Tomorrow Lab Primary Function: Disenyo sa Espasyo sa Panghitabo

Press Kit

Unique Properties

A premium fashion event called Centrestage was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for 4 days. Housing over 220 contemporary fashion brands within a 7000m2 area. A contemporary Tomorrow Lab theme was created to uplift the ambience of the 3 communal spaces provided by the organiser. This includes the outer concourse followed by a central display and a catwalk arena located inside the exhibition hall. Besides this challenge, only 3 days were permitted for the onsite set-up.

Dimensions & Packaging

Due to the tight onsite production of 3 days, the design had to be prefabricated off-site and assembled quickly on site. All the backdrops were finished in digital print, while the catwalk back wall used coloured polycarbonate sheets. All structural formats were made from metal hollow sections and recycled after the event. The LED screen, pre-controlled robotic arms, lighting, audio and visual equipment were hired. All carpets were biodegradable.

Tags

Centrestage, Hong Kong, Fashion, Tomorrow Lab, Space, Exhibition, Fair, Contemporary, Catwalk, Sci-fi

Production Technology

Due to the tight 3-day onsite production, the design had to be prefabricated off-site and assembled quickly onsite. The backdrops were made with both plywood backing finished in digital print and the catwalk backwall used coloured polycarbonate sheets. All linear structural formats were made from metal hollow sections and recycled after the event. All the light emitting diode screen, pre-controlled robotic arms and audio & visual equipment were hired. Usage of biodegradable carpets were also applied.

Design Challenge

The challenging part was defining the design language to uplift the overall ambience. Since Centrestage is about being progressive and experimental using a series of anonymous futuristic industrial setting was apt. Much of the industrial feel of the decor is unidentifiable to let the visitors’ own imagination conclude each scene. Inside the hall’s a robotic production line is replicated to give the notion future fashion pieces could be conceptualised or collaborated by robots in future.

Research

The research was based on the purpose of Centrestage as a vehicle to discover the most upcoming Asian fashion talent and congregate the latest contemporary fashion brands together. A futuristic approach was adopted under the concept of Tomorrow Lab. From this, the organiser wanted to develop 3 main spaces. A visitors journey was created using design elements to form a futuristic industry lab experience as its core reference.

Inspiration

The Tomorrow Lab concept was inspired by Centrestage’s objective to discovers Asia’s latest upcoming fashion talents whilst bringing the most contemporary brands under one roof. A futuristic industrial laboratory theme to evoke the visitors' first impression was built at the concourse. The lab theme continued inside the exhibition hall. Real moving robotic arms were used to highlight the various fashion brands at the central display that led visitors to the open stage area.

Project Duration

The total duration was 3 months from initial briefing to onsite completion. The event was launched on the 5th of September 2018 and ran for 4 days. Only 3 days were allowed for the move in and onsite setup and production testing. Centrestage was located at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

Operation Flow

The flow for Tomorrow Lab concept began at the concourse with various wall installations each with a futuristic industrial lab theme, a large LED screen was also installed for enhancing the first impression of the visitors. Inside the hall, a central display containing 2 conveyor belt showcases with dressed mannequins along with a series of movable robotic arms set the scene. The catwalk arena used scaffoldings, yellow metal grated seats and cladded polycarbonate to further echo the concept.