ArchShowcase Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Rykadan HQ Office in Hong Kong, China by JERDEJune 10th, 2021 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: JERDE Known for its rich cultural history, cosmopolitan sensibility, and extraordinary ability to blend the old with the new, Hong Kong is a truly special urban locale. As home to one of the world’s most important and competitive global economies, the city exudes a lively, fast-paced, and entrepreneurial quality that is unmatched. It is also home to Rykadan Capital, a premier investment company, and the site of one of JERDE’s latest projects. When Rykadan decided to open a new headquarteroffice in the heart of Hong Kong, they called on JERDE to help them create a place that not only stands out from the crowd, but completely redefines what an office environment can be.
Originally tasked with designing the facade of this new HQ office building in the trendy Wang Chuk Hang district of Hong Kong, JERDE was soon asked to take on the interior design of the building’s public space, including the main entrance corridor, lobby, lounge, parking garage, and restrooms. The design was one that needed to represent Hong Kong’s many identities, it’s incredible skyline and natural setting, and the city’s people – who truly form Hong Kong’s character. To compete with similar office buildings in the up-and-coming commercial district, the design needed to be upscale with an artistic edge and needed to have a distinct identity and story. When JERDE’s team began designing the concept, they asked themselves, what if the building was an individual that reflected what it means to be Hongkongese? This idea is what shaped the project’s narrative for both the interiors and the façade. Our designers proposed three design options as different personality archetypes. Ultimately, what was settled on was the look of ‘The Ambassador’ – cultured, worldly, erudite, and sophisticated. The idea was inspired by Sir David Tang, who was a Hong Kong businessman, philanthropist, and socialite. He was an avid collector of fine art, both traditional and modern, and would display his collection at his many clubs in Beijing, Hong Kong, London and Singapore. In keeping with the chosen design theme, the materials selection includes a unique mix of ‘found objects’ from all over the world. Upon entering the space, visitors are transported to an eclectic wonderland of worldly accents and thoughtful design. The adventure starts at the ground-level corridor, where visitors enter a carefully curated gallery-like setting, complete with an interchangeable gallery wall featuring art pieces of varying sizes and in multiple formats. The adaptability of the space will allow it to remain fresh and forward-thinking for years to come. Various light fixtures flow throughout the space, acting as way-finders guiding guests as they ascend to the next level. A custom mural is the focal point and backdrop as you move from the ground level to the heart of the project – the main lobby and lounge. As guests approach the reception desk in the main lobby, they are met with an array of textiles and textures, evoking curiosity and perpetuating the feel of the ‘The Ambassador’. Throughout the project, there is a faint, almost subliminal ‘R’ incorporated into certain aspects of the design, honoring the client. The look of antique carpets is achieved through recreations of faded Persian rugs, while herringbone tiles create yet another layer of visual interest, and wallpaper in the main lounge is made from recycled newspaper woven into the metallic, grass-like wall covering. A zen garden sits in the transitional space between the front desk and elevator lobby, greeting visitors and occupants alike with a reminder of yet another culture. The Sky Garden section of the project, on the 16th floor, is more than an outdoor oasis, it’s an exercise in safety, storage, and ingenuity. In order to meet the building codes, the furnishings and accessories residing here must be able to be cleared out at a moment’s notice. Each piece in the space is designed to be dismantled and stowed in one of the cleverly hidden storage spaces. The Sky Garden offers building occupants a place of refuge and respite. Multiple seating areas were created, each with their own distinct look and feel, inspired by various travel destinations around the world. Collectively, the various spaces designed by JERDE create a signature headquarters office that is both in tune with the eclectic and multi-cultural feel of the community, and reflective of the company’s forward-thinking, sophisticated brand. Contact JERDE
Categories: Office Building, office Complex, Office space, Offices |