The heritage of reclamation : a cultural mapping of the historical layers of the Hong Kong Central waterfront

Abstract

Submitted by Song Lin for the degree of Master of Science in Conservation at the University of Hong Kong in July 2016 The dissertation focuses on Hong Kong Central Waterfront, the layers of history generated by reclamation stages, and the influence of each on the horizontal and vertical appearance of the waterfront cityscape. The hypothesis of the dissertation: by mapping the diverse driving forces behind different periods of reclamation in Hong Kong Central District, the complex dynamic heritage of the city’s iconic Harbourfront can be better understood and protected in future development. The dissertation follows the historical timeline, and divides it into four historical layers, which constitute chapter 2 to chapter 5. For each layer, the most important and controlling power is addressed, to understand the evolution of waterfront character and its position in city development. The dissertation emphasizes on most important periods and heritage buildings, especially those still conserved today, and those relocated while keeping the name/ landmark features. A comparison of four layers of historical waterfront image constitutes chapter 6, and will figure out valuable features conserved from each stage, and suggest future development guidelines, to protect the historical layers of Central Waterfront and the background landscape. A brief heritage tour mapping is introduced finally: a route to experience the historical layers in Central waterfront, both horizontally and vertically.