CAADFUTURES 2025: EVENT & SOCIAL Details
ARCHITECTURE TOUR: HENDERSON BY ZAHA HADID ARCHITECTS
Architecture Tour – The Henderson by Zaha Hadid Architects: Vertical Fluidity and Urban Innovation
Step inside The Henderson, Zaha Hadid Architects’ newest landmark in the heart of Hong Kong, for an exclusive guided tour. Located on the world’s most expensive plot in Central, this 36-storey skyscraper embodies innovation in form, structure, and sustainability. Inspired by the Hong Kong orchid tree, its organic geometry and 1,000 uniquely curved glass panels distinguish it from the rigid verticality of the surrounding skyline. Participants will gain insight into the building’s advanced structural engineering—supported by six mega-columns and a single core—and how it connects to Hong Kong’s elevated walkway system and MTR network, creating a fluid interface between nature, movement, and workplace design. Led by architectural professionals, the tour also offers a rare chance to access Skygarden on the 22/F, a space designed for urban respite and community interaction. This tour is a must for anyone interested in parametric design, sustainability, and future-facing architecture.
Highlights:
- Exclusive access to ZHA’s newest tower, guided by design professionals.
- Explore its fluid form—inspired by flower petals, built with 4,000+ curved glass panels.
- Discover the structure—column-free floors supported by six mega-columns and a single-core design.
- See innovation in context—adjacent to IM Pei’s Bank of China Tower and Foster’s HSBC HQ.
Event Details:
Date:
- Wednesday, 2nd July 8:30PM - 10:00PM
Ticket
- Saturday, 5th July 1:30PM - 3:30PM
Ticket - Saturday, 5th July 4:30PM - 6:30PM
Ticket
Quota: 20 per tour
Cost: HKD 250
Meeting Point: The Henderson Art Garden /Lambeth Walk Rest Garden Map
Notes:
> Banquet tickets are already included for all full conference registrants.
> Additional tickets available for +1 guests only.
> Name of registered participant required for +1 ticket.
> No public sales or walk-ins accepted.
Architecture Tour: M+ Art Museum by Herzog and de Meuron
Inside the Making of a Cultural Landmark
Join HKU Adjunct Assistant Professor Human T.L. Wu for an in-depth architectural tour of the M+ Museum, a major work by Herzog & de Meuron and a defining icon in Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District.
Highlights:
- Led by HKU Adjunct Assistant Professor Human Wu, who oversaw the M+ project during his time at Herzog & de Meuron.
- Behind-the-scenes insights into design development, materials, and construction.
- Examination of M+ as a cultural landmark, public space, and architectural statement.
- Discussion on the building’s response to local context, waterfront site, and urban visibility.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, 5th July
Time: 2:30PM – 4:30PM Ticket
Quota: 30 per tour
Cost: HKD 250 (M+ Exhibition Entry Tickets is not included)
Meeting Point: Artist Square Entrance, G/F, M+ Museum Map
Field Trip: Discovering Shenzhen
Exploring Innovation and Urban Transformation in China’s Design Capital
Explore Shenzhen’s bold urban future on this one- day architecture tour showcasing both high-tech innovation and civic transformation. Highlights include the newly opened Shenzhen Science & Technology Museum by Zaha Hadid Architects, the dramatic Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning by Coop Himmelb(l)au, and Shenzhen Library by Arata Isozaki. The tour concludes at Nantou City Neighborhood Center, a revitalized communal hub blending heritage and contemporary design. From sculptural museums to socially responsive spaces, this trip offers a rare cross-border lens into how architecture shapes identity, technology, and public life in China’s most ambitious design capital. Shuttle departs from HKU.
Highlights:
- Shenzhen Science & Technology Museum – Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.
- Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning (MOCAUP) by Coop Himmelb(l)au – a dramatic sculptural landmark that redefines public space and cultural presence.
