VII,
cont.
12.
the eye. of the beholder. Type and style are imulevant since, as with human beings, quality transcends national boundaries.
Suffice
Classical
to say that the station is a fine specimen of Neo-Grecian design of some grandeur. One may add that this is a style which mainland China still borrows upon to this day, and is no more foreign in origin than nearly any other building in Hong Kong.
5. Historical and personal sentiments are also difficult to measure, although the enlightened would already realise that these are the details that give the environment its many hues.
6.
The undisputable facts are as follows. The building was designed as a prestige symbol, as the "Gateway to China". It was built at great cost to the public. It has undoubted architectural quality. Even in its present uncared for state, the robustness and strength of the ocmposition are there for all to appreciate. It has a quiet purposeful dignity. Its architectural elements are grammatically and sculpturally composed. Its elaborately scalloped capitals, subtly tapering columns, pediments and rippling cornices were all immaculately carved in granite with the age-old skill of countless hands, and with the sweat and humiliation of cheap labour.
7.
This kind of skill has long given way to mass-cor.crete, and this kind of labour is now well beyond our economic means. Such "hand-made" buildings will never exist again at any price.
8.
True, its function as a Station may be obsolete, but in no way is its structure obsolete. Structurally, it is very sound, being very solidly built. Obviously repairs and renovations are necessary, especially in the roof, but there is nothing insurmountable. Ita brick and stone are relatively maintenance free.
9.
In plan
:)
The building is outlined in granite with brick infill. it is "U"-shaped consisting of two storeys, omprising offices, foyers, atore-rooms, cafeteria and toilets, shaded by deep verandahs and colonades The clock tower is placed at the lower right hand comer of the "U", whilst a driveway sweeps under the main portico which is centrally placed
at the bottom of the "U".
10.
In fact, here is a collection of ancillary spaces commor. to any public building, whether it be a comert hall, exibition hall, museum
/ p.13 or even
Page 30Page 31