Wardian case, glass, and fountain: A reflection on the history of shopping mall in Hong Kong

Abstract

This article examines the history of Hong Kong's shopping malls by exploring the complex relationship between colonialism, capitalism, and localism, which shape the temporary nature of these malls. We trace the origins of modern retail spaces to the colonial practice of transporting plants using Wardian cases, revealing how colonial influences are embedded in mall design. By analyzing the use of glass, we demonstrate how it facilitates the flow of desire and capital. Using a music fountain in a Sha Tin mall as a case study, we highlight the tension between malls as nonplaces and the local community's desire for meaningful experiences, resulting in malls becoming spaces for political protests in recent years in Hong Kong.