12 monthsProgramme duration
SepStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Architecture and Built Environment
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
The Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design (MSc(AAD)) is a design-focused post-professional, specialist taught postgraduate that creates a unique platform for students, practicing architects and urban researchers to contribute to emergent, cutting-edge research-based design agendas that result in real-life propositions.
MSc(AAD) is envisioned as THE BUILDING SOCIETY, www.thebuildingsociety.arch.hku.hk, a collaborative practice-research design studio formed by the students, teachers and collaborators.
THE BUILDING SOCIETY
Why do we need new approaches in architecture?
THE BUILDING SOCIETY is a postgraduate programme for advanced architectural design and experimentation established with the belief that the social contract of the architect is essential to tackling the many complex and urgent issues we face today. The challenges posed by climate change alongside socio-economic uncertainty will impact not only the making of architecture, but question its relevance to contemporary society. By harnessing the technological innovations of past and present we seek a new vision for future and sustainable practices of architecture. The programme fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and new methods to integrate research with practice. In three semesters devoted to field research, prototyping and onsite construction, students will develop skills and techniques that go beyond the safe haven of studio work to engage real-life problems through collective intelligence. Architecture cannot be made alone.
Where will we work?
Architecture is on the frontlines of the climate change battle. The making of the built environment, coupled with rapid urbanization is one of the most unsustainable processes worldwide. But it is where the most potential for positive impact can be made. We are based in The University of Hong Kong’s Faculty of Architecture, utilizing its many labs and fabrication facilities while having extensive engagement with Chinese villages at the forefront of the urbanization process. Our sites are not only physical places but exemplify a transition between traditional and modern living. These alternative lifestyles and livelihoods offer clues to sustainable ways of living. As architects we will investigate how to adapt locally intelligent building practices, low-cost materials and cutting-edge fabrication techniques coupled with traditional know-how. Our exploration will take place at the intersection of local and global forces – with the belief that universal problems are best solved through site specific action.
How will we conduct research and design?
Technology is constantly evolving and changing how we approach design and construction. But technology cannot solve it all. People are still the most important ingredient. Increased specialization of tools and skills necessitate greater emphasis on collaboration and the importance of collectivity. The program will investigate how cutting-edge technology can combine with the social and cultural uniqueness of each place. The techniques of architectural ethnography will allow us to understand and tackle the essential question of how we should live, with each other and with the environment.
What will we learn?
The course is based on the experiences of programme teaching team and international guest teachers. Each programme year, we will conduct design researches, make prototypes and eventually synthesise our explorations in a building construction on site. The main focus is to learn about innovations of material, technology and contextual understanding. Through these processes, we will explore architectural ideas that respond to issues we face today. This is a full-year 3 trimesters programme, comprised of 3 design studios, 3 core courses and 6 elective courses.
Who are we?
Teachers will have extensive experience combining research and practice. Students will bring new insight and vision. Together we will tackle urgent and real problems. Together we will experiment through community engagement, incremental prototyping and trial and error. No one knows the answer yet.
MSc(AAD) is envisioned as THE BUILDING SOCIETY, www.thebuildingsociety.arch.hku.hk, a collaborative practice-research design studio formed by the students, teachers and collaborators.
THE BUILDING SOCIETY
Why do we need new approaches in architecture?
THE BUILDING SOCIETY is a postgraduate programme for advanced architectural design and experimentation established with the belief that the social contract of the architect is essential to tackling the many complex and urgent issues we face today. The challenges posed by climate change alongside socio-economic uncertainty will impact not only the making of architecture, but question its relevance to contemporary society. By harnessing the technological innovations of past and present we seek a new vision for future and sustainable practices of architecture. The programme fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and new methods to integrate research with practice. In three semesters devoted to field research, prototyping and onsite construction, students will develop skills and techniques that go beyond the safe haven of studio work to engage real-life problems through collective intelligence. Architecture cannot be made alone.
Where will we work?
