In August 2023, Professor Francesco Rossini from the School of Architecture reached out to The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) University Library concerning his General Research Fund (GRF)1. The objective of Professor Rossini’s research was to reconnect people with underutilized open spaces through temporary architectural and urban interventions. In addition to activating forgotten, neglected, or dysfunctional urban areas of the city, the project aimed to explore alternative solutions that could positively impact the community. It also sought to challenge the rules, limits, and guidelines imposed in government-managed spaces, which are typically implemented through a top-down approach.

The Library was invited to collaborate on two pilot projects: CWLane Reading Space (October 2023) and Ladder Street Cultural Space (April 2024) on Hong Kong Island. This collaboration involved the design, prototyping, and installation of thoughtfully curated reading areas, showcasing over 500 items from the library’s collection. Additionally, the project received a generous donation of new publications from The Chinese University of Hong Kong Press.

Both reading space installations were enthusiastically received by the public. They were also featured in recognized international architectural magazines such as Archdaily, Urbannext and Baunetz Campus. Articles on this work have been published in Chinese, English, German, Italian and Spanish. The research project was featured in Artribune’s newsletter ‘Render’ along with an interview with the author. Notably, the first pilot intervention, CWLane Reading Space, received a Special Mention at the 2024 Architizer Awards in the Architecture + Knowledge category, as well as an Honorable Mention in the 2024 Design Educates Awards.

CWLane project modelled the use of steps in constructing a public reading space

The second pilot intervention, Ladder Street Cultural Space, is the result of a collaborative effort between Professor Rossini and Professor Filipe Afonso from The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) Macao. The project was constructed using Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) panels, a rigid and lightweight material commonly used in architectural models. These panels were precisely shaped using a robotic arm equipped with a spatial hot-wire, ensuring accuracy in the translation of the project’s complex geometry and consistency throughout the fabrication process.

The project comprises three key functions: a community library, an exhibition space, and a seating area. This multi-purpose design aims to foster diverse uses and social interactions, with the overarching goal of revitalizing this recently opened, previously underutilized public space. Through collaboration with faculty and CUHK University Press, the Library gained recognition in the academic sphere as an emerging library without borders. The Library takes pride in participating in such collaborations within the University to disseminate joy and knowledge to the community through outreach reading space initiatives.

Ladder Street Open Space design concept made use of polystyrene foam

Note:
1The GRF is an individual research funding scheme administered by the Research Grants Council (RGC). It is designed to provide competitive funding to enable researchers to undertake high-quality research projects and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their respective disciplines.

Contributed by Professor Francesco Rossini, School of Architecture and Linda Lee, Head of Chung Chi College and Architecture Libraries of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. We wish to express our gratitude to Mr. Benjamin Meunier, University Librarian of The Chinese University of Hong Kong Library, for leading the collaboration between the faculty and the library team.