Home to the school of Creative Media at the City University of Hong Kong, the highly unusual crystal-shaped building is formed by irregularly shaped spaces. The nine-storey complex houses several bespoke facilities including moving image labs, classrooms, exhibition spaces and café, providing an inspiring academic environment for students’ creativity.
The building’s irregular shape of crystalline protrusions is comprised mostly of externally inclined walls tied by floor structures to internal core walls for structural stability. Structural engineers used an integrated computational modelling technique for the complex building geometry to analyse all major structural elements and its overall stability and developed a cost-effective structural solution that remains loyal to the architect’s intent.
The building is designed to allow flexibility for future changes. More than 50% of the major building elements are modular and standardised designs including beams, columns, walls, slabs, doorsets, toilet cubicles, building envelope, and mechanical and electrical components. This significantly facilitated the fast-track construction programme.
The multimedia building has become a new landmark of Kowloon Tong and a part of the 'high-tech hub' with surrounding educational institutions. It will nurture students to pursue technological professionals and support the development of Hong Kong’s knowledge-based economy.