- Shenzhen Library and Concert Hall by Arata Isozaki – a celebrated ensemble merging poetic minimalism with civic function.
- Nantou City Neighborhood Center – Designed by HKU Prof. Chang Yung Ho, a vibrant revitalization project that reflects grassroots urban regeneration and community design.
- Cross-border dialogue on urbanism and density between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
- Curated insights into spatial strategies, façade systems, and public engagement.
- Round-trip shuttle service provided from and back to HKU.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, 5th July
Time: 8:30PM – 8:30PM Ticket
Quota: 49
Cost: HKD 950
Meeting Point: : LG2, Knowles Building HKU Map
Notes:
> Important: Please ensure your passport and visa status allows entry into Mainland China.
> Participants are responsible for meeting immigration requirements.
Evening Tour: Tram Ride – Whitty Street Depot to North Point
A Moving Portrait of Hong Kong’s Architecture
Hop aboard a classic Hong Kong tram for a curated architectural journey from Whitty Street Depot to North Point. This guided tour offers a rare, street-level view of how Hong Kong’s architecture narrates its complex urban story—from its colonial past to its vertical future. Along the route, participants will witness a dramatic layering of built forms: the fading charm of tong lau (pre-war tenement buildings), the bustling street life near the North Point wet market, and some of the city’s most celebrated modern icons. These include HSBC Headquarters by Norman Foster, The Henderson by Zaha Hadid Architects, and Lippo Centre by Paul Rudolph. As the tram glides through Sheung Wan, Central, Admiralty, and Causeway Bay, this moving tour becomes a dynamic interface itself—linking architecture, infrastructure, and daily life in one of the world’s densest cities.
Highlights:
- Ride on a classic open-top tram reserved for our group.
- Architectural narration as you pass through key districts.
- Experience Hong Kong’s architectural transition in real time.
- Photograph the city from a unique moving perspective.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, 5th July
Time:
Quota: 30 per tour
Cost: HKD 250
Meeting Point for 7:30PM Tour: : Whitty Street Depot Entrance Map
Meeting Point for 8:30PM Tour: : North Point Terminal Map
Architecture Tour: Unique Typologies – High Density Public Housing
Understanding Urban Density through Repetition and Design
Led by HKU Professor Christian J. Lange, co-author of Cities of Repetition, this guided architecture walk explores the evolution of Hong Kong’s large-scale residential developments.
Highlights:
- Guided by HKU Professor Christian J. Lange, expert on Hong Kong’s housing typologies.
- Exploration of key public or private housing estates developed from the 1960s to early 2000s.
- In-depth discussion on urban density, standardization, and the aesthetics of repetition.
- A critical look at how these mass-produced environments shape urban identity and daily life.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, 5th July
Time: 1:30PM – 3:30PM Ticket
Quota: 30 per tour
Cost: HKD 250
Meeting Point: Meeting Point: TBC
Architecture Tour: High Density Urbanism – Mong Kok & Yau Ma Tei
Exploring Everyday Density and Urban Heritage
This walking tour takes participants deep into the vibrant heart of Kowloon, where hyper-density, layered history, and eclectic architecture collide.
- The Forest
- Sai Yueng Choi St. & Fa Yuen St.
- Langham Place
- Shanghai St.
- Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market
- Yau Ma Tei Theatre
- Red Brick Building
- Tin Hua Temple
Highlights:
- Navigate commercial streets like Sai Yeung Choi and Fa Yuen for a look at urban retail typologies.
- Visit Langham Place for insights on vertical mall design in a dense city.
- Explore cultural landmarks including Yau Ma Tei Theatre, Red Brick Building, and Tin Hau Temple.
- Examine the adaptive reuse and conservation of the Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market and Shanghai Street.
