ISABELLE LEE
Multidisciplinary Designer &  Strategist


→ Currently
At the Harvard University Graduate School of Design  
A Design Researcher at the MIT AgeLab
Member of the 2025-26 Climate Leaders at Harvard University

→ Previously
Architectural Designer turned Creative Strategist.

Shaped by radical speculation at Cook Haffner (Peter Cook, Archigram), ecological rigor at Henning Larsen, social impact at TEN-Arquitectos, and experiential storytelling at Rockwell Group. I bring a multi-lens strategic lens to complex, human-centered design challenges.

Imaginative spirit cultivated at the Rhode Island School of Design


About
CV
Work
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The Field

HKUST SHAW  AUDITORIUMAdaptive Strategies for Resilient Cultural Spaces
Project Details

Location
Hong Kong

Timeline
2017-2021 (construction complete)
Typology
12,800 m²
Culture, Education

Team
Henning Larsen Architects
Design Director
Managing Partner
Associate
Senior Architect
Lead Design Architect

Role
Workplace & Office Lead

Responsibilities
Cross Disciplinary Team Management
Human Centered Design
Retail Experience Strategy
Placemaking & Public Realm Activation

Media & Awards
Company Website
HKUST Feature
World Architecture Feature
ArchDaily Feature
Overview

The Challenge

Performance venues are often designed for occasional events, leaving them underused in everyday life. The challenge was to move beyond a single-purpose auditorium and create a space that actively supports daily campus culture, learning, and social connection. The Approach

The auditorium was conceived as a flexible platform rather than a fixed hall. Adaptable spatial systems, generous public areas, and open connections to campus transform performance space into an everyday setting for gathering, exchange, and discovery. The Impact

Shaw Auditorium operates as a living part of campus life—hosting performances while also supporting informal use, social interaction, and cultural presence throughout the day. Value is created through repeated engagement, not just scheduled events.
Design

Project Birdseye View


Flexible Auditorium Strategy

 Reflecting the university’s pursuit of innovation, the curved auditorium walls function as a 360-degree projection screen, enabling immersive audio-visual experiences. Auxiliary classroom spaces, public furniture, and an integrated café support the broad public program of the university, creating a cultural living room for the entire campus, as well as the community beyond its walls. Raked seating within the venue can be reconfigured or stored to provide an open surface for a wide range of different events, conferences, open days and exhibitions.



Internal Configuration Equipped with modular seating that can be adapted to allow for multiple arrangements, its capacity will range from 850 up to 1,300 seats. The hall will also be able to become a large flat floor area, providing spaces for conventions, exhibitions, galas, or high-capacity university open days.





Learning Commons

The Learning Rooms are designed to adapt between everyday teaching and performance support. This dual use maximizes flexibility, reduces redundancy, and extends the value of the spaces over time.

In daily operation, they function as light-filled classrooms that are closely integrated with campus life. When performance needs arise, these same spaces shift to support rehearsals, dressing, and hospitality.




Key Insights



Flexibility Creates Value

Spaces that can shift between everyday and peak use avoid redundancy and remain active over time. Designing for multiple modes increases both utilization and long-term relevance.
Shared Systems Reduce Complexity


Shared support spaces allow different programs to coexist without duplicating infrastructure. This simplifies operations while expanding what the building can support.
Design for Rhythms, Not Events

Buildings perform best when they support daily patterns as well as special moments. Prioritizing everyday use ensures that spaces stay meaningful beyond scheduled programming. Highlights

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