Completed: 2018
Architect: Revery Architecture (Formerly Bing Thom Architects)
Address: 168 Victoria Rd, Mount Davis, Hong Kong
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The Hong Kong Jockey Club University of Chicago Academic Complex | The University of Chicago Francis and Rose Yuen Campus in Hong Kong is a regional hub for ambitious research, education and collaboration. The new location is an important addition to the University’s international presence and engagement, expanding its intellectual contributions and academic collaborations in Hong Kong, China and Asia while bringing new opportunities for community partnerships and social impact.
Heritage preservation and commitment to the community
In 2016, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust generously provided a grant for the University to support the revitalization of the existing Grade 3 heritage buildings at the Mount Davis site. The initiative aims to enhance Hong Kong’s social impact through strengthening the social service sector by combining the best of the University’s education, research, and global perspective with social impact-specific programs and local collaborations.
Adaptive reuse of heritage buildings
Designed by architect Bing Thom (now associated as Revery Architecture) and conceived as a “tree house of knowledge”, the campus and facility combine modern functionality with historic preservation, respecting the site’s unique past through the adaptive reuse of existing buildings on the site.
The original “Block A,” has had its timber staircase and rustic stone fireplace restored, and is now home to classrooms and student lounges. Featuring an open design and walls with square lattice patterns, “Block B” maintains the historic detention cell marks on the ceiling and walls. Glass partitioning was added to prevent air from escaping the air-conditioned classroom while allowing both sides to have a view.
As part of the revitalization process, exterior heritage elements in The Hong Kong Jockey Club University of Chicago Heritage Campus have been made accessible to visitors. The heritage trails on the Hong Kong campus have been extended to connect with the public hiking trails in the area and the design of the building itself weaves into the contours of Mount Davis, suspending it above the historical site.