The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the South China University of Technology (SCUT) formalised a partnership through a Strategic Collaboration Agreement to establish the Hong Kong Base of the State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building and Urban Science (SKL-SBUS). A launch ceremony was held today (21 January) at the Convocation Room, HKU, marking a strengthened partnership between the two universities in the fields of architecture and urban science.

The launch ceremony and plaque unveiling were officiated by Professor Hongwu Tang, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, President and Deputy Secretary of the Communist Party of China Committee, SCUT; and Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor, HKU. The Strategic Collaboration Agreement was signed by Professor Changxin Peng, Dean of the School of Architecture, SCUT, and Professor Yung Ho Chang, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, HKU. The launch ceremony was attended by senior management of HKU and SCUT, key officials from the Development Bureau and Urban Renewal Authority of the HKSAR Government, and leading representatives from the Hong Kong Housing Society, Hong Kong Institute of Architects, Hong Kong Institute of Housing, and Hong Kong Institute of Planners, among other important guests from the industry.

In his opening address, Professor Xiang Zhang said he was honoured to have the Hong Kong Base of SKL-SBUS established at HKU: “Our Faculty of Architecture, Urban Systems Institute, and Department of Urban Planning and Design possess strong research capabilities and achievements in areas such as subtropical architecture, sustainable urban development and smart cities, which align closely with the collaborative direction of this Agreement. HKU’s research strength in relevant fields, experience in international collaboration, and talent cultivation system will provide strong momentum for the development of the Hong Kong Base.” He added that with the concerted efforts of both universities, the Base will grow into a key international cooperation hub for subtropical architecture and urban science research, playing a critical role in supporting the Greater Bay Area’s transformation into a world-class bay area and a globally competitive urban cluster.

Established by SCUT, SKL-SBUS focuses on major scientific and technological challenges in subtropical architecture and urban systems, particularly in smart transformation, carbon reduction, and resilience enhancement. Its key objectives include coordinated regional development and climate adaptation, green building design and cultural preservation, low-carbon construction and structural resilience improvement, alongside intelligent sensing and data-driven solutions. SKL-SBUS makes significant contributions to high-quality construction and sustainable development in the Greater Bay Area.

The newly established Hong Kong Base is a comprehensive platform integrating scientific research, talent cultivation, and social service. Led by Professor Shenjing He, Lady Edith Kotewall Professor in the Built Environment and Head of the Department of Urban Planning and Design, Faculty of Architecture, HKU, the Base is committed to cutting-edge research in areas such as innovative design for high‑density urban architecture in subtropical regions, urban ecological resilience and coordinated development, and smart cities and urban renewal models.

Professor Shenjing He presented the vision and future plans of the Hong Kong Base of SKL-SBUS in the launch ceremony: “Located in the subtropical region, Hong Kong enjoys a unique geographical advantage, while HKU holds a distinguished international standing and leading position in the fields of architecture and urban research. The establishment of the Hong Kong Base will further strengthen exchanges and collaboration on subtropical architecture and urban research across the Greater Bay Area and around the world, advancing the Laboratory’s development into an international hub for research and practices in subtropical architecture and urban science.”

The Hong Kong Base of SKL-SBUS will provide robust technical support and professional consultation for key areas such as urban development, rural revitalisation, ecological protection, sustainable development, urban renewal, and smart transformation in both Hong Kong and the GBA, aiming to promote sustainable development across multiple dimensions, including urban quality, economic growth, and optimization of the ecological environment. The Base will thereby reinforce Hong Kong’s position as an international centre for finance, shipping and trade, as well as a hub for innovative technology, while actively integrating into the national development strategy. HKU and SCUT will work closely to build a multi‑level training system from undergraduate to doctoral levels, to nurture highly qualified professionals in architecture and urban science, equipping them with the expertise for international metropolitan development and regional innovative collaboration, for Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and the country.

To commemorate the opening of the Hong Kong Base, the launch ceremony was followed by two public lectures, delivered respectively by Professor Anthony Yeh, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chair Professor at HKU Department of Urban Planning and Design, and Professor Hongwu Tang, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, President and Deputy Secretary of the Communist Party of China Committee, SCUT.