In Hong Kong, roof shanties on high rise buildings have become an alternative typology of our hyperdense building culture. They form a particular urban fabric interweaving multiple levels and distances. Here the artist, Frank Havermans, together with local metalsmiths, arrives Wan Chai Visual Archive and reconceptualizes a mutation of roof shanty – with its domestic function and enclosure being removed – on the rooftop of a typical Tong-Lau in Hong Kong.
Now brought to life, the roof art installation reveals, rotates, and retracts from time to time. Inherited with a gene of vernacular architecture, this creature lives in between regulation and reason, action and affection, position and boundary. It has learnt to improvise the city, in order to survive….

The 2009 Biennale set up theme of “City Mobilization” aiming to test the possibility of large-scale, effective social mobilization in an age that lacks centralized force, spiritual solidarity and practical organization, and to create a top biennale which was also accessible for all participation.

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The theme of Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism Architecture (Hong Kong) this year is “Visions 2050: Lifestyle and the City’ which welcomes all Hong Kongers to explore their vision of the city in which they live. This exhibition is a curated showcase of inspirational works by leading international and local creatives and design professionals. As a platform for discussion and contemplation, it is a significant cultural driver in promoting awareness around the importance of understanding our city and facilitating a diverse platform for the exchange of knowledge, information and expertise. The exhibition is taken place in the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre and Kowloon Park.