Arup triumphs at the HKIE Structural Excellence Award 2025

Kai Tak Stadium, Hong Kong
Grand Award in Hong Kong infrastructure and footbridges category

As Hong Kong’s most exhilarating venue, the Kai Tak Stadium features 50,000 seats and an acoustically-sealed retractable roof for hosting various sports, leisure and entertainment events regardless of the weather. Arup’s total design approach and dedication to excellence have brought numerous first-in-Hong Kong innovations to life, making the stadium a modern marvel in architectural and engineering design.

The Orbit, Shanghai
Grand Award in Mainland/overseas category

The Orbit stands as a landmark along the West Bund of the Huangpu River. Designed by Heatherwick Studio and engineered by Arup, this project serves as a public space and a cultural hub. Its façade features an intertwined, spiralling ribbon design, creating a dynamic texture. These ribbons form a circular staircase leading to a roof terrace with stunning river views. The ground floor offers a 2,000m², 10m-high column-free multifunctional space, ideal for hosting public education programmes and art exhibitions.

Yantai Sun Tower
Grand Award in Mainland/overseas category

Yantai Sun Tower is the latest cultural icon in the Yantai Economic and Technological Development Zone. Spanning a total floor area of 5,000m², this 50m tall eccentric conical tower houses a semi-outdoor theatre, a digital exhibition space, a library, and a ‘phenomena space’. Working closely with OPEN Architecture, Arup employed innovative engineering approaches, including stress-based design, comprehensive seismic analysis, full parametric modelling and design, 3D BIM delivery, and extensive material and construction method studies.

Other winning projects include:

• A simplified statistical model for regional offshore typhoon wind risk assessment – Merit Award in R&D category
• CCCC Southern Headquarters Base (Plot B & C), Guangzhou – Merit Award in Mainland/overseas category
• The Arles, Hong Kong – Merit Award in Hong Kong residential category

Organised by the HKIE, the Structural Excellence Award aims at promoting excellence in structural engineering through the design and construction of buildings, infrastructures, research and application.