May 25, 2012

The Grand Millenium Reflected

This is part of the Grand Millenium Plaza building reflected in the windows of Sheung Wan Golden Centre in Central, Hong Kong.

First in monochrome for Weekend in Black and White. [Better seen enlarged.]

Hong Kong, 2007

And then, because I really couldn't decide which I liked better, a slightly different angle in color for Weekend Reflections.


When I took these photographs some years ago, we were on a fast walk and I really only noticed the clock tower and the art decoish details. I was expecting to find some interesting information about the architecture. It was therefore a bit of a disappointment to learn that this is a relatively new building completed in 1998 with no real historical significance.

What you would not realize just from looking at these photos is that right behind the clock tower the Grand Millenium Plaza is a 28-floor multi-purpose building. I didn't take a photo of it.

This was an urban renewal project started in 1988 on 7,200 sqm lot of land in a then rather dilapitaded area of Central on which the two towers were built: this one you see, plus another 52-story glass tower with a similar lower floor design (ranking 20th on the list of tallest buildings in HK). Between the two towers there is a 3,365 sqm Italian-inspired plaza, complete with fountain, trees and flower planters - an amazing little oasis in the urban center. This photo shows only a small part of it.


The buildings and plaza are worth a closer look. I found this 360-degree view online (and it gave permission to use it for non-commercial purposes). After clicking on the center red arrow and OK, click on full screen on the top left; then use your mouse to drag left-right-up-down to change your view. You can also zoom in or out. It's cool.

25 comments:

EG CameraGirl said...

WOW! I really like these reflections, Francisca. What great eyes you have for seeing superb photo ops.

Halcyon said...

Really beautiful reflections! WHat an impressive city. :)

Gail Dixon said...

Beautiful buildings. Can't decide which I like better, the color or b&w. Maybe the angle of the color one makes that one stand out more.

My daughter's bff from high school lives in Hong Kong. She visited there a few years ago. Interesting place!

Sylvia K said...

These are fantastic, Cisca!!What great reflections and wonderful captures! Awesome! You do indeed have a great eye!! Enjoy your weekend!

Sylvia

Kim, USA said...

Wow amazing view!

Kim,USA

Simon said...

Wonderful find. I loved the B/W right away but then saw the color and understand why you can't choose. As for that 360 thing. That made me dizzy right away. Had to stop.
Hope things are well Cisca. Happy weekend.

Pat Tillett said...

From the photos, I was about to say that like seeing the old buildings reflected in the new. If you hadn't told us that it was a fairly new building, I would have never known. Then seeing the same building in the panoramic view, I could clearly see that it wasn't old. As always, great photos and thanks for the background information.

cieldequimper said...

Oh that b&w is fabulous! These are brilliant reflections Francisca!

Dianne said...

I love the warm colors in the second shot
the building is beautiful!

Chattahoochee Valley Daily said...

Great shots. I hate word verifications also, but I thought mine was turned off. I hope you keep visiting when the mood strikes.

Birgitta said...

Interesting and great b&w pictures!

Vores have said...

Great pictures you show.
Hanne Bente / hbt.finus.dk

RobertN said...

Beautiful reflections! Best wishes!

HansHB said...

B&W photo is good!
Happy W-B&W!

Cezar and Léia said...

Dear Francisca, your pictures are wonderful, I like a lot the B&w and you got perfect reflections, these buildings are modern, I would like to visit this high tech city someday!

Linda said...

That is a wonderful set of photos showing the reflections...and a great explanation! Thank you!

Valerie said...

Fascinating captures Francisca. The 2nd coloured shot gets my vote. Yes, Hong Kong is a most unusual place - I spent 3 weeks there several years ago volunteering for an international aid organisation. Thanks for sharing your experience in photos and text.

Dragonstar said...

What a wonderful set of reflections! Naturally, my favourite is the black and white, but they are all so good. Thanks for the information as well

Thanks also for your kind enquiry. It's been a bad spring for me, but I'm practically back to full health now.

Rune K said...

Broken reflections are fascinating! A good shot! Have a nice day :)

Dimple said...

I like the color reflection best, myself, but the b/w is impressive.

That panorama view is neat, but it can make you dizzy. I had to stop frequently to avoid falling over! (Tee-hee!)

Unknown said...

What fantastic reflections, Francisca!

Wayne said...

I couldn't choose either, they are both beautiful! I would have never guessed this building was so new!

Laura said...

wonderful reflections Francisca...360 view is very cool indeed.

Melbourne Australia Photos said...

Wonderful reflections, beautifully captured, Francisca.

Monica S Engell said...

Wonderful reflections in these photos!
:)