The fading legacy : conserving neon signs as a "symbiotic" intangible cultural heritage

Abstract

“Hong Kong by night has a magic that is all its own. A million neon signs light the streets proclaiming their messages in every colour.”1 Neon signs have been indelible parts of Hong Kong’s distinctive streetscape and a synonym of prosperity from the 1960s. However, the glowing gaze produced by the visually magnificent neon signs has been retreating from sight at an alarming rate as the building regulations were introduced in 2010 and other alternatives for these signs emerged. Being important elements of our city’s heritage, their cultural significance should be recognized despite the inadequacies of current policies and other threats to their existence. This research explores the significance of neon signs in Hong Kong and discuss how neon signs contribute to forming the city’s distinctive streetscape. By conducting a case study on Wan Chai District, this thesis shows how neon signs do not simply connote visual aesthetic and local craftsmanship, but more importantly draws attention to the unique association of them with the neighbourhood and suggests how neon signs should be framed as “symbiotic” intangible cultural heritage. This is followed by a discussion on the threats and resistance of conserving neon signs in Hong Kong and concludes with recommendations to the Government on the way forward.