The new Medical Education and Research Complex for research, teaching, and collaboration will launch the University’s medical school program when complete in 2028.
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has broken ground on its new Medical Education and Research Complex on the University’s Clear Water Bay campus. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and Wong Tung & Partners Limited (WTPL), the project marks a significant milestone in the advancement of Hong Kong’s ambitions as a global hub for science, technology, medical research, and innovation.
In November 2025, HKUST was selected through a rigorous process to establish Hong Kong’s third medical school. The new facility will serve as the academic and symbolic foundation of this program and is designed to bring together research laboratories, classrooms, faculty offices, and communal learning environments within a clear organizational framework—with a three-story podium base and five-story tower above.
The podium houses the building’s most accessible functions, including the auditorium, library, cafeteria, classrooms, and presentation spaces. Above, the tower houses faculty offices, classrooms, and laboratories, organized into two distinct research communities.
At the core of the building are shared spaces for collaboration and learning. A welcoming ground-floor lobby and two expansive atria on the third and sixth floors serve as social and intellectual hubs, filled with natural light and flexible seating for informal exchange. A large amphitheater overlooking Shaw Plaza provides a venue for lectures and events, while landscaped terraces extend learning and gathering outdoors, offering views across the campus.
“The establishment of Hong Kong’s third medical school is a significant moment for the city, and this building is designed to reflect that ambition,” said Design Partner Scott Duncan. “In dialogue with Shaw Auditorium and the plaza, its form, cascading terraces, and transparent academic spaces create a visible culture of learning and exchange—positioning the Medical Education and Research Complex as an open, connected, and public-facing part of university life.”
The building’s architectural expression reflects its role as a place of discovery. Conceived as a jewel-like glass cube, the facade emphasizes transparency, showcasing the activities within and establishing a distinct architectural identity on campus. A high-performance envelope of triple low-emissivity glazing, and operable panels ensure energy efficiency and comfort in Hong Kong’s subtropical climate.
“We are delighted to be joining forces with SOM again, extending our collaborations since the 1990s,” said Philip Chen, Managing Director of WTPL. “In the HKUST Medical Education and Research Complex, we will deliver a state-of-the-art facility for the newest medical school in China and Southeast Asia and demonstrate that the sharpest technological advancement can indeed co-exist beautifully with the most humane environment nurturing the next generation of medical professionals.”
Flexibility is integral to the project’s long-term value. While the building supports the launch of HKUST’s medical program, it is designed to evolve alongside the University’s future plans, including a transition to a purpose-built medical school campus in the Northern Metropolis.
“Partnering with HKUST is an opportunity to design more than just a medical school building—it’s about creating a living laboratory for the future of medicine.” said Principal and Asia Pacific Practice Leader Nicolas Medrano. “We’ve focused on ‘putting science on display’ through open intellectual hubs that encourage collaboration. By prioritizing flexibility, we’re ensuring this building remains a resilient, adaptable home for the breakthroughs of tomorrow.”
About Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is a global practice of architects, designers, engineers, and planners, responsible for some of the world’s most technically and environmentally advanced buildings and significant public spaces. In our institutional work, from university campuses to specialized labs and production studios, SOM’s designs foster innovation and support the next generation of leaders. Recent projects include Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Schwarzman College of Computing and Elementum, a research center and gateway to Biopolis, one of Asia’s leading biomedical campuses. SOM is a carbon neutral business.
About WTPL
Founded in Hong Kong in 1963, WTPL, now part of the Wong Tung Group of Companies (WT), has established a proven track record in providing master-planning and comprehensive architectural services for large scale projects in Hong Kong, Macao, Mainland China and the Pacific Rim Region.
WTPL’s experience spans a broad spectrum of typologies comprising residential, commercial and hospitality projects in the private sector, commissions from Government to special or end-user-based buildings such as healthcare, educational, research and administrative institutions, smart factories and infrastructure-related facilities etc.
Our design approach is underpinned by the exploration of new ideas and processes, appropriate use of technologies, and WTPL’s commitment to quality and care with our natural environment; and balance it with efficiency and cost effectiveness.
