Each week our two teenagers debate a hot topic. This week...
Jeffrey Wong, Diocesan Boys' School
It's not necessary to redevelop Hong Kong's old districts. It's more important to preserve local landscapes, historical architecture and community bonding. Humans learn from history. Our actions are decided with guidance from the past.
There are many old buildings in historic districts like Mong Kok and Wan Chai. The Blue House in Wan Chai is a classic example of a combination of Chinese and western architecture. These buildings may not have as much economic value as newly-built skyscrapers, but they serve the important purpose of illustrating how our ancestors lived. We know how far we have come.
Some argue that specific, individual monuments can be preserved independently while redevelopment takes place around them. I disagree. Historic landscape should be protected as a whole or architectural standards will be devalued.
Experience in countries like Australia shows comprehensive preservation yields benefits.