News and Achievements

PolyU’s U Garden Wins Grand Award at HKIE Excellent Building Award 2026

Our U Garden (花園理) has won the prestigious Grand Award (Existing Building) at the Excellent Building Award 2026, organised by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (Building Services Division). Centered on the themes of "Human-Centric" design and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) integration, this year’s awards recognised projects that successfully balance technological innovation with user experience. Located at the Core CDE Podium, the U Garden project has successfully transformed an underutilised undercover space into a vibrant, garden-like oasis for the PolyU community. In line with the University's commitment to translating research into real-world applications, the space incorporates several PolyU academic research outcomes, including an energy-efficient indirect evaporative cooling air conditioning system, an AI-powered safety and fire monitoring system, and sustainable, eco-friendly IMU+ silicone artificial leather seating. We extend our sincere gratitude to the HKIE for this recognition. Please drop by to experience the award-winning vibes at U Garden!

Our University Gallery Achieves Recognition!

We are excited to announce that the University Gallery has received two prestigious awards: the Silver Award in the International Design Award 2025 (IDA) for Cultural/Community Interior Design and the Excellence Award in the Asia Pacific Interior Design Award 2025 (APIDA) for Installation & Exhibition Space. The Gallery's design features our iconic PolyU bricks with a modern twist, showcasing innovative cement blocks developed by PolyU researchers. As visitors explore its various zones, they will discover the legacy of excellence that underscores PolyU’s commitment to innovation as a world-class university.

New Engineering Contract (NEC) Sharing Session hosted by DEVB at PolyU

CDO is honoured to organise a NEC Sharing Session at PolyU hosted by the Development Bureau. This event gathered prominent industry experts to discuss the implementation of NEC contracts in Hong Kong and share key insights from various projects. The New Engineering Contract (NEC) promotes collaboration, enhances project management, and provides greater flexibility in adapting to changes. We are dedicated to adopting this approach to create a proactive environment that fosters innovation and efficiency, ultimately ensuring successful project outcomes. A heartfelt thank you to all our speakers and attendees for contributing to the success of this event!

The University Square Wins LOOP Design Awards 2025

CDO has proudly received the LOOP Design Awards 2025 in the Sports & Recreation category for its design of University Square, recognising excellence in architecture and landscape design. Located at the heart of our campus, University Square revitalizes open spaces to enhance campus life and promote sustainability. This multifunctional venue hosts various events, from flag-raising ceremonies to photo opportunities, while preserving veteran trees and integrating new timber seating. More than just a space, University Square fosters community and collaboration among students, staff, and visitors through its thoughtfully designed landscape furniture and seating arrangements.

The U Garden Wins Prestigious London Design Awards 2025

U Garden has won recognition at the London Design Awards as a vibrant hub that fosters connections within the PolyU community. Located at the heart of PolyU, this iconic landmark revitalises an underused area, blending indoor and outdoor experiences for dining, socialising, and relaxation. Enriching the campus streetscape, U Garden features a landscaped terrace with comfortable seating amidst greenery, inviting the community to unwind. Its design incorporates iconic red-brick elements, ample natural light, and a serene atmosphere that inspires creativity and a connection to nature. Thank you to everyone involved in bringing this vision to life!

International Architecture & Design Award 2025 Winner - U Garden

The Architecture & Design Community (ADC) has recognised CDO’s work with multiple accolades at the 2025 International Architecture and Design Awards. The awards include: Platinum Winner for Architecture: Educational and Campus Design, Completed / Professional Category Platinum Winner for Landscape: Institutional and Educational Landscape Design, Completed / Professional Category (The only awardee) Gold Winner for Interior: Public Building and Institutional Interior Design, Completed / Professional Category Embracing the concept of “Experiencing a Garden, Not Just a Restaurant,” U Garden showcases a harmonious design with expansive glass walls that invite natural light and frame picturesque garden views. The once-quiet CDE Wing has been transformed into a stylish and comfortable dining area, establishing itself as a new landmark for the PolyU community. For more information, please visit here.

MUSE Design Award丨SFT Fashion Design Studio - Silver Winner

The SFT Fashion Design Studio has excelled at the highly influential 2025 MUSE Design Award, winning silver in both the Interior Design - Institution / Educational and the Furniture Design - Educational categories!  This project emphasises the dynamic interplay between light, spatial organisation, collaboration, and artistic expression. The studio is meticulously crafted to reduce clutter and distractions while integrating essential elements that enhance the working and learning environment within limited space. The award-winning modular desk system combines multifunctionality with ample storage. By providing various storage solutions, the designers effectively tackle issues of disorganisation and insufficient space for tools, fabrics, and personal items, thereby promoting collaboration among students.  For more details here.

MUSE Design Award丨U Garden - Gold Winner

We are proud to announce that U Garden has been awarded the Gold Winner at the prestigious Muse Design Awards in the category of Architectural Design - Education! With the concept of "Experiencing a Garden, Not Just a Restaurant," U Garden is designed as a welcoming space for the PolyU community to connect and foster collaboration. U Garden transforms the underused CDE Wing on campus into an attractive food and beverage outlet, establishing it as an iconic landmark on campus. The design incorporates the iconic red-brick elements of our campus while featuring arches and curves that soften the building's lines and reflect the University’s rich heritage. The timeless façade invites exploration, while expansive openings and glass walls fill the interior with natural light, offering stunning views of the lush garden. U Garden has created an inviting atmosphere for students, staff and visitors alike. Find more details here.  

International Design Awards Bronze Winner 2024

We are excited to announce that our Core V 13/F project, the Fashion Design Studio for the School of Fashion and Textiles at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has been awarded a Bronze Award at the prestigious International Design Awards (IDA). Themed "Warp and Weft, Light and Shadow, Teaching and Learning, People and Space," this project beautifully illustrates the dynamic interplay of light, spatial organisation, collaboration, and artistic expression within the studio. This recognition reflects the creativity and dedication of our Design Team and Project Management Team at CDO. It also underscores our commitment to balancing thoughtful design, scale, and cost-effectiveness in university projects. Please visit here for the award information and here for the detailed project information.  

Asian Design Awards 2024

Exciting news! Our Kowloon Tong Student Hostel project has been recognised at the 2024 Better Future Asian Design Awards. This project not only addresses the accommodation shortage but also fosters holistic growth through sustainable design. Inspired by the beauty of terraced rice paddies, our design harmoniously integrates with nature, featuring inviting terraces and courtyards that encourage social interaction. In line with the University’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality, the hostel serves as a model of innovation. We incorporated Modular Integrated Design (MiC) techniques from the planning stage, which enhance construction efficiency, reduce disturbances to the surrounding community, and promote the health and well-being of residents. In addition to the BETTER FUTURE Asian Design Award, the student hostel has also achieved a Provisional Platinum rating under BEAM Plus New Buildings (V1.2) from the Hong Kong Green Building Council, recognising its outstanding sustainability performance. This project enriches our students' university experience and supports Hong Kong's vision of becoming a regional education hub. Please visit here for the award information and here for the detailed project information.