The 16th Venice Biennale International Architecture Exhibition - Hong Kong Response Exhibition "Vertical Fabric: Density in Landscape" is now open and will run until April 22 at the City Gallery in Central. The exhibition involves the installation of 116 tower models along Edinburgh Place in Central and into the City Gallery with the aim of creatively illustrating Hong Kong's unique urban form.

     The Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, officiated as guest of honour at an opening ceremony for the Hong Kong Response Exhibition today (March 25). Other officiating guests included the Director of Planning, Mr Raymond Lee; the Acting Head of Create Hong Kong, Ms Fiona Lam; the President of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects, Mr Felix Li; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation, Mr Franklin Yu; and the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, Ms Winsome Chow. The Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Xiao Jiahong, also attended the ceremony.

     In Venice last year, the 16th Venice Biennale International Architecture Exhibition - Hong Kong Exhibition "Vertical Fabric: Density in Landscape" showcased Hong Kong's unique architectural features. The Hong Kong Response Exhibition has brought those works shown at the Venice Biennale back to the heart of Hong Kong for public viewing and to explore "free space" through Hong Kong's vertical towers.

     The 116 tower models were designed by 89 groups of architects from Hong Kong and around the world, and were created on three different structural bases with a variety of architectural elements added. Every exhibit demonstrates the architects' innovations and vision through vertical architecture and free space.

     To tie in with the exhibition, the City Gallery will hold a series of forums and workshops to enhance public understanding of Hong Kong's architectural landscape and urban development. For more information, please visit the City Gallery's website at www.citygallery.gov.hk, its Facebook page (www.fb.com/hkcitygallery) or its Instagram account (www.instagram.com/citygalleryhk), or call 3102 1242.

     The Hong Kong Response Exhibition is jointly organised by the Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation, the Hong Kong Arts Development Council and the Planning Department, with the Hong Kong Institute of Architects as the partner and Create Hong Kong as the leading sponsor. The exhibition, curated by Professor Weijen Wang, Mr Thomas Chung and Mr Thomas Tsang, will move to the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui, on April 26 and run until June 23.

Ends/Monday, March 25, 2019
Issued at HKT 19:24

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