Design Trust Grant Recipient | Exhibition and Publication “Recollection: Tao Ho” by Charles Lai presented at the Hong Kong Arts Centre

Design Trust Feature Grant research “Recollection: Tao Ho” Exhibition led by Charles Lai was presented in May 2026, at Hong Kong Arts Centre, co-founded and designed by the late Sir Tao Ho and opened in 1977, unveiling the multi-faceted legacy of Tao Ho, focusing on his innovative ”Architecture Blocks“ and the philosophical depth behind his iconic built works in Hong Kong while tracing the evolution of Hong Kong’s modern culture and architectural history.

The exhibition is a culmination of Charles Lai’s years of archival research, offering a comprehensive and systematic look into the practice of Tao Ho. Expanding upon the previous exhibition “Recollection: Tao Ho – 50 Years of Hong Kong Architectural Experiment” and the publication “Recollection: Tao Ho – The Multi-Disciplinary Visions of a Hong Kong Architect”, the recent exhibition delved into Tao Ho’s core philosophy of “Order in Chaos”, demonstrating how he translated Hong Kong’s unique hybridity into a critical and vernacular design language.

The exhibition reconstructed the evolution of the late Sir Tao Ho’s  architectural thought and legacy for Hong Kong’s urban and cultural landscape through an extensive collection of previously unpublished design manuscripts, photographs, and historical documents. By revisiting Tao Ho’s original archives alongside contemporary interpretations, the exhibition demonstrates how historical records can transcend their role as static documentation to become a dynamic medium that inspires creative dialogue across generations, with highlights including architectural models of his signature works, a newly produced animation inspired by his designs, and a contemporary recreation of the iconic red-and-blue gradient staircase carpet originally designed for the Arts Centre’s atrium, specially re-woven by the original manufacturer.

The research publication  “Recollection: Tao Ho – The Multi-Disciplinary Visions of a Hong Kong Architect” by Charles Lai portrays Sir Tao Ho’s persona and philosophies by studying his essays, correspondences, poetry, artworks and media interviews, as part of the discourses around his works of architecture. Based on these recently available archival materials, this project provides critical insights into the Tao Ho’s life and career to examine his significance in local, regional, and global architectural history. For inquires on the publication, please contact Design Trust Programmes Team at ask@designtrust.hk .