Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Architect Larry Oltmanns

Oltmanns is Design Director and CEO of Vx3
Architects.Strategists.Urban Designers.
Previously a partner with SOM and design head of SOMs
London office
Architecture firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill
American architectural and engineering firm.
SOM is one of the largest architectural firms in the world.
Their primary expertise is in high-end commercial buildings, as
it was SOM that led the way to the widespread use of the
modern international-style or "glass box" skyscraper.
Buildings: John Hancock Center, Sears Tower, Burj Khalifa
Construction Years Phase I was completed in 1988 with 2 exhibition halls of
17,800 sq m, complemented by the Convention Hall, meeting
rooms, theatres and supporting facilities. Phase II was opened
in 1997. It consists 3 exhibitions halls and a Grand Hall at 3
levels amounting to 28,460 sq m of designated exhibition
space. The two phases are connected by a bridge like structure
known as the Atrium link over a water channel.
Achitectural Style Post-modernism
The prominent features of postmodern architecture are mainly
adapting diverse aesthetics which gives emphasis on unique
forms. Buildings are designed not only to deliver conventional
function but also combined with characteristics of meaning
such as pluralism, irony, paradox, and contextualism.
Location It is located in Wan Chai North, Hong Kong Island.
Built along the Victoria Harbour

Architectural Features

One of the main architectural features of the HKCEC is its glass curtain, considered
as the worlds largest at the time it was constructed, which provides amazing views
of Victoria Harbour on three sides of the building.
Another structural highlight of the convention centre is its 40,000 square-metre
aluminum roof which mimics a seabird soaring in flight. The roofs shape makes this
building one of the most identifiable landmark on the skyline of Hong Kong Island.
The HKCEC held the historical Handover Ceremony on 30th June 1997 when Britain
returned Hong Kong to the Peoples Republic of China.
The building houses exhibition halls, convention halls, theatres, restaurants and has
gained acclaim for its outstanding use of space.
The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center has played an important part in
making Hong Kong's economy and China's economy grow rapidly because it has been
the site of numerous important trade shows and business meetings since it was built
in 1988. Chinese, Hong Kong and foreign business people meet there to make deals
and this helps to make Hong Kong's economy grow.