about people
By HUGH LUNN
A
N AUSTRALIAN architect on a "mission of learning" is to set up practice in Hong Kong 15 months after he first arrived.
Alan R. Gilbert, ARAIA talks about architecture likes a missionary about religion or an historian about history.
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in the great traditional societes the principal motivation of the arts was a symbolic expression of the philosophical implications of the religious structures... said softly and slowly. His face fair-skin, blue eyes
looks into the distance.
It came as no surprise when Mr. Gilbert mentioned his two years as an assistant lecturer in the Faculty of Architecture, University of New South Wales.
What started as an interview rapidly developed into a talk on architecture as an art. But this was to be expected... because this is tied closely to the Austra- lian's "mission of study."
Architectural Symbolism
Alan R. Gilbert, ARAIA
"Architecture-an art of space and time"
been technically quite adequately resolved. But little recognition seems to have been given to Hong Kong's unique enviroment both geographically and in its proximity to one of the great traditions of the past.
"Superficially most buildings here could fit happily into the environment of modern cities in America or Europe without expressing anything of their location... except in a pseudo-Oriental way.”
The Australian was “amazed" that Hong Kong had only some 200 architects. "In my own city of Sydney population two million there are 1.800 practicing architects. This is perhaps why there exists there a more vital evolving indigenous architecture, and a far greater sense of real architectural competition.
Transient Expression
"In Australia the buildings evolving the most uniquely Australian characteristics are houses. These houses are usually built for individual clients who have their own characteristics and who pose their own
In December 1963 Mr. Gilbert resigned his appoint particular problems for the architect. ment at the University.
“I didn't like teaching entirely from second-hand knowledge so I decided to go to those parts of the world that nurtured great civilizations.”
Thus he came to Hong Kong: lived on Taipa Island off Macau for nine months where he designed an island hospital; and lived in Macau until last month.
"I hope to gather information by talking, reading, drawing and taking pictures in Europe, China, India, Japan, Cambodia and Indonesia. This is building up to a vague kind of thesis which isn't definite yet, but will be something in relation to 'architectural symbolism'.'
"Architectural symbolism?" I frowned unknowingly, and waited.
The searching architect lit a cigarette, looked away. and focussed in the distance. "The essential thing about architecture that distinguishes it from simply building is that it is an art essentially an art of space and time.
“In this it is akin to music, and like music, in order for it to provide essential artistic expression this expres- sion must be defined by some principles.
"In traditional societies the principles which pervad- ed all the arts were defined by the societies' philosophic structure. And within each tradition this philosophic structure formed the 'Grand Theme' upon which infinite variations could be built each a reflection of the central mode.”
Prime Motivator
With a re-focusing of the eyes the scene shifted.
"In our age the prime motivator of society is
one of constant change called 'Progress'.
"The lack of a true basis for the art of architecture in modern times is of continual concern to thinking architects the world over.
"It is only through the study of architectural history that we can begin to understand the implications of our own society." The half-finished cigarette was stubbed out.
"What of Hong Kong?" I asked.
"A exciting city with fabulous environmental poten- tial, but a city that has produced practically no vital architecture.
"It has its own particular problems, and these have
Far East Architect & Builder March, 1965
"In Hong Kong, where most building is done either providing basic accommodation for a multitude of people, by real estate developers or through the necessity of architecture does not have this same kind of stimulation. "This is probably the reason why Hong Kong displays such a transient expression of architecture as an art."
Once again Hong Kong building had been strongly criticised but this time no smart cliches had been used. This time the criticism came from a man who believes in the art and history of architecture a man learning to teach.
"Perhaps when all the urgent problems of accomo- dation are solved Hong Kong may begin to develop its own mode of architecture" said the Australian to "finish on a happier note."
Interior view of a home in Sydney designed by Mr. Gilbert
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