Having read David Tang Wing-cheung's 'There's no use in starving oneself over a frumpish clock' (December 23), and Peter Thompson's 'Demolition Daze' (December 29), I am disappointed by their lack of understanding about the architectural value of the former Star Ferry pier.
They seem to misunderstand why the protesters fought so hard to save the pier. Mr Tang's description of it as a 'nondescript, frumpish clock tower perched on top of a pathetic, half-squashed tower' smacks of arrogance and shows ignorance of architectural design and history.
Built in 1958, this building is typical International Style architecture. It is minimalist in concept and devoid of regional characteristics, instead stressing functionalism.
Despite being a geometric building, elegant design details can be found. Take the flagpole on the front facade, for example. The pole pierces the overhanging roof, and is held by three slim, rounded concrete fins. The curved fins suggest movement and efficiency, a typical Streamline Modern trait - a style exemplified by the Wan Chai Market.
The scale, massing and green/white colour scheme of the piers and ferries were in total harmony. The clock tower itself was an exercise in restraint and proportion.
Despite its age and condition, the pier's gritty urban feel, the sound of the engines, and the infused smell of diesel and saltwater were what I loved about the Star Ferry, 'harsh fluorescent lights' and all. Now that the pier is practically demolished, there probably aren't any public buildings of this style left in Hong Kong.
If they want to bash bad architecture, they should pick something more appropriate, such as the monstrously disproportioned new Central Pier designed by the Civil Engineering and Development Department.