Architecture is on the frontlines of the climate change battle. The making of the built environment, coupled with rapid urbanization is one of the most unsustainable processes worldwide. But it is where the most potential for positive impact can be made. We are based in The University of Hong Kong’s Faculty of Architecture, utilizing its many labs and fabrication facilities while having extensive engagement with Chinese villages at the forefront of the urbanization process. Our sites are not only physical places but exemplify a transition between traditional and modern living. These alternative lifestyles and livelihoods offer clues to sustainable ways of living. As architects we will investigate how to adapt locally intelligent building practices, low-cost materials and cutting-edge fabrication techniques coupled with traditional know-how. Our exploration will take place at the intersection of local and global forces – with the belief that universal problems are best solved through site specific action.
How will we conduct research and design?
Technology is constantly evolving and changing how we approach design and construction. But technology cannot solve it all. People are still the most important ingredient. Increased specialization of tools and skills necessitate greater emphasis on collaboration and the importance of collectivity. The program will investigate how cutting-edge technology can combine with the social and cultural uniqueness of each place. The techniques of architectural ethnography will allow us to understand and tackle the essential question of how we should live, with each other and with the environment.
What will we learn?
The course is based on the experiences of programme teaching team and international guest teachers. Each programme year, we will conduct design researches, make prototypes and eventually synthesise our explorations in a building construction on site. The main focus is to learn about innovations of material, technology and contextual understanding. Through these processes, we will explore architectural ideas that respond to issues we face today. This is a full-year 3 trimesters programme, comprised of 3 design studios, 3 core courses and 6 elective courses.
Who are we?
Teachers will have extensive experience combining research and practice. Students will bring new insight and vision. Together we will tackle urgent and real problems. Together we will experiment through community engagement, incremental prototyping and trial and error. No one knows the answer yet.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Architecture and Built Environment
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
The Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design (MSc(AAD)) is a design-focused post-professional, specialist taught postgraduate that creates a unique platform for students, practicing architects and urban researchers to contribute to emergent, cutting-edge research-based design agendas that result in real-life propositions.
MSc(AAD) is envisioned as THE BUILDING SOCIETY, www.thebuildingsociety.arch.hku.hk, a collaborative practice-research design studio formed by the students, teachers and collaborators.
THE BUILDING SOCIETY
Why do we need new approaches in architecture?
THE BUILDING SOCIETY is a postgraduate programme for advanced architectural design and experimentation established with the belief that the social contract of the architect is essential to tackling the many complex and urgent issues we face today. The challenges posed by climate change alongside socio-economic uncertainty will impact not only the making of architecture, but question its relevance to contemporary society. By harnessing the technological innovations of past and present we seek a new vision for future and sustainable practices of architecture. The programme fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and new methods to integrate research with practice. In three semesters devoted to field research, prototyping and onsite construction, students will develop skills and techniques that go beyond the safe haven of studio work to engage real-life problems through collective intelligence. Architecture cannot be made alone.
Where will we work?
Architecture is on the frontlines of the climate change battle. The making of the built environment, coupled with rapid urbanization is one of the most unsustainable processes worldwide. But it is where the most potential for positive impact can be made. We are based in The University of Hong Kong’s Faculty of Architecture, utilizing its many labs and fabrication facilities while having extensive engagement with Chinese villages at the forefront of the urbanization process. Our sites are not only physical places but exemplify a transition between traditional and modern living. These alternative lifestyles and livelihoods offer clues to sustainable ways of living. As architects we will investigate how to adapt locally intelligent building practices, low-cost materials and cutting-edge fabrication techniques coupled with traditional know-how. Our exploration will take place at the intersection of local and global forces – with the belief that universal problems are best solved through site specific action.
How will we conduct research and design?
Technology is constantly evolving and changing how we approach design and construction. But technology cannot solve it all. People are still the most important ingredient. Increased specialization of tools and skills necessitate greater emphasis on collaboration and the importance of collectivity. The program will investigate how cutting-edge technology can combine with the social and cultural uniqueness of each place. The techniques of architectural ethnography will allow us to understand and tackle the essential question of how we should live, with each other and with the environment.
What will we learn?
The course is based on the experiences of programme teaching team and international guest teachers. Each programme year, we will conduct design researches, make prototypes and eventually synthesise our explorations in a building construction on site. The main focus is to learn about innovations of material, technology and contextual understanding. Through these processes, we will explore architectural ideas that respond to issues we face today. This is a full-year 3 trimesters programme, comprised of 3 design studios, 3 core courses and 6 elective courses.
Who are we?
