Monster Building, Hong Kong - Extreme density in full display
Is this aging building, a favorite spot of Instagram influencers, destined for a long-term future?
The Monster Building stands as a striking example of extreme housing density, constructed to maximise the number of units within the development. Erected in the late 1960s to accommodate an influx of immigrants, primarily from China, this development comprises five building blocks arranged in the shape of the letter “M”. Each block boasts 18 floors, a modest height by today’s Hong Kong standards, yet compensates with its expansive site coverage and multitude of units. In total, the Monster Building houses 2,243 units and accommodates approximately 10,000 residents.
Architecturally, the design of the Monster Building is unremarkable, adhering to the efficient mass apartment block style prevalent in Hong Kong. However, its sheer scale and massing create an oppressive atmosphere for visitors unfamiliar with the city.
The building gained international recognition through appearances in Hollywood films such as Transformers: Age of Extinction and the American adaptation of the Japanese manga, Ghost in the Shell. Leveraging platforms like Instagram and TikTok, the Monster Building has become a popular backdrop for both established and aspiring social media influencers together with budding photographers.
Contemplating how best to capture the essence of dense urban living in Hong Kong, I opted to visit the Monster Building at 8:30pm in March, avoiding the crowds of tourists, influencers, and photographers that typically flock to the site during the early evening.
Although I missed the opportunity to capture the building during the sunset in the evening blue hour, I was able to enjoy the peace and quiet without any interruptions from other photographers. Arriving at the location well after sunset ensured that the residents had returned home and turned on their lights, lighting up the building in the process, and providing a different perspective compared to the transitional stage during sunset when internal lights may not be on, or residents may still be at work.
Fortunately, I had the entire place to myself, with only a few curious residents passing by on their way home. It seemed they were unfazed by my presence, likely due to the frequent visits by photographers taking selfies throughout the year.
The composition of the image was straightforward, with the scale of the subject and lighting conditions playing a significant role. I opted to use a wide-angle lens to emphasise the building's distortion, making sure to avoid any distracting tall house plants nearby in the frame.
Despite the simplicity of the composition, setting up my camera on a tripod in low light conditions and adjusting the framing proved to be more time-consuming than expected. Being alone allowed me to focus on getting the shot right without feeling pressured by other photographers taking the same image.
The entire photoshoot proceeded smoothly and without any major incidents, leaving me with a sense of accomplishment. Surprisingly, there was very little need for post-production work on the computer. This rare occurrence was made possible by the perfect combination of existing lighting, composition, and weather conditions during the evening.
If I were to offer any critique, I would have preferred to have more broken clouds in the sky to create a more well-rounded composition. The building itself acts as various leading lines towards the sky, and additional cloud cover would have enhanced the overall aesthetic.
You may be wondering if I have any academic insights or thoughts on architecture or urban design related to this photo and building. Honestly, I hope that the Hong Kong government or a future developer will consider the significance of this massive and historic building, which stands as a symbol of Hong Kong's growth in the 1970s. Instead of demolishing it to make way for more profitable skyscrapers, I advocate for a thoughtful retrofit program to preserve this cultural and historical landmark.
Unfortunately, based on past decisions and the relentless pursuit of reinvention, I am not optimistic about this outcome. However, I remain hopeful that I will have the opportunity to revisit this imposing structure during my next trip to Hong Kong for a second photoshoot, allowing me to capture its essence once again.
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My photographs are published on Instagram and online. Additionally, I am available for private commissions and collaborations with other organisations. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me for further inquiries or opportunities.