It is uncommon to spot the Monster Building on social media. The Monster Building is a group of five connected buildings in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong. Being one of the most “instagramable” landmark, photographers, models and tourists flock to the building to capture the staggered windows, which have become emblematic of Hong Kong’s high density. Some may even climb up the platforms in the courtyard in order to get an optimal angle.
But for residents, the beauty of the building may be a burden. Finding it hard to relax and use the courtyard amidst all the clicking shutters and gatherings of happy snappers, residents had to be put up warning signs in the courtyard to warn against the filming, yelling and the use of drones.

It was an early Sunday morning and I spotted these residents playing mahjong. It is an unassuming moment for the Monster Building. But for one moment, we can see the original state of this building- one that belongs to its residents.