Conserving Mong Kok fire station : the pioneer in post-war firefighting service

Abstract

Being the first principal fire station in Hong Kong after the World War II, the Mong Kok Fire Station has served the Kowloon Peninsula for over 70 years. This dissertation demonstrates the history of the Mong Kok Fire Station and analyzes its potential as a cultural significant built heritage. By examining the social context and fire stations of early post-WWII Hong Kong, the site location, the building form, modern accommodations, social connections and its influence to other fire stations, have established the cultural significance of the Mong Kok Fire Station. A detailed analysis of the fire station also uncovered the importance of this modern building, which is usually overlooked in the fire services history of Hong Kong. Through research on first-hand architectural drawings, government documents, articles, interviews with historian and firefighters and on-site visit, the interpretation on the 屏story of the Mong Kok Fire Station presented its pioneering role in the firefighting timeline of Hong Kong. The study can provide academic reference for future conservation of the building and other post-WWII built heritage which cultural values are underestimated. The fire stations from the 1920s to 40s and post-WWII standard type fire stations from the late 1950s to 90s are used to highlight the differentiation factors from classical fire stations, to the inheritance of modern architectural ideology, and the influence to later fire stations by the Mong Kok Fire Station. Using the concept of historical, architectural and social values will help understand and articulate the significance of the fire station. Finally, issues and challenges faced in the conservation of the Mong Kok Fire Station are discussed, with extended scope on post-WWII built-heritage in Hong Kong. Further recommendations are given to protect the building and raise the public awareness on our modern architectural treasure.