Higher Diploma in Architectural Studies Graduate Sharing

Jonathan SIU

Academic Background
• 2015 Higher Diploma in Architectural Studies, HKU SPACE Community College
• 2017 BA (Hons) in Architecture, Oxford Brookes University

Through Architecture, I want to express myself in a more interesting way.

Architecture has always been a self-motivated discipline that demands immense amounts of determination. Thus, it is undoubtedly a lifelong challenge to learn Architecture. While I found myself disappointed with the JUPAS result, HKU SPACE CC offered me an opportunity to rediscover my journey.

The Higher Diploma in Architectural Studies programme at HKU SPACE CC is a well- organized programme that provides all-round training. It encourages the balance between 3-D designs and design resolutions, the exploration in historic and cultural contexts, as well as application in the local practical field. In addition to this witnessing is always one of the best ways to understand Architecture. Here, the programme arranges a field trip every year for students to interact with award-winning architects through their work. In this way, students will also develop and sharpen critical judgment while being introduced to an array of precedents.

As competitive as this career is, you will surely experience a taste of the attitude and responsibility that you will need to possess in the career path, let alone the numerous job placements posted by the department every summer. 

Meanwhile with a high level of autonomy, I have been able to express my ideas through different media and in-depth research. Also, my work stayed consistent through cross-related modules in the programme. Taking full control over my projects, these two years of self-learning experience have taught me a valuable lesson in discipline.

More importantly, the 2-year programme enriched my portfolio with a collection of projects, on a scale from delicate installations, public pavilions, to large museums. Providing me with a solid base in designing, the programme has enabled me to further pursue my study for BA (Hons) in Architecture at the Oxford Brookes University.

Whether you would like to start practicing in the field or continue on furthering studies, this programme will certainly be an efficient way to help you equip yourself with everything you need to achieve your goals.

Trust your instincts and never let go of what you want to do. The Higher Diploma in Architectural Studies programme at HKU SPACE CC might as well be another option to understand your powers and limits. Step out of your comfort zone and explore yourself.

To fellow students who are in pursuit of Architecture, I wish you all success in your future!

Student's sharing - Mr CHAMPION JOSEPH

Student of Postgraduate Diploma in Cultural Heritage Management, currently working in financial sector

We had 3 trips for field study- to Macau, Singapore and Japan. These have been the highest value added activity in the programme because of the resourceful agendas created by the programme manager for each trip, providing access to very senior executives and members of government responsible for heritage management. Many of these seem to have been achieved through the programme team’s impressive professional network. We been able to listen to CEOs, professors, advisors, and city officials who have been able to share current challenges and opportunities in managing their assets. We were able to witness these issues through tours which allowed us to see in practice the methodologies we studied in each module. In each city we were given projects to complete on site which required us to demonstrate our understanding of the principles taught.