This book focuses on the transformation from colonial to global – the formation, mechanism, events, works and people related to urban architecture. The book reveals hardships the city encountered in the 1950s and the glamour enjoyed in the 1980s. It depicts the public and private developments, and especially the public housing which has sheltered millions of residents. The author identifies the architects practising in the formative years and the representatives of a rising generation after the 1980s. Suffering from land shortage and a dense environment, the urban development of Hong Kong has in the past 70 years met the changing demands of fluctuating economic activities and a rising population. Architecture on the island has been shaped by social demands, the economy and technology. The buildings have been forged by the government, clients, planners, architects, many contractors and end-users. The built environment nurtures our life and is visual evidence of the way the city has developed. Hong Kong is a key to East Asia in the Pacific Era. The book is a must-read for a thorough understanding the contemporary history and architecture of this oriental pearl.Endorsement:“Hong Kongsets an extreme example of hyper-density living. MTR’s Kowloon Station projectoffered my firm the unique opportunity to contribute to a new type of fullyintegrated three dimensional transport mega-structure, conceived as awell-connected place for people to live, work and play. Through Charlie Xue’s book, one can seehow a compact city works and high density integrated development indicates asustainable path for modern city making.” Sir Terry Farrell, CBE, Principal, Farrells"Well researched andrefreshingly well structured, Charlie Xue's latest book comprehensively showshow Hong Kong's post-war urban architecture both tracks and symbolizes theformer British colony's rise to success - a must read for architecture andculture buffs alike."Peter G. Rowe,Raymond Garbe Professor of Architecture and Urban Design, Harvard UniversityDistinguished Service Professor.“Anessential addition to the growing literature on Chinese architecture, the titleof the book belies the full scope of Xue’s extensive history. Covering HongKong’s postwar transition from defeated colony to Pacific Age power house, Xueexpertly traces the evolution of the city’s ambitious and innovative programsof integrated high density urban design and infrastructure, as well as changingarchitectural fashions. In a time when many Westerngovernments have all but abandoned public housing programs, Xue’s book is atimely reminder of what can be achieved.” ProfessorChris Abel, author of Architecture and Identity, Architecture, technology and process andThe Extended Self.<