Liberal Studies Teaching Kit for Senior Secondary Curriculum Visit: Central Central Business District [Student notes] Organized by Funded by Research Team Contents Liberal Studies | Preamble Visit: Central - Business District Visit: Learning plan i Visit: Central - Central Business District 1.1 Itinerary 01 1.2 Background information of Central 02 1.3 How did Central grow into a CBD? 03 1.4 Check points 1 Statue Square 04 2 Court of Final Appeal (Former French Mission Building) 06 3 HSBC Main Building 07 4 Government Hill 09 5 New Government Complex 11 Summary, Key words and Further reading 13 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, the Communication and Technology Branch of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, Create Hong Kong, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee. Topic 06 Visit: Central - Central Business District Major teaching areas Liberal Studies Module 2 Hong Kong Today • Theme 1: Quality of life • Theme 2: Rule of law and socio-political participation • Theme 3: Identity Related teaching areas Liberal Studies | Liberal Studies: Module 6 Energy Technology and Environment • Theme 2: The environment and sustainable development Liberal Studies: Module 3 Modern China Central - Business District Visit: • Theme 2: Chinese culture and modern life Interdisciplinary teaching areas Visual Arts: • Visual Arts Appreciation and Criticism in context Design and Technology: • Strand 1 Design and Innovation • Strand 3 Value and Impact Learning objectives • To appreciate the iconic architecture in Central, the central business district • To identify political, financial and social impacts on the form of architecture, and in reverse how architecture shows the past and the present of Hong Kong Learning plan Lesson Contents Visit • 1.1 Planned itinerary for the field trip • 1.2 Background information of Central Central Central Business District • 1.3 Historical background of how Central was developed into a central business district • 1.4 Significance of the development of Central 1 Statue Square - the major public space 2 Court of Final Appeal - the rule of law 3 HSBC Main Building - the financial centre 4 Government Hill - the political centre in history 5 New Government Complex - the heart of political administration i 1.1 Itinerary Liberal Studies | Visit: Central - Business District Visit: 5 1 2 3 4 Pre-Trip Introduction (20 min) • Background information of Central • Objectives and introduction of on-site exercises • Planned route VISIT (approximately 2 hours) 15 min 15 min 10 min 40 min 40 min 1 2 3 4 5 Statue Square Old Supreme Court HSBC Main Building Government Hill New Government (Former Legislative Complex Council Building) 01 1.2 Background Information: Central Central - the development in the heart of an international city © Gwulo Liberal Studies | Central, the political and cultural centre Central has long been the cultural and political centre of The financial centre Hong Kong since Hong Kong Island was occupied by the Due to the open economic policy exercised by the British in 1841. Globalization has profound influence on former British colonial government, tremendous foreign this area in terms of the following aspects: investment was attracted to Hong Kong. As a famous entrepôt in the world, Central is regarded as the CBD Central - Business District Visit: Major public space (Central Business District) with a large number of office As the heart of political administration, living and trade, a towers which facilitates trade and communication. Iconic number of public parks were built in Central since the 19th buildings have been erected, symbolizing the financial century by the colonial government. The current Chater powers behind. These buildings are mostly in western or Garden was the former cricket ground for the British, modern architectural style, making Hong Kong one of the while the Statue Square was once a place for political most distinctive metropolis in the world. and military parade. These parks have now become The increasing global financial and commercial trade has popular grounds for leisure activities as well as public led to the blooming infrastructure development in Hong demonstrations. Kong, especially in Central. Both inter- and intra-city transportation networks are located in Central for easy The heart of politics and administration accessibility. The concentration of government offices and buildings is an evidence to show Central being the heart of political The following modes of transport or network can be found and administrative centre for the past 171 years. The in Central: building cluster on the Government Hill and its central axis Intra-district: Central elevated walkway system, Mid-Levels pointing straight towards the Victoria Harbour is a display escalator system of the former colonial government’s authority over the city. Intra-city: MTR, ferry, bus, tram, minibus Important government buildings such as the Government House, the Central Government Offices, the Former French Inter-city: Airport Express (Hong Kong Station to Hong Kong Mission Building and the Old Supreme Court have created International Airport) a closely articulated setting which helped ensure the government’s effective controls over colonial politics and administration. Globalization & Localization 1. Globalization is a worldwide standardization The significance of the Anglican Church for the British is in cultural, social, economical, political and manifested by the location of St. John’s Cathedral on the technological aspects through exchanging and Government Hill, a political centre. integrating international knowledge and principles After the handover of the sovereignty of Hong Kong in among regions. 1997, the political significance has been shifting away 2. Localization is a development process that is guided from the Government Hill. In 2012, the Central Government by the customs, culture, social and economic Complex at Tamar was officially opened for use. It is conditions of a particular geographical area. located right next to the People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Building. 02 1.3 How did Central grow into a CBD? © Gwulo What is a CBD? A central business district (CBD) is an area of very high Liberal Studies | land valuation characterized by a high concentration of retail businesses, service businesses, offices, theatres, and hotels, and by a very high traffic flow. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau) Visit: Central - Business District Visit: Historical factors Central was known as part of Victoria City when the colony was founded in 1841. It was first chosen to be city’s major military and administration centre. Over the years, Central had attracted traders, missionaries and people from all walks of life, paving the path for future development, renewal and reclamation work. Efficient finance and transport hub Since the early days, the vitality and accessibility of Central have always appealed to foreign traders and professionals. It has become a hub of world-class service providers and a coordinator of global economic activities such as financing, consulting, accounting and law. Roads and railways were built to link Central efficiently to other parts of the city and the present Chek Lap Kok International Airport. A wealth of world-class modern and historic architecture Central is also the showcase of some of the best pieces of modern architecture. Many renowned architects from all over the world have participated in the ongoing development process of Central. The iconic modernist architecture, together with many valuable historic buildings, have contributed to the development of Central as one of the most dazzling CBDs in the world. Metropolitan lifestyle Nowadays, Central is more than a hub of commerce and finance. Central is a melting pot of global cultures where various cuisines, international brands and 5-star hotels can be found, while its open spaces and community facilities help promoting a vibrant and balanced metropolitan life. [Discussion] 1 What are the characteristics of a CBD? 2 Name 3 office tower buildings that are owned by international firms or designed by internationally known architects. 3 Where was the transport hub of Central and where is the present location? Why the change? 03 1.4 Checkpoints 1 Statue Square 皇后像廣場 Built in : late 19th century Use : Former ground for military parade Gathering space p Statue Square in the 1900s p Statue Square in the 1960s p Statue Square at present © Gwulo © Gwulo © WiNG-Wikipedia User Liberal Studies | Significance • Statue Square part of the central axis leading to Government Hill, reinforcing the identity of Central as administrative and political centre • Witness of the inauguration ceremony of colonial governors and arrival of the Queens. Central - Business District Visit: • Statue Square is a popular destination for protests regarding social and political issues. • It is also a popular place for festive celebration. [Exercise] 1 Statue Square marks the centre of the administration and economy, as well as that of global business and finance. Can you identify the following buildings from where you are standing and suggest their use? Statue