The Shaw Auditorium at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) opens its doors on 17 November in a grand opening ceremony celebrating HKUST’s thirtieth anniversary, with a special performance by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.

The building, designed by Henning Larsen, combines a highly flexible, acoustically sophisticated auditorium with bright, generous social spaces – together, these provide a ‘living room’ for the campus community and a world-class venue for Hong Kong.

▼项目概览，Overall view © Kris Provoost

The design is an inventive response to a diverse mix of uses; an open, elevated site; and, the sub-tropical Hong Kong climate. The auditorium stands on the hillside in the south of HKUST’s Clear Water Bay campus, surrounded by orthogonal buildings: its bold curved form stands out to signal the artistic and cultural activities within.

▼礼堂坐落在香港科技大学清水湾校区南部的山坡上，The auditorium stands on the hillside in the south of HKUST’s Clear Water Bay campus © Kris Provoost

The circular building appears as three concentric white rings, interspersed with glazing to reveal panoramic views of Sai Kung Bay. The building has no front or back – it is open and welcoming on all sides.

▼礼堂在各个方向上开放，The building is open and welcoming on all sides © Kris Provoost