The Civic Square


Professor Charles Kao Square, The ISF Academy, Cyberport, Hong Kong | year: 2018t | status: built | area: ~ 800m2 | team: Annette Chu, Charis Mok, Joanna Leung, Yan Wu

Award: Silver for Interior Design Best Education, Perspective A&D Award 2020

Eureka was appointed by The ISF Academy to transform Charles Kao Square, a 800m² circulation space inside the school campus, into a free space enjoyed by the members. Named after the pioneer, the inventor of fibre optics for telecommunications, the design of the Square needs to be liberating and inspiring.

The enclosure of the Square is all glazed, allowing maximum natural light into the space. Two sides of it can be opened thereby allowing natural ventilation across in cooler months. Taking the form of a pavilion under the sky, the design connects different spaces of the school, bringing students, teachers and visitors together.

The use of natural glued laminated timber beams helps create a warm and welcoming spatial structure. Horizontally in two layers, the spatial structure acts as visual vistas, directing people moving across the Square. Around the enclosed courtyard, the timber beams come down vertically to a timber bench with cement render, forming rhythmically seats that offer one a full view of the small garden with sunlight shining through.

1707 1 copy
1707 2 copy
1707 3 copy

Eureka was appointed by The ISF Academy to transform Charles Kao Square, a 800m² circulation space inside the school campus, into a free space enjoyed by the members. Named after the pioneer, the inventor of fibre optics for telecommunications, the design of the Square needs to be liberating and inspiring.

The enclosure of the Square is all glazed, allowing maximum natural light into the space. Two sides of it can be opened thereby allowing natural ventilation across in cooler months. Taking the form of a pavilion under the sky, the design connects different spaces of the school, bringing students, teachers and visitors together.

The use of natural glued laminated timber beams helps create a warm and welcoming spatial structure. Horizontally in two layers, the spatial structure acts as visual vistas, directing people moving across the Square. Around the enclosed courtyard, the timber beams come down vertically to a timber bench with cement render, forming rhythmically seats that offer one a full view of the small garden with sunlight shining through.

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