The University Square Lawn by Campus Development Office |
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| DESIGN DETAILS | |||||
| DESIGN NAME: The University Square PRIMARY FUNCTION: Lawn INSPIRATION: The design concept is to balance the site's natural heritage and introduce the PolyU community of a new social interaction mode, to see and to be seen. This bold design solution represents a new paradigm in campus design, enhancing the sense of community, and strengthen connection between nature. UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The University Square is a project that rejuvenated an existing low-utilization area into a 2,200 s.m. pedestrian friendly lawn and open space that significantly enhance the quality of the PolyU community. The project introduce a new symbolic and iconic center for the main campus, and enhance the circulation between campus blocks. The openness of the lawn also provide a groundbreaking social interaction mode. OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The lawn celebrated highlight the two existing veteran trees, integrating them into the design with new timber sitting decks to create popular gathering spots. The custom made deck seating with its irregular shaped decks, is hand-crafted and constructed on site. This approach not only preserved the trees as focal points that encourage the community to sit and interact, but also its warm timber tones add a touch of artistry to the space, making it visually striking. The two tier deck also allow for flexibility in terms of use, and allow users to interact and form different types of engagement. This thoughtful integration of heritage and modernity sets a new paradigm in campus design, enhancing the sense of community and fostering a deeper connection between people and place. PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started in March 2023 and completed for Grand Opening in October 2023. |
PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The usual preference for large empty space in campus setting, leans toward constructing academic or research related facilities, but through reimagining the existing plaza and surrounding space, the design creates a 2,200 s.m. pedestrian-friendly lawn and open area that enhances circulation around Block M and the Library Area. This redefined the value of open space in academic environment, as the space will not only provide a serene retreat for relaxation and reconnection with nature but also to accommodate large-scale events for the PolyU community and visitors, such as Flag raising ceremonies, Graduation ceremonies, Information Day, academic fairs to cultural celebrations. These events serve as a welcoming and dynamic showcase for campus life, and strengthens PolyU's reputation as a forward-thinking and inclusive institution. SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: The lawn is a 2,200 square meter open space. The lawn itself is roughly 60 meter x 36 meter long. TAGS: Lawn, Open Space, University, Institutional, Green Area, Heritage preservation RESEARCH ABSTRACT: The design team conducted a thorough observation of the younger generation's behavior and identified a key trend: they enjoy being seen and engaging in social interactions within public spaces. To cater to this preference, the team reimagined the existing plaza, transforming it into a vibrant, open space that fosters connection and visibility. The new design features expansive, tree-lined deck seating areas that are both inviting and functional, encouraging people to gather, relax, and interact. The open layout ensures that the space feels inclusive and accessible, while the strategically placed seating under the trees provides a blend of shade and comfort. This thoughtful redesign not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the plaza but also aligns with the younger generation's desire for spaces where they can socialize, be seen, and feel a sense of community. The result is a dynamic, welcoming environment that bridges functionality with modern social trends. CHALLENGE: To minimize disturbance to the daily operation of the campus, the bulk of the construction is compressed into the summer holiday period. This limited window of time is further squeezed as Hong Kong faced some of the heaviest rainfall in the past 50 years during 2023 summer. The design and construction team had implemented a phased approach, with more flexible working schedules to ensure the PolyU Community can continue to their operations smoothly and the pedestrian flow around the site is seamless. ADDED DATE: 2025-02-25 22:32:18 TEAM MEMBERS (4) : Architect: AJAR Ltd., Landscape Consultant: SLSL, Structural Consultant: KHAL and E&M Consultant: EGIS IMAGE CREDITS: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University |
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| Visit the following page to learn more: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/cdo/ | |||||
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NAME: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University PROFILE: The Campus Development Office (CDO) at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University is established on 1 October, 2002, and is responsible for the acquisition of accommodation, space and land; overseeing the planning and development of the University and managing all capital and alteration & additions works. |
| AWARD DETAILS | |
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The University Square Lawn by Campus Development Office is Winner in Landscape Planning and Garden Design Category, 2024 - 2025.· Read the interview with designer Campus Development Office for design The University Square here.· Press Members: Login or Register to request an exclusive interview with Campus Development Office. · Click here to register inorder to view the profile and other works by Campus Development Office. |
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