The University Square Damuhan ng Kampus by Campus Development Office

The University Square Damuhan ng Kampus by Campus Development Office is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award na Bakal in Pagpaplano ng Tanawin at Disenyo ng Hardin Competition Category.

BakalDisenyo ng Tanawin· 2025

The University Square Damuhan ng Kampus

by Campus Development Office

Client: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

A' Design Award na Bakal Winner in Disenyo ng Tanawin Category

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The Design

About The University Square Damuhan ng Kampus

Ang University Square ay isang disenyong panlandscape para sa isang unibersidad sa Hong Kong. Ang isang lugar na hindi gaanong nagagamit ay binago tungo sa isang damuhan at bukas na espasyo na 2,200 metro kuwadrado, may sukat na humigit-kumulang 60 by 36 metro, na angkop para sa mga naglalakad. Ang damuhan ay bumubuo ng isang sentral na punto ng pagtitipon at nagpapahusay sa daloy ng galaw sa pagitan ng mga gusali ng kampus. Ang dalawang umiiral na malalaking puno ay pinanatili bilang mga pangunahing pokus na binibigyang-balangkas ng pasadyang upuang de-kahoy na gawang-kamay sa lokasyon mismo. Ang dalawang antas na deck ay sumusuporta sa impormal na pagtitipon, pahinga, at malalaking kaganapan sa kampus.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award na Bakal

Ang The University Square Damuhan ng Kampus ay nagwagi ng A' Design Award na Bakal, isang prestihiyosong pagkilalang iginagawad sa mga mahuhusay na disenyong tumutugon sa mga propesyonal at pang-industriyang kinakailangang inaasahan sa mga mahusay na pagkakadisenyong likha. Ang mga nagwagi ng Bakal ay nagpapakita ng dakilang husay, mataas na espesyalisasyon, dalubhasang pag-unawa at kakayahang malikhain ng kanilang mga lumikha. Inaasahang ang The University Square Damuhan ng Kampus ay isang lubos na pinahahalagahan, hinahangaan at minamahal na likhang praktikal at makabago. Ang disenyong ito na nagwagi ng A' Design Award na Bakal ay nagsasama ng pinakamahuhusay na kasanayan ng industriya at may mahuhusay na katangiang teknikal na may kasamang kaalaman at talento. Ang The University Square Damuhan ng Kampus ay iginagalang dahil sa kaingatan nito at idinisenyo upang maghatid ng mga pagpapabuti sa kalidad ng buhay na tumutulong gawing mas mabuting lugar ang mundo.

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