Teachers will have extensive experience combining research and practice. Students will bring new insight and vision. Together we will tackle urgent and real problems. Together we will experiment through community engagement, incremental prototyping and trial and error. No one knows the answer yet.
MSc(AAD) is envisioned as THE BUILDING SOCIETY, www.thebuildingsociety.arch.hku.hk, a collaborative practice-research design studio formed by the students, teachers and collaborators.
THE BUILDING SOCIETY
Why do we need new approaches in architecture?
THE BUILDING SOCIETY is a postgraduate programme for advanced architectural design and experimentation established with the belief that the social contract of the architect is essential to tackling the many complex and urgent issues we face today. The challenges posed by climate change alongside socio-economic uncertainty will impact not only the making of architecture, but question its relevance to contemporary society. By harnessing the technological innovations of past and present we seek a new vision for future and sustainable practices of architecture. The programme fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and new methods to integrate research with practice. In three semesters devoted to field research, prototyping and onsite construction, students will develop skills and techniques that go beyond the safe haven of studio work to engage real-life problems through collective intelligence. Architecture cannot be made alone.
Where will we work?
Architecture is on the frontlines of the climate change battle. The making of the built environment, coupled with rapid urbanization is one of the most unsustainable processes worldwide. But it is where the most potential for positive impact can be made. We are based in The University of Hong Kong’s Faculty of Architecture, utilizing its many labs and fabrication facilities while having extensive engagement with Chinese villages at the forefront of the urbanization process. Our sites are not only physical places but exemplify a transition between traditional and modern living. These alternative lifestyles and livelihoods offer clues to sustainable ways of living. As architects we will investigate how to adapt locally intelligent building practices, low-cost materials and cutting-edge fabrication techniques coupled with traditional know-how. Our exploration will take place at the intersection of local and global forces – with the belief that universal problems are best solved through site specific action.
How will we conduct research and design?
Technology is constantly evolving and changing how we approach design and construction. But technology cannot solve it all. People are still the most important ingredient. Increased specialization of tools and skills necessitate greater emphasis on collaboration and the importance of collectivity. The program will investigate how cutting-edge technology can combine with the social and cultural uniqueness of each place. The techniques of architectural ethnography will allow us to understand and tackle the essential question of how we should live, with each other and with the environment.
What will we learn?
The course is based on the experiences of programme teaching team and international guest teachers. Each programme year, we will conduct design researches, make prototypes and eventually synthesise our explorations in a building construction on site. The main focus is to learn about innovations of material, technology and contextual understanding. Through these processes, we will explore architectural ideas that respond to issues we face today. This is a full-year 3 trimesters programme, comprised of 3 design studios, 3 core courses and 6 elective courses.
Who are we?
Teachers will have extensive experience combining research and practice. Students will bring new insight and vision. Together we will tackle urgent and real problems. Together we will experiment through community engagement, incremental prototyping and trial and error. No one knows the answer yet.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the degree of Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design, candidates shall:
a) comply with the General Regulations and the Regulations for Taught Postgraduate Curricula;
b) hold
i) a Bachelor's degree preferably in architecture, engineering, surveying, environmental science, geography or related fields in this University; or
ii) other qualification of equivalent standard from this university or other comparable institution accepted for this purpose; and
iii) preferably a professional qualification in the architecture, building engineering, surveying or related fields.
c) for a candidate who is seeking admission on the basis of a qualification from a university or comparable institution outside Hong Kong of which the language of teaching and/or examination is not English, shall satisfy the University English language requirement applicable to higher degrees as prescribed under General Regulation G2(b); and
d) satisfy the examiners in a qualifying examination if required.
a) comply with the General Regulations and the Regulations for Taught Postgraduate Curricula;
b) hold
i) a Bachelor's degree preferably in architecture, engineering, surveying, environmental science, geography or related fields in this University; or
ii) other qualification of equivalent standard from this university or other comparable institution accepted for this purpose; and
iii) preferably a professional qualification in the architecture, building engineering, surveying or related fields.
c) for a candidate who is seeking admission on the basis of a qualification from a university or comparable institution outside Hong Kong of which the language of teaching and/or examination is not English, shall satisfy the University English language requirement applicable to higher degrees as prescribed under General Regulation G2(b); and
d) satisfy the examiners in a qualifying examination if required.
1 Year
Sep
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