Return to its glorious past for Hong Kong’s old Bank of China building in Central
Main banking hall dominated by original art deco ceiling featuring titles laid out in a mosaic depicting nine ancient Chinese characters for money
Returning the old Bank of China Building in Central to its former glory has proved a major challenge for architect Sandi Pei Li-chung, during a meticulous year of renovation work at the site.
Sandi’s father I.M Pei, who turned 100-years-old this year, designed the new Bank of China Building on Garden Road. The old Bank of China Building will now become the regional headquarters of BOC Hong Kong’s private bank.
Pei Jnr described the renovation of the older building as “forensic” in its nature, in that he and his team worked from many old photos, documents and carried out detailed on-site inspection to replicate its original splendour.
“As such a historic building, my intention was always to return it to its original, grand design,” Pei said.