- Discuss the coexistence of traditional temples, colonial buildings, and modern towers in a compact urban grid.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, 5th July
Time: 9:30AM – 11:30AM Ticket
Quota: 30 per tour
Cost: HKD 250
Meeting Point: : The FOREST, Mongkok Map
Architecture Tour: High Density Urbanism – Wan Chai Temple & Blue House
Exploring Spiritual Heritage and Urban Regeneration
This guided walk takes participants through Wan Chai’s historical layers—visiting sacred sites and community heritage projects that reflect Hong Kong’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.
- Wan Chai Pak Tai Temple
- Blue House
- Hung Shing Temple at Wan Chai
Highlights:
- Explore Pak Tai Temple, a 19th-century Taoist temple rich in history and craftsmanship.
- Visit Hung Shing Temple, dedicated to the sea god and symbolic of Wan Chai’s coastal heritage.
- Tour the Blue House Cluster, a UNESCO-recognized revitalization project combining living heritage with social housing.
- Engage with themes of preservation, urban identity, and how historic architecture continues to shape daily life in Hong Kong.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, 5th July
Time: 4:30PM - 6:30PM Ticket
Quota: 30 per tour
Cost: HKD 250
Meeting Point: : Wan Chai Pak Tai Temple, Lung On St, Wan Chai Map
Architecture Tour: High Density Urbanism – Victoria Peak at Night
A panoramic evening escape above the city.
Experience Hong Kong from above on a scenic 1.5-hour evening walk from HKU to Victoria Peak, climbing 350 meters through lush hillside paths as the city lights begin to glow. This informal group walk offers a refreshing break from conference sessions and a chance to witness one of the most iconic panoramic views of Hong Kong’s skyline and Victoria Harbour. At the summit, participants can explore the Peak Galleria, grab a snack, or simply soak in the views. You may choose to descend by the historic Peak Tram, which brings you directly back to Admiralty.
Highlights:
- Gentle hike through green trails connecting the urban edge to nature.
- Spectacular night-time views of Victoria Harbour and the skyline.
- A chance to unwind, connect, and enjoy Hong Kong from a new perspective.
Event Details:
Time:
- Option 1: Wednesday, July 2nd, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Ticket - Option 2: Thursday, July 3rd, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Ticket
Meeting Point: : Meeting Point: Reception of CAAD future 2025 Map
Walking Path:Map
Highlights:
- Lavish Cantonese banquet at one of Hong Kong’s most historic dining halls
- Networking opportunity in a relaxed, celebratory setting
- Reserved seating for registered guests and their +1 companions only
Event Details:
Date: Friday, 4th July
Time: 7:30PM – 9:30PM
Cost: HKD 960 Ticket
Meeting Point: City Hall Map
Notes:
> Banquet tickets are already included for all full conference registrants.
> Additional tickets available for +1 guests only.
> Name of registered participant required for +1 ticket.
> No public sales or walk-ins accepted.
Highlights:
- All-day excursion through clear waters, forested islands, and geological formations.
- Great for casual networking and relaxation with fellow participants.
- Drinks and lunch included on board.
- Shuttle transport provided from HKU.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, 6th July
Time: 8:30AM – 7:30PM Ticket
Quota: 43
Cost: HKD 960
Meeting Point: : LG2, Knowles Building HKU Map
Highlights:
- Curated location offering great ambiance and design-forward vibe.
- Opportunity to network with peers in a relaxed social setting.
- Pay-as-you-go drinks; no registration fee.
- Easy access via public transport from conference venues.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, 3rd July
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Register
Meeting Point: 129 Second Street, L/G Nam Cheong House, Sai Ying Pun,Hong Kong Map
Social Event: Gala Dinner (+1 ticket)
Banquet – Maxim’s Palace
Get one more extra ticket beyond your conference package to join us for the official CAAD Future 2025 Conference Banquet at the iconic Maxim’s Palace.
Join us for the official CAAD Futures 2025 Conference Banquet at the iconic Maxim’s Palace, a treasured Hong Kong venue known for its grand interiors and harbor views.