Following 1000 days of research on brutalist architecture in Hong Kong, unexpectedly, numerous dusty archives that were once scattered everywhere have been found. These archives include original building plans, design sketches, old photographs, publications, as well as introductory texts and documents from architects’ studios. Our brutalist architecture, once hidden in the concrete jungle finally reclaim its own stage. Figures that have long been unseen can now re-draw the public’s attention.

Meanwhile, this current exhibition at Form Society, titled “Knowing the Unknown – Brutalism Architecture Archive, Hong Kong” focuses on first-person perspectives from the past, travelling back to the architectural frontline between 1960s and 1970s, allowing us to observe closely how predecessors built and why they chose to be brutal. The discussions and evaluations of Hong Kong brutalist architecture are then based on genuine and objective archival data, regardless of being positive or negative.

Despite the team effort of twenty people over the course of three years, numerous subjects remain unknown and await investigation. As one ventures forth, homes are inevitably emptied, and records lost to oblivion. Recollection of forgotten tales, realms known or unknown, entails an undying quest.

Venue address: Form Society, 186 Tai Nan Street, Sham Shui Po