Following on from the discussion in your columns regarding the design of the new Central Library building I feel it is imperative that the decision-making individuals responsible for designing our city, whether in or outside government, promote an awareness of our cultural heritage by drawing on Chinese aesthetics - pleasant to the eye and meaningful to the soul.
Hong Kong's architectural problems are not particularly related to England, but to the various international styles which are generally not attuned to our culture, but which are too often made dominant.
Local architects and overseas professionals have long replicated design philosophies and edifices here; the proof is all around us. Their works are not objectionable just not suited to today's Hong Kong. The essence is there, but it's not Chinese.
In my estimation, the guiding design principle must be to formulate an architectural vocabulary that, like Cinderella's shoe, fits only the one true recipient.
The challenge is to make Hong Kong look like Hong Kong, without unnecessarily eliminating reasonable aesthetics and economic logic.
Another major consideration is the continuation of Hong Kong's famed street life. Experiments in which street markets were relocated inside purpose-designed regional government buildings were commendable, but produced dead zones in place of lively neighbourhoods.
