HKUST(GZ) Campus: International Architectural Awards +3!

On December 4th and December 6th, the campus project of HKUST(GZ) received a series of prestigious international architectural awards!

On December 4th, at the awards ceremony of the American Institute of Architects Hong Kong, the campus project and the Activity Center project of HKUST(GZ) were both recognized with awards in the categories of urban design and architecture. Furthermore, HKUST's Shaw Auditorium also received the Open International Honorable Mention at the same esteemed event.

On December 6th, the MIPIM Asia Awards ceremony was held in Hong Kong, China with great fanfare. The awards assessed the participating projects from five perspectives: overall sustainability, community integration, user experience, economic contribution, and conceptual innovation. The campus project of HKUST(GZ) and the Shaw Auditorium project of HKUST joined forces to secure the coveted Gold Award at the MIPIM Asia Awards.

The award-winning campus project of HKUST(GZ) stands as a shining example of the "Unified HKUST-Complementary Campuses" concept in action. During the early stages of HKUST(GZ) development, colleagues from the management, academic, and administrative departments of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology actively participated in the planning and initial master design of the Guangzhou campus. Leveraging the architectural, structural, and data references from HKUST's Clear Water Bay campus, the HKUST team carefully considered and estimated the requirements of the Guangzhou campus. Through extensive discussions and meticulous planning in collaboration with the founding team of HKUST(GZ), they engaged the KPF design team to formulate the campus design scheme. Building on this foundation, the founding team of HKUST(GZ) and their partners in Guangzhou took the lead in executing the detailed design and construction tasks.

The joint achievement of the architectural award by both HKUST(GZ) and HKUST not only signifies the authoritative recognition of their shared commitment to sustainable development and green campuses but also adds luster to the reputation of higher education institutions in the Greater Bay Area of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau on a global scale.

Why does the campus project of HKUST(GZ) consistently excel in international architectural awards?

The holistic planning and design of HKUST(GZ) campus seamlessly integrate natural landscapes and architectural art, while incorporating cutting-edge technologies in energy conservation and environmental protection. This organic blend of innovative technology and humanistic care is dedicated to establishing the campus as a new benchmark for green, intelligent, and sustainable development, showcasing a steadfast commitment to environmental ideals and sustainable growth.

The overall campus design embraces the concept of a neighborhood community, aiming to transcend the conventional boundaries of a traditional campus and create seamless connections with the surrounding community. By centralizing professional facilities in the central area, it not only facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration but also fosters a shared resource and support platform. This closely interconnected community fulfills the diverse needs of campus inhabitants, encompassing aspects of learning, living, and leisure within this cohesive environment.

The Activity Center acts as a dynamic urban space that links the central campus and the dormitories, creating a lively environment that is both comfortable and innovative. The interior spaces of the building can be easily adapted and reconfigured to meet various activity needs. The landscape design is seamlessly integrated into the architectural structure, serving as a vital link that connects the campus greenery and forms an essential bond.

The Phase 2 expansion of the campus will build upon the achievements of Phase 1, taking into full consideration the diverse needs of students and faculty in terms of learning, working, researching, and living. Embracing the design principles of a "Smart Campus" and "Green Buildings," the aim is to establish HKUST(GZ) as a greener, more sustainable, and technologically advanced campus.

The Phase 2 construction is scheduled to commence in February 2024 and is expected to be completed and delivered by May 2026. Once the Phase 2 development is finished, the campus will have the capacity to accommodate over 12,000 students and faculty members, providing a thriving and inclusive environment for all.

Since its establishment, HKUST(GZ) has garnered a total of 10 international architectural awards:

2023 MIPIM Awards

The HKUST(GZ) campus project was awarded the Best Cultural, Sports, and Education Project at the 2023 MIPIM Awards.

2023 American Architecture Awards

The HKUST(GZ) campus project and the HKUST(GZ) Activity Center project were respectively awarded the "Schools and Universities" category at the 2023 American Architecture Awards.

2023 MIPIM Asia Awards

The HKUST(GZ) campus project received the "Best Infrastructure, Community, and Public Project" award at the 2023 MIPIM Asia Awards.

2023 American Institute of Architects Hong Kong

The HKUST(GZ) campus project and the HKUST(GZ) activity center project were respectively awarded the "Urban Design" and "Architecture" categories at the 2023 American Institute of Architects Hong Kong Chapter Awards.

2023 International Architecture Awards

The HKUST(GZ) campus project received the International Architecture Awards in 2023.

2023 CREDAWARD

The HKUST(GZ) campus project was awarded the Gold Award in the "Social Public Project – Cultural & Education" category of the CREDAWARD.

2023 Green Good Design Awards

The HKUST(GZ) campus project was awarded the "Architecture" category at the 2023 Green Good Design Awards.

2023 Pro+ Awards

The HKUST(GZ) campus project was honored with the Silver Award in the "Public Building" category at the 2023 Pro+Award.