Hysan Place, Sogo, Time Square — these shopping landmarks show why Causeway Bay is still one of the city’s busiest business and cultural destinations. And we’ll be the first to admit that we’ll never be bored of all-inclusive shopping malls and friendly chain stores. But how about something different for a change? Join us this week as we travel back in time to the ’50s and explore the Caroline-Haven community area, where classical infrastructure meets hipster hangouts.

The Architecture

Besides the regular street plates that stand alongside the street, the start and the end of Haven Street is also marked by a T-shape street plate, slabbed onto the walls of the buildings. Although some might find them somewhat less functional, without the street numbers on the side to indicate exact addresses, artsy folks would certainly find the more calligraphic font visually appealing.

Corner Houses

Recognized by its rounded corners, Corner Houses are a type of build from the mid-20th century that was popularized by Antonio Hermenegildo Basto. These fourth-generation Bauhaus-style tong lau usually sit at junctions where streets intersect. In the photo above, we have Haven Court connecting residential buildings on Caroline Hill Road with those on Haven Street via Leighton Road.

Security Kiosk

These old-school security kiosks are unseen nowadays. Back in the day when Hong Kong’s land supply problem was not as pressing as it is today, security guards were not squeezed into a tiny little booth and had an entire kiosk to themselves!

Inter-Connected Lobbies

With a quasi-lobby that serves as a connection point between adjacent residential buildings, it is not hard to understand why the Causeway Bay neighborhood has such a strong sense of community. Not only that, such a design facilitates better air flow, while allowing residents to navigate the city via multiple entrances that lead to different parts of Causeway Bay and Wan Chai. Locals also find the spacious lobbies and connecting passageways a great place to start businesses, such as cha chaan teng (local diners), to serve nearby residents.

The Community

The bustling community surrounding Caroline Hill Court, Lei Ka Court, Lei Wen Court, Lei Ha Court and Haven Court in Causeway Bay has gone from answering to the basic everyday needs of people who live nearby to nowadays hosting young businesses that hipsters would find attractive.