The 1950s marked a transformative era for Hong Kong, as rapid population growth and urban challenges spurred architectural innovation. This period saw the rise of modernist designs and pragmatic solutions that laid the foundation for the city’s metropolitan identity. The series of talks and walks highlights the often-overlooked contributions of 1950s architects, including the Public Works Department and private practices with a focus on architects Su Gin Djih and Luke Him Sau, who shaped Hong Kong’s landscape through groundbreaking public and private projects. Join us for talks and walks exploring their enduring legacy and the creative spirit that defined a generation, inspiring new perspectives on Hong Kong’s architectural heritage.

Sponsor: Luke Him Sau Educational Foundation 陸謙受教育基金
Organiser: The Hong Kong Institute of Architects
Supporting Organisations: Bank of China (Hong Kong) | The Chinese University of Hong Kong  | The University of Hong Kong 

Talk 1 - 22 Nov 2025 (Sat) 
Topics: Private Practice Pioneer Local Architects in 1950s & The Public Works Department and Everyday Modern Architecture in Hong Kong
Time: 9:15am-1:00pm
Venue: 11/F Auditorium, Bank of China Tower, 1 Garden Road, Hong Kong
CPD Hours: 3.5
Language: English supplemented with Cantonese
Admission Fee: Free
Quota: 100 persons
Speakers:
Ar. Tony Lam Chung Wai - HKIA, HKICON, M.S. (Conservation), B.Arch., B.A.(A.S.)
Prof. Carmen CM Tsui - Associate Professor, Lingnan University
Moderators: Prof. Eunice Seng & Ar. Corrin Chan

Talk 2 - 6 Dec 2025 (Sat)
Topics: Merging Modernism & Tradition: G.D.Su and the Migrant Architects & Legacy of Luke Him Sau in Hong Kong: An Overview of Findings & On-going Researches
Time: 9:15am-1:00pm
Venue: 11/F Auditorium, Bank of China Tower, 1 Garden Road, Hong Kong
CPD Hours: 3.5
Language: English supplemented with Cantonese
Admission Fee: Free
Quota: 100 persons
Speakers: 
Dr. Han Man - Lecturer, School of Architecture, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Dr. Charles Lai - Ph.D., Registered Architect (UK)
Moderators: Prof. Cecilia Chu & Ar. Tony Lam Chung Wai
 

Walk 1 - 29 Nov 2025 (Sat)  Kowloon
Time: 9:15am-1:00pm
CPD Hours: 3.5
Language: English supplemented with Cantonese
Admission Fee: Free
Quota: 25 persons
Synposis: This architectural walk explores 1950s Kowloon through the significant works of architects Su Gin Djih, Eric Cumine, and Gordon Brown. The tour features key sites that defined the era's modernist and hybrid styles, including New Asia Middle School, the Church of Seventh-Day Adventist, Wah Yan College & Chapel, Chinese Christian Church of Amoy.
Speakers: 
Dr. Han Man - Lecturer, School of Architecture, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Ar. Anthony Leung  - HKIA, Heritage & Conservation Committee Member
 

Walk 2 - 13 Dec 2025 (Sat)  Hong Kong Island 
Time: 9:15am-1:00pm
CPD Hours: 3.5
Language: English supplemented with Cantonese
Admission Fee: Free
Quota: 25 persons
Synposis: This architectural walk explores modern heritages in Hong Kong Island through the significant works of architects in the 1950s and 1960s . The tour features key sites built by Luke Him Sau and other modernist architects, including Ritz Garden Apartment (麗池大廈), Chinese Methodist Church, Bank of China, the Government Hill, etc. Together they captured the spirit of the era and the unique socio-economical contexts of the era.
Speakers: 
Dr. Charles Lai - Ph.D., Registered Architect (UK)
Ar. Lam Lai Shun - HKIA, Heritage & Conservation Committee Chair
 

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/iNGYvbzzL5vz7g1S8