Unknown Brutalism Architecture in Hong Kong - A Visual Testament to a Forgotten Legacy
In an era where sleek innovation and visual spectacle often dominate architectural narratives, DETAILS AND AESTHETICS: Unknown Brutalism Architecture in Hong Kong stands as a compelling counterpoint, an intimate visual essay and thoughtful exploration of one of the city’s most misunderstood and striking architectural movements.
Building on the legacy of the acclaimed Unknown Brutalism Architecture in Hong Kong, this new edition boldly doubles its impact, featuring twice as many Brutalist case studies, meticulously captured by award-winning architectural photographer Kevin Mak and curated with the discerning editorial vision of architect-researcher Bob Pang.
Spanning more than three years of fieldwork, this book transcends the boundaries of a traditional monograph; it is a visual archive, a cultural reckoning, and an open invitation to rediscover Hong Kong through a transformed lens. Joined by a team of twenty architects, students, and creatives, the authors scoured the city’s districts, unearthing overlooked gems, monuments to resilience, experimentation, and functional beauty. The result: a portfolio of 34 Brutalist buildings, meticulously catalogued with 272 evocative images selected from over 3,000 frames.
Brutalism in Hong Kong is more than a stylistic statement; it embodies an era of stoicism and urban pragmatism, with its stark lines and raw textures echoing the social and political climate of its time. In DETAILS AND AESTHETICS, this historical narrative is reimagined as a journey, quietly powerful and visually arresting.
This marks the first dedicated photographic work by Kevin Mak, whose experience at OMA Hong Kong and curatorial projects such as @streetsignhk reveal a keen eye for the nuanced interplay between people, place, and the built environment. His evocative images are paired with Bob Pang’s reflective writing, giving readers a layered understanding of space, one that honors architectural rigor while embracing the emotional resonance of life within concrete walls.
Endorsed by design visionaries such as Yoko Choy, China Editor of Wallpaper* magazine, and Mark Lee, former Chair of Architecture at Harvard GSD, the book has garnered international acclaim. As Yoko Choy observes, “As you turn the pages, a visual journey through Brutalist structures awaits, a one-of-a-kind memory palace that belongs to you and everyone who has ever existed in these spaces.” Mark Lee adds, “Brutalism in Hong Kong is an architecture of stoicism and resilience…a reflection of its time.”
The publication stands apart for its distinction: its predecessor was the most awarded title at the 5th Hong Kong Publishing Biennial Awards, receiving the Best Publishing Award – Social Sciences and two Special Awards for Marketing and Emerging Editing.
Bob Pang
About the Author
Bob Pang is a Hong Kong-registered architect and a passionate advocate for architectural culture. With over 15 years of practice across London, Vienna, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, including a tenure at the studio of Japanese master Arata Isozaki, his work bridges design, research, and curatorship. Bob is a recipient of the “40 Under 40” Outstanding Designer Award and accolades, including MIPIM Asia’s Gold Award and Japan’s Good Design “Best 100.” He led the research and exhibition BRUTAL! and has published multiple bestsellers on architectural discourse. He is currently a regular columnist for City Magazine.
Kevin Mak
About the Photographer
Kevin Mak is a registered architect turned architectural photographer whose work captures the essence of the built environment. A former member of OMA Hong Kong, Kevin now divides his time between photography, heritage research, and curatorial projects. His co-founding of the platform @streetsignhk reflects his commitment to urban memory, and his photographic work has garnered international acclaim, from Tatler’s “Generation T: 100” to the Dezeen Jury Prize and Architecture Photograph of the Year. This monograph marks a significant milestone in his ongoing dialogue with architecture and city life.
DETAILS AND AESTHETICS is not only a celebration of concrete, but also of collective memory, craftsmanship, and the quiet poetry found in overlooked forms. For the design curious and urban romantics alike, this book is an indispensable document of Hong Kong’s raw and resilient spirit.