The University Square Umukino w'Icyatsi wa Kaminuza by Campus Development Office is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Igihembo cya A' Design Award cy'icyuma in Igishushanyo cy'Isura y'Ubutaka Competition Category.
IcyumaIsura y'Ubutaka· 2025
The University Square Umukino w'Icyatsi wa Kaminuza
Client: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Igihembo cya A' Design Award cy'icyuma Winner in Isura y'Ubutaka Category
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The Design
About The University Square Umukino w'Icyatsi wa Kaminuza
University Square ni igishushanyo cy'ubwubatsi bw'ubusitani bwakorewe muri kaminuza imwe i Hong Kong. Agace kari katakoreshwaga neza kahinduwe kaba umukino w'icyatsi n'ahantu hafunguye hagera kuri metero kare 2,200, hangana na metero 60 kuri 36. Uyu mukino w'icyatsi ubaye ahantu nyaburanga ho guhurira kandi utuma abantu banyura neza hagati y'inyubako za kaminuza. Ibiti bibiri by'imyaka bakomeje bihari nk'ibintu by'ingenzi mu maso, bikikijwe n'ibicaro by'ibiti byubatswe mu buryo bw'umwuga aho ku mbuga. Ibicaro bifite inzego ebyiri bishyigikira guteranira mu buryo budahamye, kuruhuka, ndetse n'ibirori binini bya kaminuza.
The Recognition
About the Igihembo cya A' Design Award cy'icyuma
The University Square Umukino w'Icyatsi wa Kaminuza ni uwegukanye Igihembo cya A' Design Award cy'icyuma, ishimwe ry'agaciro ritangwa ku bishushanyo byiza bihuza ibyo umwuga n'inganda bikeneye ku bihangano byashushanyijwe neza. Abegukanye icyuma bagaragaza ubuhanga bukomeye, ubumenyi bwihariye, imyumvire y'inzobere n'ubushobozi bwo guhanga bw'ababikoze. The University Square Umukino w'Icyatsi wa Kaminuza biteganyijwe ko izaba igihangano cyubahwa, gishimwa kandi gikundwa, gifatika kandi gifite udushya. Iki gishushanyo cyegukanye icyuma gihuza uburyo bwiza bukoreshwa mu nganda kandi gifite ibiranga bya tekiniki bifite ubushobozi, bifatanye n'ubumenyi n'impano. The University Square Umukino w'Icyatsi wa Kaminuza yubahwa kubera gukora neza, kandi yashushanyijwe kugira ngo inoze ubuzima, ifashe gutuma isi iba nziza.
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
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