Interdisciplinary Approach to Designing for Inclusivity: PolyU Design and School of Architecture and Design of Harbin Institute of Technology Establish Joint-Research Center

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design (PolyU Design) announced its official partnership with the School of Architecture and Design at Harbin Institute of Technology by signing an Agreement of Establishment for the Joint-Research Center for Inclusive Environment on 12 March 2024.

The establishment of this Joint-Research Center aims to foster the advancement of research, teaching, and practical applications in the field of inclusive environments. It also serves as an interdisciplinary and collaborative academic platform dedicated to inspiring new ideas, creative methods, and influential applications through the exchange, cooperation, and synergy between two institutions.

“The Joint-Research Center is dedicated to becoming a hub of a diverse group of experts and scholars to promote multidimensional and multilevel development,” Prof. Kin Wai Michael Siu of PolyU Design, who is one of the Directors of the Joint-Research Center, looked forward to kicking off the Center’s work including joint research project applications, research endeavours, collaborative teaching, and academic exchange activities, with the collaborator.

While PolyU Design is one of the QS top 20 design schools in the world, Harbin Institute of Technology is known as one of the "Eight Old Schools of Architecture" in Chinese colleges and universities, and one of the most important scientific research bases of human settlements and one of the leaders of human settlements education in China. This collaboration offers a valuable opportunity for meaningful academic interactions between the two institutions, simultaneously making significant contributions to the academic community and society.