Hong Kong Shue Yan University (HKSYU) aims to promote innovative and multifaceted interdisciplinary collaboration in research to encourage open and constructive dialogue between academics from various disciplines, academics, industry and the public sector. With the steady growth in student enrolment and the University’s continued efforts to enhance its offerings, there is a practical need for HKSYU to enhance the current facilities and activity spaces. Such state-of-the-art and well-equipped learning facilities would help to attract elite students from the mainland and overseas to further their studies in Hong Kong. Under such strategic objective, HKSYU then plan to renovate/expand the current student activities plaza into a modern state of art area to strengthen the campus infrastructure with better learning facilities. The University aims to deliver a provision of learning facility and space for the students for a better University life. HKSYU would like to renovate the current Plaza into a more dynamic multi-functional space for student use. The Plaza Usage Specifications • Establish an iconic image for the university to create a brand-new image • Provide a stage carrying out different performance including drama, musical performance, mini concert and Busking • The Plaza can launch learning and teaching activities including Forum, Presentation, Talks, • Provide space for student interactive sharing and social interaction • Renovate the staircase leading to the Auditorium into a state of art space

The design takes full consideration of the student’s need to provide a dynamic leisure and study area. The plaza proposes a more spectacular entrance comprising a fountain and tree. This signifies the vestibule and create an identity to the plaza. Accent colour aluminium baffle ceiling is installed at the ceiling with random length. Special lighting feature is designed above the stage area. A special interactive zone with various height wooden platform is proposed for causal student interaction and collaboration hub. The design fosters a state of art solution to the Plaza, with Avant grade effect and a strong visual impact to the students and users. The lobby, being the first arrival place where people get into the plaza, aims to project an Avant-grade and welcoming impression imprint to every user. Two level black marble fountain with round corner shape stands at the centre position to anchor the space. The fountain acts as a flower bed, nurturing the trees, flower and plants. Such tree pattern is artistically articulated to give a screening and backdrop effect. The open ceiling with hanging LED lighting contributes an airy lobby which is an ideal place for photo taking and selfie.

The Plaza is divided into stage zone (performance area), platform zone (student collaboration area) and support zone (changing room, AV room, E/M room). Glazing panel folding partition can increase visual connection with the main street even some activities is launching. While for the window side, accent orange colour fabric panel operation partition is selected to further add as a colourful backdrop here. The ceiling is installed with aluminium baffle ceiling strips in 3 colours- white, grey and orange. The Stage The stage is designed with a large TV screen backdrop. It can provide eye catching visual effect for different activities like performance, events, talks, mini concert… Irregular zig zag lighting pattern is hanged above the stage, together with the backdrop TV, highlight the stage effect and becomes the eye-catching spot in the whole area The Platform A special irregular zig zag shape platform is design in the opposition location in facing the stage area. This is the place for student social interaction and engagement. Irregular pattern LED lighting plane is installed at various ceiling height to echo with the stage design. the wall is also designed in this zig zag shape to tie up the whole space. The platform is in 3 levels, students are taking rest and sit as they like to create a dynamic interaction. When there is a mini concert, this also can serve as a raised viewing platform for a better view of the stage

The design project has a positive impact on the whole society. The interior design of Hong Kong Shue Yan University plaza focuses on the principles of sustainable development and environmental protection, using environmentally friendly materials and energy-saving equipment to promote everyone' awareness of environmental protection through design. This helps to develop teacher/students' sense of social responsibility, and to promote the whole society towards the direction of sustainable development.

The success of a design project depends on an efficient team organization. Designers, education experts, school management team and construction team work closely to ensure that the project is completed on time and in accordance with quality requirements. The ability of team members to collaborate and communicate is critical to the success of a project. The project is in charged by three core teams including interior, E/M and QS. In the beginning, the design team will work closely with client to provide options of layout, 3D rendering, material sample to settle the design proposal. Once confirmation is granted, the project management team will work with E/M engineers and QS to have construction drawing and quotation for client approval. During construction stage, designer and engineer will closely monitor the project progress to ensure due completion. Regular and ad-hoc meeting will arrange to ensure good communication to solve site problem.

1. The construction fee is 15 million with 12-month design/construction time 2. The interior fitting out part of the Shue Yan University plaza is designed by DPWT Design Ltd. 3. The design process of the research center is as follows: 1) Site inspection and discussion with client: DPWT carry out site inspection to have an understanding of site condition. Communication with the client to understand their needs and prepare the onwards design concept. 2) Layout plans and renderings: According to the result of site survey and the communication with the client, DPWT then prepare the drawings and renderings with internal review. The final confirmation is granted after around 3-4 presentations. 3) Construction drawings and selection of materials: the construction drawing was prepared after the approval of layout plans and renderings by client. 4) Phasing of construction: regular site inspection is conducted in weekly basis 5) Completion of construction and opening: the final outcome receives very positive feedback from client.

The project inception to completion is in an extremely tight schedule of 12 months. During this period, numerous meetings, presentation and discussion are carried out at the same among designer, engineer, client and other vendor including furniture, carpet, security. The due completion of this project is strong evidence of a well-organized project and design team.

1. The final outcome of this project receives very positive feedback from client and the plaza becomes the iconic feature in the University. 2. The success of this project not only enhances DPWT's status in the client side, but also underpinning a good cooperation foundation between the two parties in the future. 3. The design effect of this project, not only acts as an advertising project to showcase DPWT design ability, but also provides the potential business opportunities for DPWT in joint projects with other companies.