AIA Building
友邦大廈
1966, Commercial 商業建築
Construction of a building is an art strategically and aesthetically. From site selection, design, construction, to operation, the developer’s and operator’s judgment is put to test. In the 60s of the last century, American International Assurance (AIA) contracted Palmer & Turner to construct a new building on an irregular land at No. 1 Stubbs Road. As a tall cuboid coupled with bright white framed walls, the building is like a modern sculpture in great contrast to its surrounding greenery. It comprises 21 levels of office floors on top of 4 levels of carpark.
The simple but elegant structural exterior walls provide support to the building, withstanding strong winds and providing shading. Design of AIA Building strengthen the brand image of its owner and it was honoured the Silver Medal of Hong Kong Institute of Architects in 1969.
籌建一棟建築物，從選址、設計、營造以至運作，都代表着發展商的經營和美學上的策略。上世紀六十年代，美國友邦集團聘請巴馬丹拿公司，在司徒拔道一號，一片不規則的地塊上創建新廈。亮白的框架外牆和高挑的長方型立方體，猶如一件現代雕塑，與周遭的林木形成強烈的對比。它實際上包含了21層辦公室，疊在4層的停車場上。
然而，簡潔的結構外牆，除了承載大廈及抵禦強風外，也起了遮陽的功能。整個設計鞏固了業主的品牌，並榮獲1969年香港建築學會銀獎牌。
文：李培基 (香港註冊建築師)
相片：吳啟聰提供 (香港註冊建築師)
http://www.etnet.com.hk/www/tc/diva/art_hkac_detail.php?id=29099&page=1
