The “Tunnel of Future Innovations” is the main corridor connecting Festival Walk shopping mall to the main campus of City University of Hong Kong (hereinafter referred to as “CityUHK”). As one of the busiest indoor pedestrian tunnels in Hong Kong, it handles an average daily footfall of over 60,000 people.
Recognizing its value as a vital gateway to the campus, CityUHK decided to redesign the existing tunnel into an inspiring and tech-infused space, reflecting the university’s core values and vision as an international institution.
IMMERSIVE DIGITAL EXPERIENCE
Invited by QUAD Design Affairs and guided by CityUHK’s Communications, Information and Research Office (CIRO) and Campus Development Office (CDO), MOTSE contributed to the realization of the “Tunnel of Future Innovations” digital experience project.
As designers of the tunnel, QUAD and MOTSE aim not only to inform visitors about CityUHK’s current developments but also to inspire them through the space itself. By integrating cutting-edge technology with artistic expression to present academic and research content, they strive to break the boundaries of future exhibitions, transforming the tunnel into an immersive space for innovation and a dynamic gateway to the university.
The renovated tunnel features LED screens covering both sides with a total length of 50 meters, composed of over 8,500 8K LED modules, totaling 100 million pixels. These floor-to-ceiling screens are more than just decoration; they serve as a medium to convey CityUHK’s vision, forming visitors’ first impression of the university.
As students and staff pass through daily, they experience a revitalized atmosphere. To ensure the content remains engaging, a time-varying digital narrative has been designed to resonate with the rhythm of campus life.
Interactive Wall
Located at the main entrance of the tunnel, the interactive experience aims to create a unique spiritual imprint of CityUHK for first-time visitors. Here, two distinct display modes are available: an interpretation of the CityUHK logo and an interactive campus map experience.
CityUHK, Logo Interpretation
In normal mode, the screen loops an animated interpretation of the CityUHK logo. Based on the university emblem, the animation deconstructs, reassembles, and collides geometric structures to showcase CityUHK’s pioneering spirit of openness, inclusivity, and continuous innovation.
CityUHK, Campus Map Interaction
When a visitor touches the “TOUCH ME” button, the screen switches to an interactive 3D campus map featuring 11 core buildings, including major academic halls. Users can select a destination to receive optimal route guidance, helping them navigate CityUHK. This seamless integration of technology and user experience makes every journey both inspiring and exploratory.
Tunnel
As the formal entrance to the campus, the main corridor is a crucial link between the transport hub and the main campus. Based on foot traffic statistics, creative content is divided into peak and non-peak hours, showcasing CityUHK’s academic achievements and core research areas respectively.
CityUHK, Peak Hour
During peak hours, the LED walls dynamically display CityUHK’s latest academic achievements. Visually, drawing inspiration from the university’s location, Lion Rock and iconic campus buildings serve as the backdrop, with pop-up windows highlighting breakthrough research, awards, and campus news, creating a unique landscape painting dedicated to CityUHK.
The digital content evolves throughout the day: mornings feature azure skies, bird songs, and the rising sun, while evenings are bathed in the golden afterglow of Lion Rock. By blending natural scenery, campus architecture, and academic achievements, the tunnel transcends its physical function, becoming a space that provides emotional energy for visitors commuting to and from the campus.
CityUHK,Non-Peak Hour
During non-peak hours, the digital content focuses on CityUHK’s key research areas, including Health One-World, Digital Society, Smart Cities, Materials Science, and Brain Science. By extracting keywords from each field and expressing them symbolically and visually, we create an immersive experience that sparks visitors’ curiosity.
We believe that CityUHK’s academic strengths are the source of inspiration for the “Tunnel of Future Innovations.” We hope that after experiencing the tunnel, visitors will not only gain a deeper understanding of CityUHK but also embark on a perpetual journey of exploration alongside its researchers.
NEW SOCIAL LANDMARK
Officially launched on May 21, 2025, the “Tunnel of Future Innovations” connecting CityUHK and Festival Walk debuted with Hong Kong’s first tunnel fashion show and a series of interactive digital experiences. Rooted locally yet facing globally, this project highlights Hong Kong’s creative talent and cultural vitality as an international tourism hub.
This innovative project also provides a platform for students and faculty of CityUHK’s School of Creative Media to showcase their creative outcomes, enriching the campus’s visual and academic atmosphere, stimulating interdisciplinary innovation, and strengthening ties between the university and the Sham Shui Po community. CityUHK will use the tunnel as a starting point for educational tours, fulfilling its commitment to serving society and upholding its vision of “Innovating into the Future.”
As the application of digital media expands widely, the scenarios involved in MOTSE’s commercial practices have become increasingly diverse. The successful completion of CityUHK’s “Tunnel of Future Innovations” digital experience project marks a new expansion in our digital scenario applications, and we look forward to meeting you in more public spaces.
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