Exploring new perspectives in urban development

Students of a wide variety of cultural backgrounds take part in the ACU Summer School held at CUHK.

Forty-five bright-minded students from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds gathered at the CUHK campus for intensive learning and idea exchange during 1 to 9 July at the ACU Summer School 2018.

Jointly hosted by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and CUHK’s Faculty of Social Science, Urban Studies Programme and the Office of Academic Links, the programme welcomed the diversified student group coming from 19 nationalities worldwide to explore the topic ‘Designing and Creating Sustainable Communities’ in Hong Kong, one of the most densely developed metropolises in the world.

In addition to themed lectures and workshops hosted by CUHK academics, local practitioners and overseas experts from Australia, Canada and South Africa, students also took field trips to visit various sites in the city, including those in Sai Ying Pun, Wanchai, Fanling and Tin Shui Wai, to gain first-hand knowledge on the opportunities and challenges in urban planning faced by the residents and stakeholders in those communities. Through the programme, students were guided to look into urban issues from multiple perspectives and explore solutions to manage the world’s resources.

Prof. Hendrik Tieben leads a field trip to Sai Ying Pun for the students to learn about initiatives to engage the local community in urban planning.

Guest lecturer Mr. Howard Tam explains the concept of design thinking to students of the ACU Summer School.

Students dress up in their home countries’ traditional clothing at the farewell dinner of the ACU Summer School.