Statue Square (1896), Surrounding Former Queen's Building (1899) & Prince‘s Building (1904)
皇后像廣場 (1896) 、前皇后行 (1899) 、太子行 (1904)
1896, Commercial 商業建築
Chater Road(Statue Square) / 5 Connaught Road(Surrounding Former Queen's Building) / 10 Chater Road(Prince‘s Building)
中環遮打道(皇后像廣場) / 中環干諾道中5號(前皇后行) / 中環遮打道10號(太子行)
Since 1896, Statue Square in Central and its surrounding architectural compound has been the symbol of colonial governance. The Classical architectures surrounding the square resembled the reign of British Empire in every way, including governance of the city (the Former City Hall), the most influential bank (HSBC), the most wealthy developer (Prince’s Building of 1904 and Queen’s Building of 1899 were both acquired by Hongkong Land successively), rule of law (Supreme Court) and rich men’s club (The Hong Kong Club). Essence of the square’s landscape design and its surrounding buildings has gradually evolved from British monarchy to modern architectural style for locals. As the witness of major events of the city for over a century, Statue Square is undoubtedly the symbol of Hong Kong people’s core values.
自從1896年起，中區皇后像廣場的空間及環繞它的建築組羣－直代表著香港的殖民地權力中心。其周圍以宏偉古典風格設計的建築亦表達著大英帝國的權威，包括市政權(舊大會堂)、最大權的銀行(匯豐銀行)、最富有的地產商(1904年之太子行文1899年之皇后行均後來由置地公司收購)、法治制度(最高法院) 以及富豪會所(香港會)。隨著廣場之園林設計及周圍之建築由昔日君權韻調蛻變為民用現代主義風格，廣場亦見證這城市的主要事件，代表香港的核心價值。
文: 梁以華(香港建築師)
攝影: Rebecca Ho
http://www.etnet.com.hk/www/tc/diva/art_hkac_detail.php?id=28846&page=6
