kelseyz 17
1. Identify the target of redevelopment
The class should identify a historic building or any old buildings nearby which faces the
threat of demolition for redevelopment and find out the following information:

Name of the building:

Location:

Liberal Studies | Conservation and Revitalization of Historic Buildings

Photograph or sketch of chosen building here
Year of construction:

Current use:

To be completed by students
Proposed use:

What else do you notice in the nearby environment?

Is there already a lot of traffic?

What are the neighbouring buildings like?
What is the relationship between the selected building and the site context?
Is there any green space nearby?
Do you notice anything special in the area?

To be completed by students

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2. Pick your own role! Teaching Tips
Each student will take up one of the following roles: Teachers are advised to choose some of the
roles that are most suitable for discussion.
Owners of the property (4-5 persons)
Owners of the property are concerned about the market value of their property, and how much they need to pay for the
operation and maintenance of his/her building.
Tenants (8-10 persons)
Tenants worry about if there would be a rise of rental, and if their lives in the building would be disturbed.
Developers (3-5 persons)
Developers would like to explore the maximum market value of a property. They are interested in commercial
exploitation of the property that can generate as much profit as it can. They care about the overall market value of the
district as well, in order to plan their potential future investment in the nearby area.
Residents of the nearby area (5-7 persons)
Residents of the nearby area are concerned about the cost and quality of living in their neighbourhood. They wish to
enjoy a variety of merchandise and facilities at low cost, but they also want to preserve their neighbourhoods sense of
place.
Conservationists (5-8 persons)

Liberal Studies | Conservation and Revitalization of Historic Buildings

The historic, social, cultural and aesthetic values of the property is crucial for conservationists. They hope to maintain
and restore the property to its initial stage as much as possible to portray its social significance.
Secretary for Development (Antiquity Authority) (1 person)
The Secretary for Development (Antiquity Authority) is the final decision maker of the declaration of monuments. He/she
collects opinions from all stakeholders and balances their economic, social and archaeological interests.
Antiquities Advisory Board members (5 persons)
Antiquities Advisory Board members are from different fields of relevant expertise. They give advices to the Secretary for
Development (Antiquity Authority) and offer feasible ways of conservation.
Architects (2 persons)
Architects provides practical and innovative proposals for conservation. They execute and manage the conservation
project.
Citizens (5-8 persons)
Citizens are concerned about the source of funding for the conservation. They are interested in visiting the potential
monuments and the story behind the property.
*Other characters such as policemen, protesters, legislative or district council members, news reporters etc. can be
added depending on the plot.

MY PROFILE
Name
Age
Occupation

My relationship with the building:

To be completed by students
Primary concern(s):

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3. Brainstorming...
Each student should put himself/herself into the roles shoes and write down his/her concerns
and suggestions:

To be completed by students

Liberal Studies | Conservation and Revitalization of Historic Buildings

4. Grade the building
During the play, students representing the Antiquities Advisory Board should decide whether the selected building
should be graded.
If you were a board member, how would you grade the building?

*1=lowest 5=highest Remarks

Historic interest 1 2 3 4 5

Architectural merit 1 2 3 4 5

Rarity 1 2 3 4 5

Group value
1
To be2 completed
3 4
by 5students
(buildings in context)
Authenticity
(retaining original 1 2 3 4 5
features)
Social value and local
1 2 3 4 5
interest

Grade (1, 2, 3 or nil)

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5. Picture of the future
How can the building be put into good use? How can it be developed or conserved in a sustainable way? Is
it safe and comfortable by modern standards? Please illustrate your vision with explanatory notes wherever
applicable.

Liberal Studies | Conservation and Revitalization of Historic Buildings

To be completed by students

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