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Grand Opening of HKUST Shaw Auditorium

WSP’s multidisciplinary experts just completed a world-class Future Ready auditorium for the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), which was opened on 17 November 2021.

 

With a maximum seating capacity of over 1,300, the 4-storey venue can be used to host different kinds of events such as concerts, theatre performances, lectures, exhibitions and ceremonies.  Partnering with Henning Larsen Architects, WSP plays a vital role in realising this auditorium with our multidisciplinary engineering consultancy services, covering structural, geotechnical, civil and building services, acoustics, sustainability and local BEAM Plus green building certification. 

Design with sustainability and Future Ready in mind, this project is one of the very first auditoriums in Hong Kong attaining Platinum rating under the local BEAM Plus green building certification, particularly for its exemplary achievements in energy efficiency and indoor environment quality.

 

The elegant elliptic rings, supported by extensive overhang structural design, blocks over 70% of total solar heat during cooling seasons. Together with the use of campus district cooling system, centralised MEP systems and photovoltaic panels covering more than 50% of the rooftop, the building’s energy consumption is reduced by more than 20% as compared to the baseline. 

The diverse usage of space at the Shaw Auditorium present challenges on the MEP design, yet the facility provides extraordinary indoor environment quality, including the smart ventilation control Aircuity System that continuously monitors the indoor air quality to ensure sufficient fresh air provisions. Acoustics separation, anti-vibration and noise control measures for all building services equipment with advanced sound absorption solutions create the best acoustic space for top-class performance and lectures.

Moreover, all these systems with wireless smart sensors are enabled by the full coverage of 5G network, high speed WiFi and LoRAWan network at the auditorium. 

With WSP’s comprehensive involvement and BIM application achieving a well-coordinated, integrated solution for this multi-purpose Future Ready facility, the Shaw Auditorium will provide new flexibilities and possibilities and create a vibrant arts and cultural scene at the university.

Read more about our involvement in this auditorium from the project page.