U Lagoon

Located at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s main campus, the iconic lawn, first completed over 50 years ago, faces underusage issues. As a vast space with minimal shading and difficult to maintain, the lawn results in patchy grass and blotches of soils.

U Lagoon's revitalization sets to alleviate the flooding situation, whilst taking this opportunity to enhance this iconic courtyard with nature features. Introducing a water feature in the middle of the lawn as a catchment for water collection, and duo as a hub to encourage biodiversity and with rich plantation surrounding the area.

Echoing the modular design of the campus, cubes and steps weaved the whole experience of the landscape, from the water feature, to the main staircase and the upper floor seatings. At the peripheral of the water feature, the steps blurs the boundary of land and water, bring the visitors closer to the water. The water feature creates a mirror effect and extending the picturesque courtyard. The perfect shot for students to document their milestone celebration, graduation or wedding shoots for instances, at the opposite end and under the arch, between the two buildings in the background.

The main modular stairs-cum-seatings-and-planter leads the visitor to the first floor, of an intimate botanic garden. A space to refresh the mind in the amidst of deadlines and exams as it abuts the study labs.

Connecting the first floor to the podium floor is another set of stairs, facing the main entrance to the university’s campus. On the sides of the stairs are the newly refurbished vantage point, replacing the brick parapet with a glass balustrade and removing the planters at the periphery, to lookover the entire U Lagoon.