Welcome home: A lounge designed for CityUHK alumni togetherness
City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) has unveiled its first alumni lounge outside of Hong Kong — a warm, thoughtfully designed space in Shenzhen that truly feels like home. More than just a physical venue, the new CityUHK Alumni Lounge, launched in May 2025, is a celebration of connection, collaboration, and creativity.
Located in the Nanshan District, Shenzhen, where the CityUHK Shenzhen Research Institute is based, the Alumni Lounge serves as a hub for CityUHK graduates across the Greater Bay Area, especially those in Shenzhen. United by their shared passion for the University, alumni can now make use of the lounge where networking and gathering events are hosted to foster connections. It also serves as a meeting and workspace for the Executive Committee of the CityUHK Shenzhen Alumni Chapter.
Designed with heart and purpose
“We literally created something out of nothing,” said Mr Lewis Chui, Senior Manager (Projects) from the Campus Development Office (CDO) of CityUHK, as he described the journey of transforming an otherwise dim, lifeless office into a vibrant, inspiring space.
Despite its compact size, the lounge feels open and inviting. The “less is more” philosophy serves as the guiding principle of the design, as Lewis suggested. Fluted wall panels, sustainable materials, warm lighting, and minimalist décor enhance the ambience without overwhelming it.
A space that feels like home
The lounge is analogous to a thoughtfully structured home. Putting the end users first, Lewis described the two distinct yet connected zones:
The “Living Room”: A space for networking, small gatherings, and relaxation. A timber feature wall embracing the CityUHK emblem, beside the Alumni Lounge logo in gold-coloured dynamic script font, serves as the centerpiece. Comfortable sofas and coffee tables complement the cosy, homey vibe.
Another notable feature is the multifunctional shelves —a stylish partition that also serves as a memorabilia display and lockable storage, reminiscent of a home. It subtly separates the lounge from the rest of the floor, striking a perfect balance between openness and privacy. “Just like home, users would appreciate an area that feels open to encourage interactions, yet private to engage in conversations,” Lewis explained.
- The “Study Room”: Designed as a workspace for the Shenzhen Alumni Chapter’s ExCo members, the room has a wall-mounted TV and glass writing panel, ideal for meetings or brainstorming sessions. The space features a subtly illuminated accent wall in distinctive red, reflective of the University’s brand and aesthetics. The bold colour choice also injects the room with positive energy. “We want to instil energy and creativity in this ‘alumni home’ by steering away from just being a facility,” added Lewis.
A celebration of teamwork and talent
The Alumni Lounge was completed in just two months from inception to completion, thanks to the collaborative efforts of various university units, including the Campus Development Office, Finance Office, Shenzhen Research Institute, and Alumni Relations Office. Under the leadership of Ms Ng Pheck Choo, Senior Director of the Office of the President and Director of the Global Engagement Office, who spearheaded this cross-unit collaboration, the vision was successfully brought to life. Drawing inspiration from global architectural designs from Japan to Germany, Pheck Choo also led the development of the Alumni Lounge at the Hong Kong campus, which was launched in January 2025. Her guidance ensured a thoughtful design that balances modern aesthetic and functionality, creating a space where alumni feel a sense of pride and belonging – a place that feels like home.
A hub for connection and growth
The Shenzhen lounge aligns with its Hong Kong counterpart through a consistent, welcoming spirit. At the CityUHK International Centre on the Hong Kong campus, the lounge breaks traditional barriers — replacing solid concrete walls with large span sliding glass doors that blend indoor comfort with outdoor greenery and expansive city views. The result is a brilliant, modern space that combines natural light, minimalist furniture, and a spacious outdoor terrace, offering the flexibility to host diverse networking events.
