HSBC Building — Local services in Hong Kong

The HSBC building at 1 Queen's Road Central is one of the feature skyscrapers that make up the Hong Kong Skyline. It is highly recognisable during the day as well as during the night when the building is lit. HSBC is also a feature building in the nightly Symphony of Lights laser show and can be seen well from both sides of Victoria Harbour if you are wanting to have a look.

Historically, there have been several previous HSBC building on this site, the most recent having been constructed between 1978-1985 by British architect Lord Norman Foster. At that time, the new HSBC building was the most expensive building ever constructed. It is an example of structural expressionism architecture and remains one of the world's most noted representations of this form.

Of noted interest, there are Feng Shui influences and features relating to the building itself and its physical position. These are worth looking up and reviewing if interested. One feature that we like are the two cannon designs mounted atop the HSBC building. They are set in place to balance the negative Feng Shui believed to be sent from fellow banking institution, Bank of China.

If you want to see the HSBC Building, you can do so quite clearly from both sides of the Harbour. We enjoy viewing it at night from the small Statue Square, where there is a clearing allowing you direct unobstructed views of the building. This is a good spot to take photos of the building at night.

You can also easily make out the HSBC building from across the harbour at the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade where you find the best overall views of the Hong Kong Skyline. If you are not particularly interested in seeing the building up close, this spot...

The new building was designed by the British architect Norman, Lord Foster and civil & structural engineers Ove Arup & Partners with service design by J. Roger Preston & Partners, and was constructed by a John Lok / Wimpey Joint Venture.[9] From the concept to completion, it took seven years (1978–1985). The building is 180 metres high with 47 storeys and four basement levels. The building has a modular design consisting of five steel modules prefabricated in the UK by Scott Lithgow Shipbuilders near Glasgow, and shipped to Hong Kong. About 30,000 tons of steel and 4,500 tons of aluminium were used.

The original design was heavily inspired by the Douglas Gilling designed Qantas International Centre in Sydney (currently known as Suncorp Place).[10]

The new Lobby and its 2-part Asian Story Wall were designed by Greg Pearce, of One Space Limited. Pearce was also the Principal Architect of the Hong Kong Airport Express (MTR) station. Conceived as a minimalist glass envelope, the new lobby is designed to be deferential to Foster's structure and appears almost to be part of the original.

The building is also one of the few to not have elevators as the primary carrier of building traffic. Instead, elevators only stop every few floors, and floors are interconnected...

The HSBC Bank premises serves as a vibrant gathering place for the Filipino community every Sunday, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among its members. This weekly gathering provides an opportunity for Filipinos to come together, socialize, and enjoy each other's company.

One of the highlights of these gatherings is the opportunity for individuals to buy and sell items at affordable prices, creating a bustling marketplace atmosphere. This not only allows community members to access goods at cheaper rates but also supports small-scale entrepreneurs within the Filipino community.

The sense of togetherness and warmth experienced during these gatherings contributes to the strong bond among Filipino expatriates in the area. It serves as a space where cultural traditions are celebrated, stories are shared, and friendships are strengthened.

Overall, the HSBC Bank premises has become more than just a banking institution—it has evolved into a cherished community hub where Filipinos gather weekly to connect, support each other, and create memorable...