News and Media

Published: Dec 10, 2009

Hong Kong government and creative industry gather for first commencement of heritage building rehabilitation under revitalization scheme

HONG KONG—SCAD, the most comprehensive art and design university in the world, today officially kicked off its revitalization of the historic North Kowloon Magistracy Building in Sham Shui Po. The building is set to become the future home of SCAD Hong Kong, opening its doors to students in Fall 2010 to bring new opportunities to Hong Kong and international students, and new impetus to the local creative industry. Representatives from Hong Kong's government and creative industry will gather today at the Sham Shui Po building to commemorate the moment.

SCAD has committed to conserve and adaptively renovate the seven-story North Kowloon Magistracy Building to provide an exceptional learning environment for SCAD students, while respecting the integrity and history of the building. SCAD has been working closely with the Hong Kong Development Bureau on its vision for the revitalization, which follows the Revitalizing Historic Buildings through Partnership Scheme's Resource Kit.

"Today is an important day for SCAD, and other recipients under the Revitalization Scheme, as we commence work on this historically and culturally significant Hong Kong building," said SCAD President Paula Wallace. "SCAD is known for its heritage preservation efforts, having received many awards for work with buildings constructed from medieval to mid-century times. We are focused on sharing and conserving the North Kowloon Magistracy building's legacy while preparing for its future as a location for SCAD's creative students. As parents, we know that children learn more by what we do than what we say, and believe this holds true throughout our lives: we hope to provide an example in heritage education and rehabilitation that can inspire others."

SCAD is recognized as a leader in the field of historic conservation and has earned recognition from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, the Historic Savannah Foundation, the Art Deco Societies of America, the International Downtown Association, the Victorian Society in America and the American Institute of Architects, among others.

SCAD Hong Kong's revitalization work is being led by world-class conservation expert Robert Dickensheets. Dickensheets has overseen preservation and rehabilitation projects around the world, and is an active member of the International Council of Monuments and Sites, International Preservation Trades Network, National Council of Preservation Educators, and National Trust for Historic Preservation.

"The act of conserving buildings is noble in itself, but the positive benefits to the community, environment, culture and economy are immeasurable," said Dickensheets. "We look forward to conserving the North Kowloon Magistracy Building to provide an inspiring and beneficial setting for students and community members."

SCAD plans to contribute to cultural, community, education and heritage programs and efforts in Hong Kong by hosting public forums and exhibits at the SCAD Hong Kong location.

Academic courses offered in Hong Kong

SCAD will offer baccalaureate and master’s degrees in Hong Kong starting in Fall 2010, pending U.S. approval by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The 14 courses of study are registered by the Hong Kong Bureau of Education. As is customary in U.S. universities, SCAD Hong Kong baccalaureate degrees offer four years of instruction, including a core curriculum in fine art foundation studies and general education before progressing into the major courses. Master's degrees require advanced knowledge and specialized study that may include field or teaching internships and thesis projects, papers or exhibitions.

SCAD Hong Kong courses include the following:

Advertising:  Bachelor of Fine Arts
At SCAD, undergraduate advertising coursework parallels professional practice and often involves real clients. Collaboration with students in illustration, photography, graphic design and other SCAD courses creates a model of interaction ideal in the advertising profession. Courses in creative copywriting, strategic planning, business and integrated brand marketing round out a curriculum that produces graduates with superior capabilities and potential. Students learn the most current and progressive advertising principles and practices, and graduate with a portfolio that is leading edge.

Animation: Bachelor of Fine Arts
The use of traditional art media in digital contexts is central to the SCAD animation program. Drawing and observational skills are emphasized throughout the curriculum. Students master the use of the same tools used throughout the industry, and the SCAD animation program has been ranked among the top four in North America by 3D World magazine.

Graphic design: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Arts, Master of Fine Arts
At the core of graphic design at SCAD is conceptual thinking. Students are encouraged to view differently, shift focus, look from multiple perspectives, and to understand how perception influences meaning. At SCAD, graphic design is about more than problem solving, as students explore the creative challenge of determining what the problems are, and what opportunities exist to explore new solutions. At both the undergraduate and graduate levels, coursework parallels professional practice. Print and digital portfolios display professionally competitive design projects and demonstrate knowledgeable use of both print and time-based communication media. Student projects may include promotional campaigns, logos and visual identities, multimedia/interactive projects and presentations, packaging, posters, publications, information design solutions, Internet pages, brand design, social media exchanges and more. Students also learn appropriate production techniques and methodologies.

Illustration: Bachelor of Fine Arts
SCAD illustration students experiment with a variety of traditional and contemporary media and techniques and are encouraged to develop their own personal styles. The practical side of the illustration business is emphasized, including portfolio presentation, marketing and invoicing.

Interactive design and game development: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Arts, Master of Fine Arts
SCAD interactive design and game development students gain a strong visual aesthetic by learning critical interactive design, technical and analytical skills, and mastery of industry-standard tools. They use the same high-end hardware and software used throughout the profession.

Motion media design: Bachelor of Fine Arts
In the SCAD motion media design program, undergraduate students create network design packages, main titles, commercials and professional portfolios. Students gain knowledge and experience using the same 2-D, 3-D and compositing tools used throughout the profession.

Photography: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Arts, Master of Fine Arts
In the SCAD photography program, students explore camera vision; equipment and technique; photographic applications of digital technology; black-and-white, color and alternative processes; and studio and location lighting techniques. Courses in portfolio development and business practices help prepare students for careers in a wide range of commercial, fine art or documentary applications.

Visual effects: Bachelor of Fine Arts
SCAD students learn the art and craft of visual effects through the integration of technology and art. SCAD provides a unique combination of computer programming and technical instruction built upon a traditional fine arts foundation. Students work individually and collaboratively within a framework of cooperative activity that reflects the real-world experience of film and digital entertainment production. SCAD production facilities offer students access to high-end, industry-standard digital tools.

SCAD is currently accepting applications for admission. Inquiries should be directed to admission@scad.edu. Additional admission information can be found online at scad.edu/admission and students may apply at scad.edu/apply.