GORK JOURNAL

Iconic Skyscrapers

Part 5

Ph: GORK
Geo: Hong Kong, CH


Telegram recently rolled out an update: now galleries can be uploaded in HD! However, this can only be done from an iPhone; this option is not available on macOS, Windows, or the web version (if there's a hidden checkbox somewhere, please let me know in the comments). Let’s test the new feature with a selection of skyscrapers in Hong Kong.

Most iconic architectural landmarks are concentrated in the northern part of Hong Kong Island. I’ll highlight five:

  • Bank of China Tower | 1990 | 367 m | I.M. Pei Associates — the city’s main calling card. A recognizable shape made of giant polygons.

  • HSBC Main Building | 1985 | 178.8 m | Foster + Partners — another Pompidou-style constructor. A modular skyscraper with a huge internal atrium. At the time of construction, it was the most expensive building in the world. In the evening, a media facade with hearts WE ❤️ HK decorates the city panorama. Surprisingly, on a working day, I was allowed to shoot the interior space without any approvals. (In a hypothetical Sberbank, I would have been asked to leave after about two minutes.)

  • The Center | 1998 | 346 m | DLN Architects Limited — a recognizable glass spire with evening illumination. Interesting fact: the current owners — an offshore company in the British Virgin Islands, rumored to belong to the China National Petroleum Corporation — bought the building for about $ 5 billion.

  • Two International Finance Centre (IFC) | 1998 | 412 m | Pelli Clarke Partners — one of the tallest buildings in Hong Kong and China.

  • The Henderson | 2023 | 190 m | ZHA — I will tell you about this beauty separately.

On the opposite side:

  • International Commerce Centre (ICC | Sky 100) | 2010 | 484 m | Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates — number one in height in Hong Kong. Unforgettable swaying sensations during a storm)

I was surprised to learn that Hong Kong holds the world record for the number of skyscrapers — over 550 (over 150m). This is more than in New York (second place). There are over 9,000 ordinary high-rises (over 75m and 25 stories) here.

Content of the Hong Kong cycle

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