School of Engineering Celebrates Grand Opening of New Engineering Commons

Over 100 members of the University’s senior management, engineering faculty, students and staff congregated at the grand opening of the newly renovated Engineering Commons on October 17, 2024. [Download Photo]

The School of Engineering (SENG) celebrated the grand opening of the newly renovated Engineering Commons on October 17, 2024, drawing over 100 members of the University’s senior management, engineering faculty, students and staff for a joyous gathering. The event signifies the official opening of the redesigned Engineering Commons, a central hub for collaborative learning, group discussion, academic advising and social gatherings for the School’s community.

Officiating the special occasion were President Prof. Nancy IP, Provost Prof. GUO Yike, Vice-President for Research and Development Prof. Tim CHENG Kwang-Ting, Dean of Engineering Prof. Hong K. LO, former Dean of Engineering Prof. Khaled B. LETAIEF, and Director of the Center for Engineering Education Innovation (E²I) Prof. Henry LAM. The six senior administrators conducted a ribbon-cutting ceremony that marked the official opening of the new Commons, followed by a toasting joined by all attendees at the event.

Prof. Nancy Ip and Prof. Hong K. Lo both addressed the audience with welcome remarks. “The inauguration of the new Engineering Commons represents a milestone in HKUST’s commitment to enhance student learning experience. This place provides a well-designed and welcoming space for students to openly exchange ideas, seek academic advising and socialize,” said Prof. Ip. She added that the application of faculty members’ research outcomes in the Commons was important to inspire students and foster a culture of innovation. She thanked everyone who was involved in the renovation of the Commons and looked forward to a lot of events to occur there.

In his speech, Prof. Lo expressed his gratitude to the University’s senior management, various offices across campus and SENG colleagues for their tremendous support in the Engineering Commons renovation project. With the old Engineering Commons first built in 2013 and serving the School for more than a decade, he said that it was time to transform its use and elevate its potential to support the School’s mission of fostering collaborative learning, innovation and connectivity. He added that the place is open 24 hours a day for the vibrant HKUST community.

Prof. Lo went on to introduce the Engineering Commons, describing the three major sections – foyer, interior area, and courtyard – as well as the special features of each section. He highlighted the iconic Innovation Tree at the center of the foyer, where T-R-E-E is an acronym for Transforming Research into Engineering Excellence. He hoped that this would remind everyone who enters the space to reflect on how they can contribute to advancing engineering through their teaching, learning, and research, alongside the School’s tagline, “Engineering Innovation for Global Impact,” which is prominently shown on the upper wall behind the tree.

Surrounding the foyer are three walls, each serving a distinct purpose: the Strategic Research Areas Wall showcases the School’s 10 research focuses; the Departments Wall displays the School’s six departments, each represented in their unique colors; and the Wall of Inspiration features inspiring quotes from great minds. The foyer also boasts an almost 12m long state-of-the-art LED screen, showcasing exciting happenings and achievements of the School’s community and useful info on campus.

The interior area offers a vibrant atmosphere for engineering students to socialize, relax, seek mentoring and advising, or engage in group discussion and meetings. The area is installed with advanced audio-visual equipment, including an LED display wall and two big TV screens, and an increased number and variety of movable furniture, to facilitate different kinds of student-related events and activities such as ceremonies, workshops, teaching and entrepreneurial activities. A pool table in the center serves as a hangout spot for students to unwind.

The interior area continues to house the E²I Advising Office, with a newly built meeting room providing a private space for students to meet with academic advisors. The area also serves as a hub to host a series of peer mentorship and student wellness programs. A number of research applications by engineering faculty were also adopted, including the world’s first low-carbon elastocaloric fridge, heat-resistant film, self-cleaning coating, and smart tags for asset tracking, to showcase how engineering innovations create impact in daily life. A robotic coffee machine, provided by Pacific Coffee, offers students with hands-on experience in operations, entrepreneurship, and pricing.

The interior area features an open setting with glass doors and big windows linking to the outside courtyard. This brings in more daylight and good weather for students to enjoy by connecting with the outdoor environment. The highly accessible courtyard, equipped with furniture, invites students to enjoy the fresh air and nice weather on pleasant days.

Prof. Lo added that a number of new events had been planned to take place in the new Commons throughout the year and some were already held. These included a departmental “Get-together” to be held on the last Friday evening of each month, as well as an industrial networking event called “Industry-Connect-University (I-C-U)”, a new initiative aiming to foster industry-academia collaborations among SENG’s faculty members, industrial partners, alumni and students.

Following the ceremony, attendees had the opportunity to tour the Engineering Commons, where they explored its state-of-the-art facilities, modern design and open setting. Many expressed their excitement about the potential for future events and activities in this lively environment. They were inspired by the possibilities this dynamic space offers for innovation and interaction, and anticipate making the most of this space.

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