The University Square Kampusgersfjild by Campus Development Office

The University Square Kampusgersfjild by Campus Development Office is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award yn Izer in Lânskipsplanning en Túnûntwerp Competition Category.

IzerLânskipsûntwerp· 2025

The University Square Kampusgersfjild

by Campus Development Office

Client: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

A' Design Award yn Izer Winner in Lânskipsûntwerp Category

16,701

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #169912

Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About The University Square Kampusgersfjild

It Universiteitsplein is in lânskipsûntwerp foar in universiteitskampus yn Hong Kong. In ûnderbrûkt gebiet waard omfoarme ta in kuierfreonlik gersfjild en iepen romte fan 2.200 kante meter, mei in ôfmjitting fan sawat 60 by 36 meter. It gersfjild foarmt in sintraal moetingspunt en ferbetteret de trochstreaming tusken kampusgebouwen. Twa besteande folwoeksen beammen binne behâlden as brânpunten en wurde omkadere troch spesjaal makke houten dektersitplakken dy't op it terrein mei de hân ferfeardige binne. De dektersitplakken mei twa nivo's biede romte foar ynformele gearkomsten, rêst en grutte kampusevenemminten.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award yn Izer

The University Square Kampusgersfjild is in winner fan de A' Design Award yn Izer, in prestisjeuze erkenning foar goede ûntwerpen dy't foldogge oan de profesjonele en yndustriële easken dy't ferwachte wurde fan goed ûntwurpen skeppings. Izerwinners litte grutte feardigens, hege spesjalisaasje, deskundich begryp en kreatyf fermogen fan har makkers sjen. Fan The University Square Kampusgersfjild wurdt ferwachte dat it in tige heech achte, bewûndere en dierbere skepping is dy't praktysk en ynnovatyf is. Dit winnende ûntwerp fan de A' Design Award yn Izer yntegrearret de bêste praktiken fan de sektor en hat feardige technyske skaaimerken ferbûn mei kennis en talint. The University Square Kampusgersfjild wurdt respektearre foar syn yngeandens en is ûntwurpen om ferbetteringen fan de kwaliteit fan it libben te leverjen dy't helpe de wrâld ta in bettere plak te meitsjen.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: 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.
Dimensions & Packaging: 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
Production 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.
Design 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.
Research: 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.
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.
Project Duration: The project started in March 2023 and completed for Grand Opening in October 2023.
Operation Flow: 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.
Patents: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Team Members: Architect: AJAR Ltd.
Landscape Consultant: SLSL
Structural Consultant: KHAL
E&M Consultant: EGIS
Image Credits: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University