The simple and unadorned style of the University Library matches perfectly the natural setting of the campus. It also provides a comfortable home for the largest colony of house swifts in Hong Kong. With its spatial re-organization project, University Library has just won Hong Kong Institute of Architects Annual Awards 2013: Special Architectural Award - Architectural Interior. The strenuous effort in creating innovative learning space and conserving the original architecture received praise from the industry.

Founded in 1965, the University Library underwent extensions in its structure from 2009 to 2012. To achieve a balance between expanding its facilities and conserving nearby structures, including the Beacon and the Forum, underground space was included in the project. As a result, the University’s once dark basement was turned into a colorful Learning Garden, with glittering light coming through the glass ceiling under the pool of the Forum. External walls of the new annex on the ground lead in natural light and minimize heat gain. At night, the building lights up as a great guiding lamp for students on campus.

For conservation, the architects insisted on marking each brick by order when dismantling the Forum, so that the structure could be reinstated exactly as it was during the restoration. To minimize the impact on the house swifts, the University installed artificial nest boxes nearby and invited consultants to carry out a 17-month study of the birds. During the three-year construction, the Beacon and the Gate were kept intact and accessible to all. Even the library opening hours were never affected.

Besides the award from HKIA, it also won the rating of Platinum Standard from HK BEAM (Building Environmental Assessment Method) in 2013, Indoor Air Quality Certificate (Excellent Class) from Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department in 2014, and Asia Pacific Interior Design Awards 2013 - Best 10 of Public Space Projects from HKIDA (The Hong Kong Interior Design Association).

In this video, Mr. Fung Siu Man, the Director of Campus Development will share the wisdom behind the project and showcase precious photos of the construction.

Some have said if you have the eyes for beauty, your life will be happier. When you are in such a beautiful campus as CUHK, not only your eyes, but your body and mind will be pleased by it. The beauty is not limited to the extraordinary natural scene that is unique to the campus, but also the smooth combination and harmonious coexistence of nature and the University facilities.

To promote ecological conservation and green living, the Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change (MoCC) hosted the Eco Tour Photo Contest 2014. Participants were required to capture the most spectacular view along the route of the Eco Tour in the campus. The contest was completed successfully and the thirty-six best entries are now on display at MoCC until August 30, 2014. If you are keen to become immersed in the beauty by yourself, just follow the route of the Eco Tour and experience our charming green campus. (Please click here for the route of the Eco Tour)