Director
BSc
Hong Kong, China
Simon Yu

Photograph by Frederic Aranda ©

Simon’s relationship with ZHA began in 1996 when he joined the practice for his year-out after his undergraduate studies. He later returned, spending several years based in Guangzhou, pioneering building technologies and methodologies to realise the complexity of the Guangzhou Opera House. During this period, he also contributed to the development of the Changsha Meixihu International Cultural Centre.
In 2012, Simon relocated to establish ZHA’s Hong Kong office, shifting his focus to exploring opportunities across East Asia. Since then, he has played a significant role in delivering high-profile projects in the region. He recently directed the façade development of The Henderson Tower in Hong Kong and oversaw the final stages of the Shenzhen Science & Technology Museum.
Simon’s passion lies in cultural projects and their potential to activate civic spaces. He enjoys bringing together diverse teams of designers, engineers, consultants, and clients to create a shared vision.


Featured Projects
From a tower design that creates new civic plazas that are enveloped by nature in Hong Kong, to a key destination to learn and explore the power of science & technology in Shenzhen, discover highlights of Simon's notable projects at ZHA.

Photograph by Iwan Baan
Simon completed his Bachelor of Science with Honours in Architecture from the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture in Scotland, where he has also taught. He remains actively engaged in academia, participating in critiques, lectures, and exhibitions at universities including the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Simon’s interest in architecture was sparked during a school trip to London, where he visited the Lloyd’s building and was fascinated by how the design subtly influenced the experience of those working within it. He also appreciates all forms of art and design and is always curious about what he has yet to discover.
Projects
Explore a selection of projects Simon has contributed to since joining ZHA.

Photograph by Virgile Simon Bertrand
Grand Theatre, Small Theatre, Art Museum
Culture
The new Culture & Arts Centre by ZHA incorporates a contemporary art museum (MICA), an 1,800-seat theatre with supporting facilities and a multipurpose hall. Its organic architectural language is defined by pedestrian routes that weave through the site to connect with neighbouring streets.

Photograph by Iwan Baan
Culture
At the heart of Guangzhou’s cultural sites development, a lasting, state-of-the-art monument to the new millennium overlooking the Pearl River. Its contoured profile, unique twin boulder design and approach promenade enhances urban function, opens access to the riverside and dock areas and creates a new dialogue with the emerging town.

Render by Atchain
Masterplans
The future Huanggang Port Area masterplan in Shenzhen, China will be an important node of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen Science and Technology Corridor, creating a hub of scientific research and collaboration in industries such as microelectronics, material development, artificial intelligence, robotics, and medical sciences.

Photograph by Iwan Baan
Education
The Jockey Club Innovation Tower (JCIT) is home to the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) School of Design, and the Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation.

Photograph by Virgile Simon Bertrand
Culture
Showcasing the scientific endeavour, ground-breaking research and future possibilities of technology, this new institution will explore the power of science and the technological advancements defining our future.

Photograph by Virgile Simon Bertrand
Tall Buildings
Offices
Developed on the world’s most valuable site purchased by Henderson Land, the 36-storey tower's design shelters new civic plazas enveloped by nature, creating an urban oasis in the centre of the city. Accommodating enhanced workplace flexibility, the building’s smart management system creates a contactless pathway for all occupants, eliminating all contact with communal surfaces.

Courtesy of CAT-OPTOGRAM 猫瞳
Culture
Integrating three distinct cultural institutions for the city, each venue within the Zhuhai Jinwan Civic Arts Centre incorporates unique characteristics that create differing visitor experiences, yet all are united by a coherent formal and structural logic that spans 170 meters wide from east to west and 270 meters long from north to south.

Courtesy of ZHA
Offices
Conceived as four interconnected towers reaching a height of 200m (42 floors), the 185,000 sq.m design incorporates two towers of flexible, open-plan spaces linked by a 20-storey vertical lobby, and two external service towers providing vertical circulation.

Culture
Located at the entrance to Sanya’s harbour, the new cultural district by ZHA is adjacent to the Jiangang Road terminus of Sanya’s tram network that connects many of the residential and hotel districts on Sanya Bay with the city’s high-speed rail station.

Photograph by Virgile Simon Bertrand
Sports
ZHA’s first sports and commercial project in Asia, GO PARK Sai Sha is nestled between the mountains of Hong Kong’s Ma On Shan Country Park and the sheltered waters of Three Fathoms Cove which leads out to the South China Sea.
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