Cathay

The restored Cathay building was once the tallest building in South-East Asia sixty years ago. This new 'restored' cinema and mall preserved precious little, not even the whole facade. It does not resemble the old building which is a pity. These old buildings represent mental landscapes of a sort. I grew up with the landmark as did many other people. While no one will argue with progress, this half-hearted attempt at conservation obviously pleased no one. Not the conservationists. Not the building owners who saw it as an attempt to stifle the optimal use of their commercial space. Either tear the thing down and build a gleaming mall and tower complex or save the old building. Now, it's too late. After millions of dollars, a hideous stands.

The result? A half-empty mall...