Designing the Shaw Auditorium at Hong Kong’s University of Science and Technology posed a significant challenge due to its multi-purpose nature and complex architectural requirements. Henning Larsen, in collaboration with Wong Tung and Partners, aimed to create a versatile space with curved walls for 360⁰ projection and immersive experiences. Achieving high visual light transmission (~70%) for the façades was essential, which was made possible by the large overhangs providing shading and reducing heat loads. The bespoke thermally broken ‘T’ Profile mullion stick façade minimized visual impact, while facetted glazing avoided the issues of curved glass. Additionally, integrating fire-rated glazed façades and ensuring natural daylight through laminated skylights were critical. The lighting design, featuring a unique “cyclorama,” further enhanced the venue's aesthetic and functional appeal.
Facade consulting and lighting design for the Shaw Auditorium.
Client
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Year
2022
Scope
Façade consulting + Lighting design
Awards :
- 2022 DFA Design for Asia Awards – Bronze Award
- 2022 Quality Building Award – Merit Award, Hong Kong Non-Residential Category
- 2023 AIA International Honor Award for Architecture
- 2023 MIPM Asia Award, Best Alternative Project, Gold Recognition
- 2023 Green Building Award, Merit Award
The Shaw Auditorium is located within the campus of Hong Kong’s University of Science and Technology. The multi-purpose venue is designed to be adapted for a variety of uses including concerts, conventions, lectures, theatrical performances and conferences. World renowned architects Henning Larsen, working with Hong Kong architects Wong Tung and Partners, designed the curved auditorium walls to enable 360⁰ projection and immersive visual experiences, and its circular geometry makes it welcoming from all angles. The venue also features large pre-function gathering spaces, classrooms, meeting rooms and audio-visual recording rooms.
The challenge.
Our added value.
Inhabit played a crucial role in addressing the architectural and functional challenges of the Shaw Auditorium at Hong Kong’s University of Science and Technology. They provided expert façade consulting and lighting design to meet the high standards set by Henning Larsen and Wong Tung and Partners. To achieve the desired high visual light transmission (~70%), Inhabit designed façades with large overhangs that provided shading and reduced heat loads. They implemented a bespoke thermally broken ‘T’ Profile mullion stick façade to minimize visual impact and used facetted glazing to avoid the cost and distortion issues of curved glass. Inhabit also integrated fire-rated glazed façades for safety and installed laminated glazed skylights to ensure natural daylight in the atriums. Their innovative lighting design, featuring a unique “cyclorama,” created a striking visual experience while maintaining a clean and organized aesthetic.
