Dezeen School Shows: an art market with large glass walls overlooking pine trees in Hong Kong is among the student projects from My ArchiSchool.

Also featured are a multifunctional recreational centre designed to preserve its surrounding environment, and a Buddhist art gallery.

My ArchiSchool

Institution: My ArchiSchool
Courses: Animation Summer Programme and Architecture Summer Programme

School statement:

"My ArchiSchool and students started to experiment with sustainable design and wooden architecture, in order to reduce the carbon emissions from concrete.

"The studio provides an introduction to architectural education and digital design for those seeking knowledge and skills to aid their future career aspirations.

"The Hong Kong-based organisation offers in-person and online courses to help young people develop 3D modelling skills that can be applied to future careers in architecture and urban planning.

"Geared towards children and teenagers between the ages of six and 18, the various stages of tuition start at beginner level, and progress to cover a range of tools, interfaces and outputs.

"A variety of programme packages are offered to those wishing to develop a wide range of skills over several sessions.

"These include architecture history and theory, personal research projects and portfolio development, while the most comprehensive package concludes with an exhibition of student work after eight months of study."

Gleam by Albus Oscar Chung

"Chung's animation project, Gleam, addresses universal inner fears to encourage youth to embrace everyday life.

"Inspired by the roots of banyan trees, he designed an art market as his story's setting.

"'Young people will no longer feel fearful if they can find their cultural roots,' Chung shared.

"In his story, a boy survives a childhood near-drowning in a gloomy subterranean lake and awakens with a glowing macro-vision.

"Years later, guided by sketches of a luminous upper world, he and two friends dive into dark waters, navigating metallic shadows and ancient black-bronze figures.

"His enhanced vision leads them through submerged machinery to a translucent barrier, offering a tantalising glimpse of the sky world above."

Student: Albus Oscar Chung
Course: Animation Summer Program

A Promise Across the Sea by Tiana Lui

"Exploring how love can span across two cities, Lui used her art gallery project as the background for this animation, sharing her perspective on life.

"Growing up in Hong Kong, Luke and his golden retriever, Peanut, share an unbreakable bond filled with playful afternoons and quiet companionship.

"When life's responsibilities force Luke to move to Tokyo, the pair are separated by the sea, but Luke promises to return every month without fail.

"As years pass and both grow older, Luke faithfully keeps his promise, cherishing every sunset walk and shared treat until Peanut's final, peaceful moments in his arms."

Student: Tiana Lui
Course: Animation Summer Program

The Cat in Thunder by Marvin Wu

"Inspired by his love for Japanese anime, Wu created his animation to share a heartwarming story set in the city.

"While strolling through a sunlit park, a man accidentally drops his phone, only for a stray black cat to retrieve it for him.

"Just as an unexpected storm erupts with thunder, the frightened cat darts under a park bench for cover.

"Opening his umbrella, the man gently coaxes the shivering cat out to share his shelter, turning a sudden downpour into a peaceful moment of warmth and quiet companionship."

Student: Marvin Wu
Course: Animation Summer Program

The Gem by Ayden Zhang

"'The art in the city shines like gems,' Zhang shared. 'And Hong Kong is a good marketplace for both art and gemstones!'

"Zhang drew inspiration from gems to design this project. The lighting effects through the stained glass windows make the art market shine at night in the city.

"Instead of using big glass panes, the small and elongated window design intensifies the visual impact, making it truly unique."

Student: Ayden Zhang
Course: Architecture Summer Program

The Coral Reef Island by Claire Lee

"Inspired by the organic form of a coral reef, Lee has designed an art market to celebrate marine life in Hong Kong.

"She wants the space to be playful and refreshing to attract more young art lovers. Floating decks lead to the main entrance, while clusters of art shops are arranged in a spontaneous, organic layout.

"Granite and wooden materials are featured to create a safe environment with tactile textures. Glass canopies serve as semi-open spaces and act as rainwater harvesting devices, collecting water for a man-made waterfall."

Student: Claire Lee
Course: Architecture Summer Program

The Stackable by Teddy Cheng

"Borrowing the form of a traditional Hong Kong tram, Cheng explores various ways to transform recycled materials.

"He designed his art market by stacking three tram-shaped boxes into a mid-rise building.

"The upper deck serves as the restaurant and cafe area, while the middle and ground floors house the exhibition space and art shops, respectively.

"'I wanted to create a multi-storey art market so that the existing trees on the site can be preserved,' Cheng explained, highlighting his commitment to green design."

Student: Teddy Cheng
Course: Architecture Summer Program

Portals of the Minds and Spirits by David Ma

"Inspired by cave temples, Ma designed an art market that incorporates a Buddhist art gallery.

"He aimed to create a spiritual journey by offering visitors a portal into another world. He chose to use fair-faced concrete for the entire building.

"Many people love art because they want to live a meaningful, spiritual life. Buddhist art is the portal they are looking for."

Student: David Ma
Course: Architecture Summer Program

Companionship and Love by Anna Chu

"Affected by the lack of pet-friendly public spaces in the city, Chu designed a welcoming cafe as the backdrop for her story.

"The narrative follows a timid, rescued dog who arrives at a new home, fearful and uncertain.

"Through days of patient, quiet presence, gentle smiles, and shared routines, the young rescuer slowly earns the dog's trust. As time passes, their bond deepens into mutual devotion.

"The loyal dog waits faithfully by the window each day and offers gentle comfort whenever its owner feels down, ultimately transforming two lonely hearts into a true family."

Student: Anna Chu
Course: Animation Summer Program

The Two Sides of a Coin by Coco Liu

"Liu celebrates friendship of all kinds, including those between former enemies.

"Setting her story within her own residential project design, she stages a touching narrative.

"A blue-eyed girl doll and a long-eared dog doll share a windowsill, driven apart by petty rivalries and silent arguments.

"However, when their young owner moves away and leaves them behind in an empty, silent room, their shared loneliness reveals what truly matters.

"Worn and torn, the two dolls set aside their differences to help mend each other's stitches, sitting side by side in the golden sunset to await their owner's return as true companions."

Student: Coco Liu
Course: Animation Summer Program

Submerged Canvas by Alfred Fong

"Fong designed an art market in the heart of the city centre for visitors to discover the hidden art of nature.

"The vertical shading fins on the main facade are operable according to the sun path throughout the day.

"A large glass wall system at the rear, facing an existing garden of pine trees, acts as a canvas for nature inside this urban context. Here, he wants visitors to experience the hidden beauty of the city.

"'The art market is not just a place for trading; it is a gathering place for people to discover something beyond urban life."

Student: Alfred Fong
Course: Architecture Summer Program

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and My Archischool. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.