Introduction

Studio SHA-HKG is a three-week architectural design and research studio organized by the University of Hong Kong Faculty of Architecture in the cities of Shanghai and Hong Kong. Taught by a diverse group of faculty members from the University of Hong Kong, and other internationally renowned universities and research groups, the course offers participants a design studio experience within Asia’s most vibrant contexts. The International Summer Program in Architecture positions Hong Kong as a launch pad to other Asian cities, starting strategically with the city of Shanghai. 

This summer program has the benefit of tapping into the vast wealth of expertise from Asian Urban Lab – a non-profit research organization based in Singapore. In particular, this summer program will also include a short program with students from the China Academy of Art’s Department of Architecture led by Wang Shu and Wang Fei. 

Since its inception in 2008, HKU academic programs in Shanghai have benefitted from on-going exchanges and joint studios with leading universities such as Columbia, Harvard, Princeton, Yale, NYU, AA, ETH and EPFL, as well as regional universities such as Tongji, China Academy of Art, Tianjin and others. Through this course, participants will focus on different architecture and building types that have emerged from the current state of rapid urbanization. These building types are unique in the way they resist and subvert, or become mutated or subsumed by the prevailing urban conditions of Shanghai and Hong Kong. The design and research studio would be based on the examination and re-invention of a number of these building types. 

Participants will have the benefit of visiting numerous cities under-going massive change, exploring broad-ranging issues such as identity, colonialism, nationalism and globalization through topics in architectural history and theory. This program will include study trips to the cities of Hangzhou, Ningbo, Suzhou, Macau and Shenzhen. In support of the design and research studio, a comprehensive lecture series will further enrich the participants’ knowledge in these fields. 

Enrollment Requirements

The program is open to university students with a background in architectural design or urbanism, especially students who are keen to learn about the rapid urban development of China and Asia. Applicants should have completed at least one year of study at their home institution, and have taken at least two design studios or equivalent design courses. Participants must be proficient in English and design software. Enrollment is limited. 

Fees & Registration 

The tuition fee for the summer program is USD1,150 or HKD8,520. This fee does not include air fare, accommodations, field trips and other local expenditure. Participants are invited to apply for a limited number of partial financial support. Accommodations can be arranged at reasonable prices.