"Materials are not merely about transforming their own forms; they shape the experience of those who enter a building. They create the atmosphere of a space and can even define the overall architectural form."
Registered architect Chan Sze Wing completed her Master’s degree in Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands in 2019. Prior to this, she earned a Higher Diploma in Architectural Studies from the University of Hong Kong School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKU SPACE) in 2012, followed by a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science (Architectural Science) from Curtin University of Technology in 2014.
During her master’s studies, Chan developed a deep fascination with architectural materials. In 2018, she was invited by the Dutch architectural firm Studio Ossidiana to participate in a prestigious architectural design competition. The entry, titled "Amsterdam Allegories," explored 21 potential public spaces as 21 small floating islands in Amsterdam. Chan was responsible for the design and production of several of these islands. Unsatisfied with the rigid precision of computer-generated lines, she abandoned digital tools in favour of working directly with sand, earth and plaster casts, constantly experimenting to discover unexpected forms. This bold approach contributed to the project winning the Prix de Rome Architecture 2018 award.
At Studio Ossidiana, every project begins with a focus on materials—a principle that aligns with Chan’s continuing interest in material-driven architectural design. After graduating, she remained with the firm, contributing to numerous projects, including the "Platform for Humans and Birds," which was showcased at the 2021 Venice Architecture Biennale.
Upon her return to Hong Kong in 2021, Chan joined Shadow Design, a firm recognised for its focus on material exploration, as a Senior Architect. She played a key role in the recently completed renovation of the Discovery Bay Pier & Central Pier 3. Looking ahead, Chan is focused on founding her own studio and hopes to study under Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, whose approach to crafting spatial atmospheres through the thoughtful use of materials has been a profound source of inspiration for her.