Leroy Cheng and Vanessa Ma of Project: As If __
Pixelated Chronicles: Tales of Hong Kong Outlying Island
2024
Film
This project reimagines Hong Kong’s 263 outlying islands—not as isolated fragments, but as integral elements of the city’s evolving urban fabric. Inspired by Aldo Rossi’s urban theories and Brian McGrath’s perspective of islands as urban artifacts, this video uncovers their hidden histories, cultural legacies, and symbiotic relationship with the metropolis. Using collage and layering techniques, Pixelated Chronicles transforms fragmented images into a vivid mosaic, revealing the islands’ role in Hong Kong’s transformation from a fishing village to a global city. By juxtaposing past, present, and future, it challenges conventional perceptions of urbanization. The video further introduces the concept of the Diffused City, capturing daily interactions, struggles, and growth. Through visual narratives, it subtly critiques “prescribed” ways of living, offering a more layered and comprehensive portrait of Hong Kong—pixel by pixel.
About Project: As If __
Project: As If __ is a design and research group founded by the architect duo Leroy Cheng and Vanessa Ma. Both of them graduated from the University of Hong Kong with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Architecture. Vanessa also just completed her studies at the University of the Arts London, earning a Master’s degree in Photojournalism and Documentary Photography. Their ongoing key project, "Pixelated Chronicles," examines the essence of "Hong Kong" as a metropolis by cutting in through the often-forgotten islands and their historical and cultural legacy. They received Design Trust Seed Grant for their public programmes of “Pixelated Histories [Part II]: Exploring The Hidden Stories from Islands in Hong Kong” to expand the ongoing research of rich island culture of Hong Kong.