Faculty of Architecture - Design with Nature for the Built Environment [June]

Design with Nature for the Built Environment

Programme Overview

This workshop introduces an experience of student life at The University of Hong Kong’s Department of Architecture. Architecture studies encompass both in-class and out-of-class experiential educational experiences through in-person observation of spatial conditions and discussions to reflect on the built environment and envision new possibilities of designing for future innovation with environmental and social responsibility. The workshop will enable students to visit renowned multi-cultural Hong Kong architecture designed to respect the environment, learn about architecture drawings, and create drawings that can be featured in portfolios in the future. Through this workshop, students will learn about the importance of sustainable design practices and how architects can play a crucial role in shaping a more resilient and environmentally conscious built environment.

Learning from built architecture and spaces in the world around us is a crucial part of architectural education. Through a field trip to the architecture at Tao Fong Shan, students will learn about architecture space, architecture drawing, and sensitivity to the environment. The architecture of Tao Fong Shan is a listed Grade II heritage site preserved by the Hong Kong Government’s Antiquities and Monuments Office, and also has a minimal footprint that respects the local environment.

Drawing and sketching are vital tools for any architect in the design process and observing the built environment. In this workshop, students will observe and visualize the architecture and spaces they visit through hand drawings. These drawings will be shared and discussed with the whole workshop group, similar to the practice of sharing ideas through drawings during actual university coursework.

In this workshop, students will experience course life and have a glimpse of experiential learning with the creative processes of learning and drawing that are vital to education at the Department of Architecture.

Below: Drawings of Tao Fong Shan architecture design with nature and mountain environment by architect Johannes Prip-Moller.

Tentative Workshop Schedule

5:00pm Meet at Tai Wai MTR Exit A to depart in bus to Tao Fong Shan

5:10pm Introductory verbal lecture on architecture’s relationship to the environment and the importance of nature in the high density urban context of Hong Kong, and open Q&A about HKU Department of Architecture

5:10-5:15pm Arrive Tao Fong Shan, enter lecture room

5:15-5:25pm slide lecture on architecture’s relationship to the environment, the importance of nature in the high density urban context of Hong Kong, and Tao Fong Shan architecture and relationship to environment, including drawings by Tao Fong Shan architect Johannes Prip-Moller and other renowned contemporary architects in Hong Kong and internationally

5:25-5:40pm guided tour of Tao Fong Shan

5:40-6:20pm sketching session

6:20-6:50pm sharing and pinup of sketches

6:50pm bus from Tao Fong Shan to Tai Wai MTR Exit A

6:50-7:00pm (on bus) closing remarks and open Q&A about HKU Department of Architecture

Programme Details

- Workshop Teacher: Lily Zhang

- Department: Department of Architecture

- Programme Period:

- June 24, 2025 (Tuesday) Or June 25, 2025 (Wednesday) Or June 26, 2025 (Thursday)

- Class Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

- Targeted Audience: S.3-5 / Grade 9-11 / Year 10-12 Students

- Programme Fee: Free of charge

- Delivery Mode of Programme: Face-to-Face

- Programme Code:

- ARCHF2025A (June 24, 2025) OR ARCHF2025B (June 25, 2025) OR ARCHF2025C (June 26, 2025)

Application and Registration

Registration: https://actstudentapp.hku.hk/student/login (Non-refundable Application fee: HKD 60)

Application Deadline: June 13, 2025 (Friday)

*Disclaimer: Programme contents and formats are subject to change. The programme is subject to cancellation if there are insufficient applications.