Not so open now - yet headquarters meant to symbolise open government
When the government's new headquarters opened in 2011, chief executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen boasted that openness was at the heart of the design; its shape was even supposed to evoke an open door.
When the government's new headquarters opened in 2011, chief executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen boasted that openness was at the heart of the design; its shape was even supposed to evoke an open door.
It was an "exemplification of our strong conviction that we should always be people-oriented, open-minded and receptive to public opinion", Tsang said.
For protesters, a forecourt outside the east wing of the HK$5.5 billion complex has become the focal point for dissent.
Dubbed Civic Square by protesters, the forecourt first came to prominence during 2012 protests that derailed plans to introduce national education in schools.
Last week, it was again in the spotlight as the square - now behind three-metre railings - was entered and occupied by students fighting for democracy.
We should not need to ask for permission to use a public place
The scenes on Friday night were a far cry from the national education protests of 2012, when tens of thousands of students and activists freely moved into and out of the square.
