The Best of Contemporary Architecture in Hong Kong

The lyrics “concrete jungles where dreams are made of, there’s nothing you can’t do,” from the 2009 hit “Empire State of Mind” may have been referring to the razzle-dazzle of New York, but it is more than apt to describe Hong Kong’s stunning contemporary architecture.

From originality to innovation, Hong Kong boasts a rife collection of architectural wonders that make a larger-than-life statement about the avant-garde. From iconic to inspirational, here are The Beat Asia’s top picks for contemporary buildings or structures that stand out in this city of concrete.

Innovation Tower

Innovation Tower is Dame Zaha Hadid’s first design work in Hong Kong, gracing the Kowloon side with a wealth of creativity that has long been lacking in the area. Hadid’s architectural signature that earned her the Pritzker Architecture Prize, characterised by expressive curves, provides a thoroughly bold and contemporary panorama for the Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Design.

With plenty of natural sunlight, hybrid podium-tower typology, and seamless fluidity, the Innovation Tower truly lives up to its’ name. The flowing forms and dynamism evoke endless possibilities for the future of architecture and design for the inspired onlooker.

M+

M+’s inverted capital “T” shape is an impressive building to behold from the Hong Kong Island harbour front, but even more impressive up-close. When looking at the façade of M+, you’ll spot black emerald tiles and it’s interactive display piercing through the dark Hong Kong night.

The vertical extension of the building merged with the horizontal slab come together to create one entity, filtering in the natural sunlight from either side, whilst the multiple ground floor entrances are surrounded by lush pavilions, gardens, and picnic-friendly fields.

Hong Kong Design Institute

Designed by French architects Coldefy & Associes, Architectes Urbanistes, this stunning optical illusion of a building paints a stark contrast between itself and the neighbouring residential apartment area. Opened in 2010, the Hong Kong Design Institute answers the educational needs of design students whilst providing an extensively creative outlook to bring the multidisciplinary nature of the design industry to life.

Combining concrete, glass, and steel in the construction of a glazed glass box supported by lattice- encased pillars, this building is the epitome of what it means to be adventurous and ambitious with your imagination.

The Beacon

Brought to life by local architecture and design company Aedas, The Beacon is an aptly named lighthouse in the already densely populated Mong Kok area. With its irregularly protruding glass boxes , and angular silhouette, it’s impossible to look away from this architectural gem.

This thoroughly modern building was inspired by Hong Kong’s post-war structures and has been awarded numerous accolades in multiple design categories. While at first glance, the stacked cuboids seem randomly placed atop each other, visitors at “The Beacon” will tell you that the strange placement of the cubes serves a thoughtful purpose, providing visitors with a completely unobstructed view.

Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre

From the abstract mind of Polish-American architect, Daniel Libeskind, comes the “Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre.” A jagged juggernaut of angles, spikes, and triangular shapes, this building is wildly creative in its shapes whilst housing many educational facilities.

The building opens up new possibilities of the visual world, belonging in an art museum rather than a functional outhouse on the side of Kowloon Tong road.

K11 Musea

Helmed by James Corner and Forth Bagley, the 10-storey “Muse by the Sea” on the Victoria Dockside draws inspiration from nature and surrounding cityscapes blended together to emulate an elevated and modern “manor house” feel.

Boasting lush greenery on 50,000 square feet of living walls, hardy and natural materials like limestone and wood, K11 Musea not only sets a high bar for bespoke luxury architecture but also sets a new benchmark for green design in Hong Kong.

Asia Society Hong Kong Center

The Asia Society Hong Kong Center smartly links heritage buildings and contemporary galleries in this imaginative reuse of the Former Explosive Magazine built by the British Army in the 19th century.

Designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, this structure is a thoughtful display of care for the surrounding location, drawing attention to the natural advantages of the area. This culturally aware structure infuses the buildings with character and chic style that honours Hong Kong’s past and present.

Jockey Club i-Village at HKUST

Planned for completion in 2023, Zaha Hadid Architects and Leigh & Orange collaborate to marry design technology and sustainable construction practices to house more than 1,500 students in the Jockey Club i-Village. While these images are only renders, the astute consideration for accessibility, living, learning, and recreation is made starkly obvious.

Arranged in three different clusters, the sleek and contained housing facilities feel at home against the backdrop of Clear Water Bay.