Improving the world through engineering
By : Leung Lok-yee, Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering
My dream is to contribute to our community by restoring and improving urban infrastructure. Engineering is an effective solution to improving our quality of life, so I chose Architecture and Civil Engineering as my major.
Future trends
A 3D print model of public estates in Hong Kong. As a CityU student, I have grasped the extensive opportunities on campus to widen my horizons. I joined the CityU X Sino Grand Challenges Scholars Programme (GCSP) in Year 2 and conducted a two-month research project on the possible applications of 3D printing for building infrastructure in Hong Kong using composite materials combined with modular integrated construction (MiC).
I believe 3D printing represents the future for the construction industry: it is more efficient, less expensive, saves on materials, and is more environmentally friendly and flexible in terms of design.
3D printing requires a specific software programme to map out the desired model, on top of which layers and layers of the molten plastic fluids are “printed”. A 3D object is then formed when the liquid solidifies.
Broadening knowledge
Turning cardboard waste into a chair during an exchange programme in Taiwan. Pursuing my interests, I have researched whether 3D printing can be applied to building high-rise structures. I discovered that steel reinforcement added manually, together with MiC to assemble the components, could ease local housing issues.
Though the research findings are preliminary and need to be justified by further experiments, I have sharpened my research techniques, which will benefit me over the long term.
At CityU, students are encouraged to acquire knowledge beyond the classroom and develop international perspectives. My exchange experience at the National Taiwan University for a semester was fruitful.
I boosted my interpersonal and communication skills by making new friends from other places and picking up new knowledge from other disciplines. For example, I studied all kinds of different insects under the microscope in an entomology lesson, which was a wholly unique experience!
Real-life problems
Developing my design studio project for making an environmentally friendly cardboard chair during my study in Taiwan was also really rewarding. We were so proud of our masterpiece: a robust cardboard chair for two made from recycled materials. Our little creation proved that by applying creativity with proper design, engineers are highly adept at transforming waste into something useful.
The GCSP also encourages students to apply technical expertise to real-life problems through service learning. A visit to a senior citizens’ care home encouraged me to think about mobility and access and other disability issues.
I feel very grateful to my mentor Professor Lim Chee-wah of the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering and others who have helped me during my studies. I became more confident, flexible, and ready for challenges thanks to the research, global exposure, public service learning and entrepreneurship that I have been exposed to through my degree.
I have learned, above all else, that the key to success is to work hard and be nice. You don’t have to be perfect, but you have to try your best. When I find my studies challenging, I say to myself, “This will pass.” Hard times are short-lived.