Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP SIGHT
HSBC BUILDING
The stunning HSBC headquarters, designed by British architect Sir Norman
Foster, is a masterpiece of precision, sophistication and innovation. And so it
should be. On completion in 1985 it was the world's most expensive building
(costing over US$1 billion). The HSBC Building reflects the architect's wish to
create areas of public and private space, and to break the mould of previous
bank architecture. A lighting scheme fitted later enabled the building to stand
out at night.
The two bronze lions guarding the main entrance were designed for the bank's previous
headquarters in 1935; the lions are known as Stephen - the one roaring - and Stitt, after two
bank employees of the time. The Japanese used the lions as target practice during the occu-
pation; you can still see bullet holes on Stitt. Rub their mighty paws for luck.
The 52-storey glass and aluminium building is full of examples of good feng shui
(Chinese geomancy). There's no structure blocking its view of Victoria Harbour because
water is associated with prosperity. The escalators are believed to symbolise the whiskers of
a dragon sucking wealth into its belly. They're built at an angle to the entrance, supposedly
to disorient evil spirits which can only travel in a straight line.
The ground floor is public space, which people can traverse without entering the bank.
From there, take the escalator to the 3rd floor to gaze at the cathedral-like atrium and the
natural light filtering through its windows.
