New snapshots of old Shanghai

"Let's take the Grand Cinema as a case in point. It's highly original and makes good use of the unique shape of the land," said Erh. "The building still looks modern and fashionable today."

Hudec went out of his way to come up with the best designs, Erh said.

"He managed to stay on good terms with contractors. In the case of the Park Hotel, he persuaded the builder to go to all lengths and spare no expense to create a masterpiece."

Fascinated by Hudec and his legacy in Shanghai, Erh made a trip to Hungary to examine the famous architect's background.

"His family was in the construction business, and he was educated at a very fine university in Budapest," said Erh. "However, Europe was under a dark cloud, what with World War II having just ended, and the dissolution of the Austria-Hungary empire."

When Hedec arrived in Shanghai in 1918, he finally found a playground for his talents. He did not design any more buildings after leaving China in 1947.

Until May 30

2F, Grand Cinema

216 Nanjing Road W.

南京西路216号

Tel: 6341-0564