PolyU Appoints Ms Zaha Hadid as Architect of Innovation Tower

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has appointed world-renowned architect Ms Zaha Hadid as the Architect of its new "Innovation Tower".

This building will be her first permanent architectural work in Hong Kong.

Ms Hadid has made a special trip from London to Hong Kong to present her design at a press conference hosted by Mr Victor Lo Chung-wing, Chairman of PolyU Council; and Mr Alexander Tzang, Deputy President of PolyU.

Addressing the press conference, Mr Victor Lo said PolyU's new "Innovation Tower" will serve as a driving force in the development of Hong Kong as a design hub in Asia.

The new Tower will also provide additional space to facilitate inter-disciplinary research and education in the field of design.

The new Tower will be located at the northeastern tip of the university campus.

Construction work will begin in 2009 and the whole project is expected to be completed by end 2011.

Upon completion, the Tower will provide some 12,000 square metres of net operational floor area and able to accommodate about 1,800 staff and students.

Ms Zaha Hadid is one of the most influential figures in the world of modern architecture.

She is also the first female recipient of the coveted Pritzker Architecture prize, which is known in architecture as the equivalent of the Nobel Prize.

She established her professional practice in London and her works can be found in major cities around the world.