Chinese International School (CIS) is an independent dual-language day school located in Hong Kong on top of Braemar Hill, a quiet residential area noted for its many schools. The school derives much of its sense of community from its single campus focused around three central courtyards. Opened in 1991, the campus commands spectacular views of Victoria Harbor and the surrounding hills. CIS’s 2008 Strategic Vision and 2011 School Facilities Review prepared by Flansburgh Architects suggested the development of a collaborative learning center for science, technology and design including labs, studios, classrooms, conference areas, faculty offices and two indoor multi-purpose sports centers that could accommodate 600 to 700 students.

Working with Ronald Lu & Partners, Flansburgh Architects developed the Outline Schematic Design for an 11-story building organized around a central atrium, essentially creating a fourth, high tech courtyard. Glass walls at science laboratories, multiple glass enclosed conference areas, assembly spaces, and a campus-wide shared faculty workspace with a rooftop terrace overlooking the city, foster a strong sense of community and support CIS’s 21^st century learning goals. This major campus development is supplemented with collaborative spaces located throughout the remainder of the campus, consolidation of library spaces into a central library and a re-imagined dining commons.