The stunning Shaw Auditorium is a new gateway to HKUST
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The stunning Shaw Auditorium is a new gateway to Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in Kowloon, Hong Kong

A new activity hub for HKUST’s Clear Water Campus

Henning Larsen

The stunning Shaw Auditorium is a new gateway to HKUST
By Editorial Staff -

The stunning Shaw Auditorium is a new gateway to Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in Kowloon, Hong Kong. Designed by Henning Larsen the curves of the structure are a contrast to its surrounding architecture and make a welcoming statement to the artistic venue.  

Energetic envelope

The energetic envelope provides egress all around the structure. Filled with lobbies, café, classrooms and circulation spaces the interior reflects its envelope in kind with just as much energy and excitement

Carefully placed windows along the concentric rings of this green building provide glorious views of Sai Kung Bay. Passive shading as well as material treatments of bamboo and Norwegian wool are examples of sustainable strategies used throughout. The raked seating in the auditorium can be arranged to accommodate 840 or 1,300 seats or eliminated to provide an open surface for exhibits. Additionally, its curved walls can serve as a backdrop for an immersive 360-degree projection screen. The addition of the Shaw Auditorium to HKUST’s campus will undoubtedly attract students, faculty and community members as a dynamic destination place for both special events and everyday gatherings.

Claude Godefroy, Partner and Design Director

“The challenges of the project were functional and symbolic. The auditorium had to accommodate all these different activities, from seated concerts to gala dinners, and the acoustics had to be pitch-perfect each time. In that sense, it’s a really flexible ‘white box’ space. The architecture also had to express its role as the heart of the cultural and artistic life of the campus. Finally, there’s the climatic response – the deep overhangs, which shelter pedestrians, the use of bamboo. We’re proud to see these all come together, and see the auditorium come to life as it welcomes its first students and guests.” 

Location: Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Completed: 2021
Lead Consultant and Design Architect: Henning Larsen
Executive Architect: Wong Tung and Partners
Structural Engineer: WSP Hong Kong
MEP Engineer: WSP Hong Kong
Environmental, (BEAM+) cons: WSP Hong Kong
Room and Building Acoustics:  Marshall Day Acoustics Hong Kong
Building Acoustics: WSP Hong Kong
Theatre consultant: Theatreplan, UK
Landscape: URBIS, Hong Kong
Façade consultant: Inhabit, Hong Kong
Lighting Designer: Inhabit, Hong Kong
Traffic consultant: CTA, Hong Kong
Visualizations: Henning Larsen
Photos by: Kris Provoost

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