(n)omantic city [2]
Thesis Abstract// Definition// The romanticism period of architectural history started with excavations and rediscovery of ancient ruins from Roman and Greek Period of antiquity. The purity of these ruins was celebrated as they had meanings of historical events, age and traditional architectural arrangement. Romanticism ‘died’ when the industrial revolution and later on modernism changed the world’s perception of architecture to something highly efficient and functional. Architects’ designs were driven by a very tight schedule with a tight budget. The aesthetics that used to nourish romantic and cultural aspects were no longer top priority of the design. Focus// London, Paris, Shanghai, Venice, New York are considered as some of the most romantic cities in the world. Yet, some of them have well preserved historical buildings, but some are modernised. It seems that the city does not necessarily have to ‘age’ to be romantic. One element that these cities are that they all have generous public space, not necessarily to be large parks or squares/plazas, but street corners, pedestrian walkways, etc. These spaces, sometimes considered as the ‘wasteful spaces’ do not often have a specific function to the city. Yet they allow people to pause, rest and have a sense of existence and belonging to the city and one may start to appreciate the surroundings and environment. In contrast, Hong Kong’s high density streets-capes creates an atmosphere that is intense and anxious. What can be done to reinvent/ re-introduce the romance back to the cities of Hong Kong? Methodology// Site: not chosen yet.
Jacky C. |