Marketplace
For decades, The White House (白屋) stood abandoned on Hong Kong’s Mount Davis. With a history that extends over the last century, the site was a longstanding reminder of war and conflict. Today, the University of Chicago has transformed the site completely, giving it new life as a center for education. This documentary presents a compelling account of the rich history of the Mount Davis site as well as its rebirth.
Charles Lai is a British architect and researcher of the history and conservation of Hong Kong and Asian modern architecture. He received his PhD degree in architectural history and theory from the University of Hong Kong Department of Architecture, and a diploma from the AA School of Architecture in London. He is a member of the Docomomo Hong Kong. His research explores the history of modern architecture in East and Southeast Asia, the material culture and history of Shanghai plaster, as well as the conservation and revitalization design of historical built heritage.
Paul holds a Bachelor of Laws Degree and a Postgraduate Certificate in Laws from the University of Hong Kong, a Master of Philosophy from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), and a Master of Science Degree in Comparative Politics from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He was once a part-time lecturer at the Department of Government and Public Administration at CUHK, Political Assistant to Secretary for Food and Health, HKSAR Government (2008 to 2012) and a presenter and commentator at Radio Television Hong Kong. Paul is also a founding member of the Roundtable group and Co-founder & CEO of Walk In Hong Kong, a cultural enterprise that curates immersive and memorable experiences.
An erstwhile academic, a former ministerial aide, and a man of finance in his previous incarnation, Paul is principally an avid traveller, both modestly for fun, and a bit more lavishly for the corporate world. When not wandering around the globe, he can be found temple or village-hopping on the edges of Hong Kong. By founding Walk in Hong Kong, Paul is determined to show the world that his home turf isn’t just, as the official storyline goes, a fishing-village-turned-metropolis, since there are actually more mesmerizing stories to tell!
Marco Siu is a practising architect, a member of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects and the Danish Association of Architects. He is also a member of the HKIA Planning & Urban Design Committee, Organizing Committees for design competitions initiated by the Development Bureau and the recipient of HKIA CPD Research Fund.
With local practices, he has worked on projects such as on university campuses with laboratories, residential complexes, school and hospital projects. As an independent architect, he has worked on a placemaking project in Taiwan, also joining international architecture exhibitions and design competitions.
Brian Lee is an architectural designer and a member of the Danish Association of Architects. He received education in Australia, Switzerland and Denmark, also apprenticed in China and Spain, and is the recipient of HKIA CPD Research Fund.
With local practices, he has worked on projects such as on commercial complexes, retail centres and cinemas. As an independent designer, he has worked on a temporary timber pavilion in Zurich, also joining international architecture exhibitions and design competitions.