The HKIA Gold Medal is the most prestigious annual honour recognizing HKIA member(s) with consistent, profound and demonstrated contribution to architecture in Hong Kong. The first Gold Medal was awarded to Ar. James Hajime KINOSHITA in 2020, the second one was awarded to Prof. LAU Sau Shing Patrick in 2022, and the third one was awarded to Dr. LIAO Poon Huai Donald in 2023.

The recipient(s) of the Gold Medal should demonstrate exuberant qualities of personal integrity, architectural excellence and also any of the following qualities:

1.         Advancement of the architectural profession, quality of architectural design and the built environment;

2.         Influence on the practice of architecture and its reputation;

3.         Impact of recipient(s)’ works on society and humanity;

4.         Exploration of the future of architecture, and transcendence in specific areas of expertise; and/or

5.         Advancement of architectural education, nurturing of young generations of architects, and/or influence in architecture theory.
 

We are pleased to announce that the HKIA Gold Medal 2024 has been awarded to Ar. YIM Sen Kee Rocco, BBS, JP, at the HKIA Annual Dinner on 6 November 2024.

Ar. Rocco YIM is an extraordinarily talented architect who has made significant contributions to the stunning skylines of major cities, including Hong Kong, over the past few decades. Upon founding his own practice in 1979, he and his team, under his inspirational leadership, have been the mastermind behind the design of many modern and vibrant architectures. Notable projects include the HKSAR Government Headquarters, the IFC and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, as well as the “Distorted Courtyard House, Commune by The Great Wall” in Beijing, the iDAC Design Museum in Shenzhen, and the Yunnan Provincial Museum in Kunming. One of his most iconic masterpieces is the Guangdong Museum, designed during the establishment of his first branch office in Guangzhou in 2006.

Ar. Rocco YIM’s contemporary projects are renowned and influential both locally and internationally. His career highlights include winning the First Prize Award at the Lopera de la Bastille International Competition in 1983 and receiving numerous awards since then. He has garnered over 20 HKIA Annual Awards from 1984 to 2023, along with the Quality Building Award in 2008 and 2020. Regionally, he has received multiple accolades in Guangdong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, and was recognized as one of “The 100 Most Influential Architects and Interior Designers in China in AD100” in 2019. His international achievements include ARCASIA Gold Medal in 1994 and 2003, World Architecture Festival category winner in 2010, Chicago Athenaeum Architectural Awards in 2006, 2011, 2013, 2016 and 2024, German Design Council Award in 2014 to 2017, and RIBA International Awards for Excellence in 2021. Several of his works have been exhibited four times at the Venice Biennale over the last 12 years.

With a strong devotion to the profession and industry, Ar. Rocco YIM served as a Council Member of HKIA in 1987-1992, and as Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Architects Registration Board (ARB) in 1995-1997 and in 1997-1998 respectively. On behalf of the Institute, he was also a Member and Chairman of the Authorized Persons Registration Committee (APRC) Panel, appointed by the Building Authority of the HKSAR Government, in 1994-1997 and in 1997-2000 correspondingly. Currently, he serves as a Museum Expert Adviser, appointed by the Director of Leisure and Culture Services for the term 2024-2026, offering professional advice to local museums in the field of arts.

As an academic, Ar. Rocco YIM has passionately engaged in teaching and research at local universities, earning a respected reputation. He is frequently invited to speak at local and international seminars, sharing his architectural knowledge and insights. He holds the position of Adjunct Professor at HKU SPACE, serves as an Adjunct Professor of the Department of Architecture at HKU, and is an Honorary Professor in the Faculty of Social Science at CUHK. In 2013, he was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Social Sciences by HKU.

All in all, we distinctly commend Ar. Rocco YIM for his architectural achievements and the lasting impact of his innovative designs on the community, which inspire future generations of architects. As such, members of the Gold Medal Selection Panel agree unanimously that Ar. Rocco YIM is deserving of the HKIA Gold Medal.

We also wish to take this opportunity to express our gratitude towards the Selection Panel, the Nomination Committee and the Selection Committee.

Selection Panel

[Chair] Ar. CHAN Chak Bun Benny, HKIA President

Ar. KWONG Sum Yee Anna, MH, HKIA Past President

Ar. TAM Kwok Chi, ARB Chairman

Dr. KO Wing Man, GBS, JP, Non-Official Member, Executive Council, HKSAR

Prof. LUNG Ping Yee David, SBS, JP, Honorary Professor, Faculty of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong

Prof. SO Cheung-tak Douglas, BBS, JP, Chairman, Antiques Advisory Board, HKSAR

Nomination Committee

Ar. James Hajime KINOSHITA, HKIA Gold Medal Past Recipient

Dr. LIAO Poon Huai Donald, CBE, JP, HKIA Gold Medal Past Recipient

Ar. Edward SHEN, HKIA Past President

Prof. LIM Wan Fung Bernard Vincent, BBS, JP, HKIA Past President

Ar. Marvin CHEN, HKIA Past President

Ar. LI Kwok Hing Felix, HKIA Past President

Ar. CHOI Wun Hing Donald, BBS, JP, HKIA Past President

Selection Committee

[Chair] Ar. LAU Man Kwan Julia, JP, CStJ, HKIA Vice President

Ar. CHEUNG Kong Yeung Thomas, HKIA Honorary Secretary

Ar. Franklin YU, HKIA Board Chairman

Ar. CHOW Ka Wing Rachel, HKIA Council Member

Ar. CHEUNG Man Ching Anthony, HKIA Member