Location: Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R. China.

Architect: Leigh & Orange Limited.

The Chung Chi Student Development Complex is a project in the Chinese University of Hong Kong that aims to redevelop and expand the existing campus into a student-oriented, healthy, and green campus. The project will accommodate a wide range of student amenities to promote a sense of belonging and holistic education. Due to topographical constraints, two new building blocks are proposed to allocate in different levels, and a two-storey height connection bridge is designed across the slope for providing direct connectivity between the buildings. The design concept of the project is to reconfigure a traditional garden journey design into a building complex as a “Three-Dimensional Garden” through a contemporary architectural design approach. The journey-like circulation system is placed in the middle part of the building to enhance the visual and spatial connectivity with the surrounding program. The project aims to enhance student self-involvement and creativity for the use of space. A multi-storey high communal space has been designed as a major activity hub for students, and several feature staircases with seating and planter areas are created in front of the large communal space for performance and activity purposes. The overall building orientation is to optimize the summer prevail wind from south-west and natural lighting from the east and south. The project promotes the idea of sustainable campus and acts as a physical example of environmental-friendly architecture. Natural ventilation is the primary source of ventilation provision in all circulation and communal space with support of energy-efficient low-speed fans. The project also considers the historical and social values of the existing staff quarters for the Chung Chi College. The preservation and re-adoption of existing materials and trees are also investigated during the design stage. Rubble Stones (Ngo Tau Shek) and traditional concrete lattice window are salvaged and re-applied as part of the external wall in this redevelopment project. The overall architectural design style is to be simple, rational, and consistent with the University characteristics. The project aims to establish and promote a sense of belonging to the college and development of holistic education.