Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), founded by Pritzker Architecture awardee Zaha Hadid, is continuing its footprint in Hong Kong and neighbouring Shenzhen with the recent announcement of its two new projects, the student residence at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Tower C at Shenzhen Bay Super Headquarters Base.
For the project at HKUST, ZHA is working with Leigh & Orange Architects (L&O) and planned for completion in 2023. The university's new halls of residence will get a new look and set to house over 1,500 students. ZHA is known for its Avant-grande and futuristic designs an the design for this will be merging advanced digital design technologies and sustainable construction practices as well as operational strategies set for a 50-year life cycle. This design concept is echoed by the university's own mission to harness technology and innovation to solve the world's most pressing global issues.
The new halls of residence will be located at the southeast side of the campus, embedded within a steeply sloping site. In order to build a stronger cross-campus culture, the roof incorporates shaded outdoor areas for students and staff to rest and gather together while the rooftop walkway will connect the academic buildings of the north campus and the residential block of the south, helping to cut down the need to walk up the hilly terrain.
As for the interiors, the dorms will be arranged into clusters of shared living spaces and bedrooms. Here, 18–36 students can share a single apartment as a self-contained household, almost like a family unit.
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