Vancouver, BC, CA
Located on Mount Davis in Hong Kong, the Francis and Rose Yuen Center in Hong Kong will become the new Asian hub for the University of Chicago and its renowned Booth School of Business. The site holds the historic remnants of a military detention center and features an abundance of overgrown greenery with panoramic views of Hong Kong Harbour. The design mandate was to respect both the heritage buildings and the natural landscape. Inspired by the magnificent views, steep topography, and memories of the past, the resulting design carefully weaves the academic program around the challenging site, touching down only at points of least intrusion and bridging across and connecting the scattered heritage blocks to create an experience of unifying old and new, natural and man-made. The sensuous building form, accentuated by generous glazing and rhythmic sun screens, pays respect to the scale of the foliage and serves as a light foil to the memory laden masses of the heritage buildings. Extensive hiking trails traverse the site and will be connected and integrated with new campus to create a unique verdant campus that will celebrate the partnership of the University with the wider Hong Kong community. The poetic gesture of creating a learning environment nestled in tree canopies set against the vast harbour view will be evident to students and visitors. This treehouse of knowledge will serve as a place of inspiration and fulfill its role as an icon for global education and collaboration.
Status: Under Construction
Location: Hong Kong, HK