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For a long time, Hong Kong has been known as the "concrete jungle" because of its densely packed skyscrapers. Amidst this crowded and bustling urban space, a French photographer has discovered unexpected spaces where everyday life unfolds authentically and simply. Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze, a talented photographer who has lived in Hong Kong for nearly a decade, has spent years telling the story of this city from a unique perspective – the rooftops.
"A rooftop courtyard" in the bustling city.
Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze is not only famous for his urban architecture photographs but also for an emotionally charged project called Concrete Stories. This series of photographs captures everyday life on the rooftops of high-rise buildings in Kowloon, Hong Kong. He spent over four years (from 2014 to 2018) exploring old buildings, seeking out apartments with open rooftop access, which he describes as "courtyards in the air."
In fact, for one of the world's most densely populated cities with the most expensive real estate, where apartments are often cramped, rooftop spaces become invaluable living areas. Hong Kong residents have made the most of these scarce spaces for many of their daily activities.
From drying clothes and gardening to exercising or even repairing things, rooftops have become places where they find privacy and peace, a complete contrast to the hustle and bustle of the streets below.
The 30-year-old French photographer shared that the idea for the Concrete Stories photo series came to him quite by chance. One morning in 2014, while searching for inspiration for another project, he was suddenly captivated by the sunlight shining through the buildings, creating small, sparkling streaks of light.
That particular light shone onto a nearby terrace, where he saw someone intently repairing a model airplane. "I quickly captured the scene and was captivated by the magic of the moment," Romain said. This serendipitous moment inspired him to begin his passionate project.
Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze insists he has no intention of intruding on people's private lives. He only photographs what he sees from above, through a window, or from another rooftop.
Therefore, the subjects in the photos are often very small, "overshadowed" by giant buildings, or only photographed from behind while they are working. This provides an objective and respectful view of everyday life. Many viewers commented that his photos feel authentic and natural, as if they were observing the rooftops next door themselves.
Having lived in Hong Kong for about 10 years, Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze discovered many traditional cultural aspects and characteristics of the local people in the old neighborhoods. Through these everyday photographs, the local culture of the people emerges in a very simple and authentic way, contrasting with the glamorous, modern appearance of the city.
The photo collection is not simply a collection of artistic photographs. In the context of increasingly modernized cities, many old buildings and rooftop spaces like these are gradually disappearing to make way for new high-rise structures. Therefore, Romain's photographs not only have documentary value, capturing a part of the architectural history and lifestyle of the people, but also evoke a sense of nostalgia, making viewers appreciate the simple moments that remain.
