HKUST celebrates groundbreaking of $150 million Shaw Auditorium

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) celebrated the groundbreaking of its multi-purpose auditorium yesterday (17 April). The new landmark will allow hosting of large events  and also adds much needed space for teaching and cultural activities.

The construction of the multi-purpose auditorium is made possible with a generous donation of $150 million from Shaw Foundation Hong Kong. Since HKUST was founded the lack of a venue for large-scale events such as the congregation or arts and music performances has caused inconvenience to the community.

The three-story multi-purpose auditorium, located near the south entrance of the Clear Water Bay campus, can house up to 1,300 and  used as a concert hall; theatre for performances and lectures, as well as venue for exhibitions, events and ceremonies. There will also be space for seminars, rehearsals, small performances, and gatherings both indoors and outdoors, as well as learning rooms, hang-out spaces and café area.

HKUST named the new auditorium after the late Dr. Run Run Shaw- the “Shaw Auditorium”, and the open area outside as “Mona Shaw Plaza” – after Dr Shaw’s late wife.

The Shaw Auditorium – a state-of-the-art building in elliptical shape – will feature high atrium spaces, extensive cantilevered structures and world-class acoustic design. The building will consist of three superimposed elliptic rings surrounding a sculptural core. The rings that blend seamlessly into the architecture will provide shade and rain protection around the building. As oversized sunshades, they reduce energy consumption significantly and will contribute to a BEAM Plus Platinum certification by the Hong Kong Green Building Council.

The construction is expected to complete in the third quarter of 2021.