HKUST Receives HK$150 million Donation from Shaw Foundation And Celebrates Groundbreaking of Shaw Auditorium
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology celebrated today the groundbreaking of its multi-purpose auditorium - a new landmark of the University not only allows hosting of large events, but also adds much needed space for teaching and cultural activities that will enrich the lifestyle and learning experience of students, staff and alumni.
The construction of the multi-purpose auditorium is made possible with a generous donation of HK$150 million from Shaw Foundation Hong Kong. Since the founding of HKUST, the lack of a venue for large-scale events such as the congregation or arts and music performances has caused inconvenience to our community.
Located near the South entrance of our Clear Water Bay campus, the three-story multi-purpose auditorium can house up to 1,300 audiences and to be used as a concert hall; theater for performances and lectures, as well as venue for exhibitions, events and ceremonies. Additionally, there will be space for seminars, rehearsals, small performances, and gatherings both indoors and outdoors. There will also be learning rooms, hang-out spaces and café area.
In appreciation of the Foundation’s benevolent support, HKUST named the new auditorium after the late Dr. Run Run SHAW as “Shaw Auditorium”, and the open area outside as “Mona Shaw Plaza” – after Dr Shaw’s late wife Mrs. Mona SHAW.
Speaking at the ceremony, HKUST Council Chairman Mr. Andrew LIAO Cheung-Sing said, “The late Dr. Shaw was almost as famous for his philanthropy as for his leadership in the entertainment industry. I understand that in the education sector alone, more than 6,000 projects in local and mainland universities and colleges were supported by him and the number keeps growing. This fine architecture will no doubt bring HKUST’s cultural and arts education to the next level.”
HKUST President Prof. Wei SHYY said, “Collaboration between the Foundation and HKUST dated back to 2004, when HKUST started hosting lectures for winners of the prestigious Shaw Prize, another great initiative by Dr Shaw which is also known as Nobel of the East. We are extremely honored and grateful that we now have more in partnership. As a university of science and technology, arts and cultural endeavors are of campus-wide interests and receive substantial support. This magnificent new addition will further our university’s and surrounding community’s humanistic development.”
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 an endeavored BEAM Plus Platinum certification by the Hong Kong Green Building Council.
The construction is expected to complete in the third quarter of 2021.
