Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) Canton, China

Established in 1991, the prestigious Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) was feeling decidedly cramped in the historic buildings it originally occupied on this densely populated peninsula. So in 2022, a new campus opened in mainland China at Guangzhou (formerly Canton) to attract local and international talent.

Low carbon and car free, this centre of learning and life space is totally integrated into its immediate surroundings of canals and wetlands. The architects have drawn inspiration from these natural surroundings to create solutions that prevent the risks of flooding and heatwaves by, for example, planting more trees to provide shade and therefore thermal comfort in the summer months. On- site infrastructures also help to save energy: the heat generated by laboratories and datacentres is captured and used to heat 90% of the hot water used on the campus.

54% reduction in energy demand thanks to thoughtful building design and orientation

Technical Sheet

• Architect: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF)

• Developer: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology