KINESTHETIC MONTAGE — PHIL CHANG

City FRAGMENTS, BUILDING TRANSITIONS

AN URBAN STITCHING OF HONG KONG THROUGH FILM

As a city of extreme density, Hong Kong has developed a unique urban and spatial quality through which the city is experienced and understood. The fact that only a third of the city’s population owns a car suggests that Hong Kong, although sprawling in size, is a city meant to be experienced by foot. With an extensive network of pedestrian bridges, escalators, and hallways already in place, there is arguably no better alternative to getting around than by walking. As such, the most immersive way to experience the city is through a kinesthetic montage—exploration through the walking body and documentation through film and cinematography. The project aim of the studio was to develop a new Film Archive in Hong Kong by re-purposing the historic Central Market on Hong Kong Island. Consistent with its program brief, the studio draws upon the spatial and experiential qualities unique to film, experimenting with the medium as an equally viable design tool to create spaces for the public realm.