Connecting Youth with Professional Architects to Co-create a Sustainable Hong Kong Skyline

This year, Design Charrette 2026, jointly organised by The Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) and the Sustainability Unit of The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG), was held under the theme “Vertical City: Reimagining Hong Kong’s Skyline.” The programme brought together around 30 secondary school students for an immersive architectural learning experience. Through expert talks, architectural guided tours, and an overnight design workshop, participants explored the future of Hong Kong’s urban development through the lenses of sustainability, human-centered design, and heritage conservation.

The programme commenced on 11 July with a series of expert sharing sessions and a guided skyscraper tour in Central. Students visited a number of Hong Kong’s iconic buildings from different eras, gaining first-hand insights into the city’s architectural evolution and the social and cultural narratives reflected in its built environment. Industry professionals from the fields of architecture and urban planning shared their expertise and career experiences, offering participants valuable perspectives on the profession and emerging opportunities in the built environment sector.

The second phase of the programme took place from 18 to 19 July at the HKFYG Leadership Institute, where students participated in a design charrette under the guidance of architect mentors. Working in teams, participants examined two key approaches to urban development, i.e., adaptive reuse and new construction, and applied design thinking methodologies to address real-world urban challenges. Through empathy mapping, conceptual sketching, and model-making, students developed innovative proposals for future vertical cities that balanced social impact, environmental sustainability, and community needs. The students’ projects demonstrated remarkable imagination for the future development of cities, as well as a keen understanding of community needs.

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About this Programme

Since its launch in 2022, the Design Charrette programme has provided secondary school students with a unique platform to explore architecture, urban planning, and sustainable development through hands-on learning experiences. Organised through the longstanding partnership between HKFYG and HKIA, the initiative aims to foster architectural literacy, encourage career exploration, and inspire young people to engage with the challenges and opportunities shaping the cities of tomorrow. To date, the programme has benefited hundreds of students and has established itself as one of Hong Kong’s leading youth architectural education initiatives.

Students attended an expert sharing session at LockCha Tea House gaining insights into Hong Kong’s architectural heritage and urban development.

During the guided tour of the HSBC Main Building, students discovered how innovative design and engineering have contributed to one of Hong Kong’s most renowned landmarks.

Students explored the iconic Bank of China Tower, learning about its distinctive architectural design and its significance in shaping Hong Kong’s skyline.

Working in teams, students transformed their ideas into architectural models, exploring creative solutions for a sustainable and people-centred vertical city.

Students presented their design proposals to architect mentors and peers, sharing innovative ideas for the future development of Hong Kong’s urban environment.

Outstanding teams were recognised at the award ceremony for their creativity, teamwork, and innovative approaches to sustainable building design.