The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) chose world-renowned architect, Zaha Hadid, as Chief Architect of its new “Innovation Tower”. The project, located at the northeast side of the university campus, will serve as a driving force in the development of Hong Kong as a design hub in Asia. The tower will also provide additional space to facilitate inter-disciplinary research and education in the field of design. The topping-out ceremony was held on September 24. On completion, it will be home to PolyU School of Design (SD) and the newly established Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation. More images and architects’ description after the break.
The tower will provide some 12,000 square metres of net floor area and able to accommodate more than 1,500 students. This tower will be the first permanent architectural design in Hong Kong by Ms Hadid. In this new “Innovation Tower”, there will be an advanced Car Design Studio; Fashion Accessories Materials Labs; a Sound Studio for Multi-media and Entertainment Design; a Museum to showcase local and international design classics; and a public gallery to exhibit works of staff and students of SD as well as local talents.
