FRIDAY SEMINAR SERIES - Opportunities and Challenges in Northern Metropolis Development
The Northern Metropolis development strategy aims to develop an integrated living and economic region in the Northern and Western areas of the New Territories. It leverages the strategic location of the selected areas to foster stronger collaboration with Shenzhen. The development plan will create many opportunities and create social economic values for many generations to come. The implementation of the Northern Metropolis development plan will involve a series of construction projects for the next 1-2 decades. These mega projects are not without challenges. The complex ground conditions including metamorphosed sedimentary strata, intense faulting, marble with cavities, etc and the wetlands with very diverse habitats are key considerations for planners and engineers. The low lying coastal areas coupled with climate change effects would also call for smart and nature-based solutions.
In this seminar, the presenters will give an overview of the Northern Metropolis development and highlight some of the key challenge facing the many different professions. Some potential research areas will also be discussed.
Johnny graduated from HKUST with his BEng(Hons) and MPhil, and obtained his PhD from Cambridge University. He is a chartered civil and geotechnical engineer, and leads the Civil Infrastructure and Geotechnical business in AECOM Hong Kong. He has over 20 years of experience including research and practice in a wide spectrum of areas covering underground spaces, tunnels, caverns, deep excavations, foundations and reclamations. He has served as the project director or project manager for many infrastructure projects providing innovative solutions to government and private clients. Johnny is the immediate past chairman of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) Geotechnical Division, and the current Vice Chairperson of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Hong Kong Association. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the Hong Kong University (HKU) and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).
Ryan graduated from HKUST with his BEng(Hons), MPhil and PhD in geotechnical engineering. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in Hong Kong. Prior to joining AECOM Hong Kong in 2019, he has been an academic in a number of universities including the University of Hong Kong and the University of Auckland, New Zealand. His experience covers both fundamental and practical aspects of engineering, from microscopic scale geomechanics and geomaterials characterisation to slope engineering, foundations and soft ground engineering.