We are excited to announce the inaugural edition of Open House Hong Kong, in partnership with Design Trust, is scheduled on the weekends of September 21st-22nd and 28th -29th 2024. This new festival aims to showcase the rich architectural heritage of the city of Hong Kong. The Open House Hong Kong festival will provide access and tours to around 50 sites and buildings across the city.
Upcoming | The Inaugural Open House Hong Kong in Partnership with Design Trust
2. 7. 2024
The festival will highlight the remarkable cultural and architectural diversity of Hong Kong, allowing attendees to explore a range of building styles. From the city's vernacular architecture, which reflects local traditions and materials, to 19th-century colonial buildings, and cutting-edge contemporary designs by renowned local and international "starchitects" - the festival will offer a comprehensive glimpse into Hong Kong's evolving built environment. All of this will be set against the city's dramatic natural backdrop, including its iconic skyline and meandering coastline.
The festival also holds immense educational value. For architecture students and enthusiasts, it provides a platform to interact with industry experts, learn from the best minds in the field, and gain insights into the industry's future. For the general public, it is an opportunity to understand and appreciate the nuances of design and construction and the role of architecture in shaping a city's identity.
Open House Worldwide is the non-profit organisation that has spearheaded the Open House model in over 50 cities globally since its founding in London in 1992. The goal of the Open House is to promote public awareness and appreciation of architecture and design. By providing free access to notable buildings, the festivals aim to engage local communities and visitors alike in experiencing the built environment first-hand.
“After two years of preparation, we are thrilled to announce our participation in the Open House Worldwide community, alongside 50 cities across the continents to promote architectural culture. Open House Hong Kong is an inclusive architecture festival that invites everyone to freely explore participating buildings, places, and neighborhoods. Through engaging talks, guided tours, and casual dialogues, the festival aims to open everyone’s mind to our beloved city, from its historical roots to its future possibilities. As well, we also encourage individuals, groups, collectives, and organizations interested in showcasing a building to reach out and be part of this exciting event!” said Bob Pang and Charles Lai, representatives of “Open House Hong Kong” organizing committee.
Design Trust is the Inaugural Partner for the first Open House Hong Kong festival. The event is being organised by a dedicated committee of young Hong Kong-based enthusiasts who are passionate about showcasing the city's rich architectural legacy to both local and global audiences. This organising team is composed of experts and practitioners from various fields, including architects, educators, curators, scholars, and researchers. Design Trust grant recipients Bob Pang and Charles Lai from the organising team will also join Design Trust Decade Talks on September 14th 2024 at Tai Kwun Hong Kong to share more on the Open House Hong Kong that will kick-off in the following weekends.
Marisa Yiu, Co-Founder, Lead Curator and Executive Director of Design Trust, said: “Hong Kong city has a tremendous unique architectural landscape, building projects and gems to unveil, elevate and share more with our community. As part of Design Trust’s Decade initiatives, we are excited to support and partner with Open House Hong Kong and wider regional community to bring this to life. The many textures beyond and past the exterior façades of buildings, the unique urban fabric and architectural stories behind our built environment created by an organizing committee of passionate scholars to members elevated the role of design history, architectural innovation and its connection to the public. Design Trust is proud to be the inaugural partner to champion and unveil new interactions of our social, cultural and public realm to a wider audience.”
Beyond just an architectural festival, Open House Hong Kong will offer an immersive cultural experience for attendees. In addition to guided tours of normally inaccessible spaces, such as heritage buildings, commercial skyscrapers, museums, and infrastructure, the festival will feature a variety of complementary programs. These will include conversations and dialogues led by experts and enthusiasts, covering topics related to design, aesthetics, history, heritage, livability, and sustainability.
Through this unique celebration of Hong Kong's architectural diversity, Open House Hong Kong promises to provide an open, inclusive, and enlightening experience for all who attend. By granting public access to the city's built environment, the festival aims to foster a deeper appreciation for Hong Kong's rich cultural and design legacy, as well as stimulate discussions around the role of architecture in shaping urban life. With its inaugural edition in 2024, Open House Hong Kong will join a growing global network of Open House festivals that are redefining how the public engages with the spaces that define our cities.