Our design intent is to harmonize the new hostel within the quadrangle clusters in order to embrace the central landscape with continuous public interface. The design blends in with the perimeter blocks, embraces the central lawn and emphasize the iconic quality of the central library. We also provide a central view corridor along the UC mall axis towards the distant view and provide new pedestrian connection with the main campus. The understated building massing and façade unify with the Tsang Shiu Tim Building & Si Yuan Amenities Centre to encircle the serene courtyard.
Unifying Skyline
The proposed building appears as an extension of existing context and form a coherent skyline with United College viewed from Central Campus.The building height is suggested to align with the the Tsang Shiu Tim Building to create a continuity of the horizontal massing from the central campus perspective.
Encircling the Nature
The courtyard is defined by rows of colonnade space. It provides a layer of covered circulation and common area around the perimeter of the open court.
Design a covered veranda space around the building edges to provide a weather protected pedestrian experience around the UC Lawn.
Green roof and landscape terraces may be explored to increase the extent of greenery and to blend the development with the surrounding for improving the visual quality to the neighborhoods. Green terrace courtyard continue the tranquility of UC Lawn to introduce a pleasant landscape outdoor space for the users.
Sunken Communal Courtyard
A new communal garden anchors at the end of the UC Mall axis provides a covered arrival courtyard for outdoor events.
The covered communal sunken courtyard is naturally shaded by the building block and naturally ventilated to maintain wind corridor for the UC Lawn.
Natural cross ventilation is a desirable device for maintaining environmental comfort for the residents without energy consumption. Corridor and lift lobby are designed with opening and to ensure cross ventilation.
Vertical Community Hub
Multi-purpose Hall is semi sunken to reduce its massing impact to the existing context. It is directly connected to the sunken plaza to create a seamless indoor outdoor connection. Shared and public facilities organized around the central sunken court to create a focal point for the local community. Reading room, computer room and fitness center are organized around a continuous public route and platform to maximized interaction.
Unifying Facade
Modular façade language to create harmonious dialogue with existing building. The tone and material adopted will echo with the existing cluster. An understated façade modular create strong architectural statement all together with the existing cluster, yet not to override the library as central landmark.
Façade module is carefully designed to conceal the AC unit and operable windows to keep a neat and unifying façade.
Project name | Student Hostel at United College The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Project location | Hong Kong, China
Site Area | 5100㎡
Program | Public Building
Architects | Atelier Global Limited
Lead Architect | Frankie Lui、Larry Tsoi
Team members | Justin Law、Haiyuk Cheung、Jaya Chai、Echo Lee
