Awarded entry of the HKIE 50th Anniversary Legacy Award - Grand Award (Innovation Category)

Arup’s innovative combination of long throw sprinklers with infra-red flame detectors represents a watershed moment in fire safety engineering. Developed in the early 2000s, this pioneering approach solved a critical challenge in protecting large indoor spaces, where traditional sprinkler systems struggled due to high ceilings and delayed activation times.

The system’s genius lies in its elegant simplicity. Infra-red flame detectors rapidly identify fires, triggering long throw sprinklers that can effectively suppress fires across wide areas. While both technologies existed separately, their innovative integration created a solution that has transformed building design in Hong Kong and beyond. Rigorous testing validated the system’s effectiveness and real incidents have proven its capability to protect properties and lives.

This breakthrough has enabled the creation of signature architectural spaces that define modern Hong Kong.

From the soaring atria of shopping malls to the expansive terminals of transportation hubs, these spaces have become vibrant community centres hosting art installations, performances, and public events. The system’s success in maintaining both safety and aesthetic excellence has made these venues iconic features of Hong Kong’s urban landscape.

The impact of this approach extends far beyond individual buildings. The approach has been successfully adapted for diverse structures including museums, airport terminals, rail stations, and sports stadiums. These facilities serve millions annually, showcasing Hong Kong's engineering excellence to visitors from around the world. The system’s ability to enable clutter-free spaces and natural lighting while ensuring safety has set new standards for architectural design.

This innovation represents more than just a technical solution. It embodies Hong Kong’s spirit of engineering innovation and its commitment to combining safety with design excellence.

The large spaces where the approach is adopted