Artifact Nhazi Ime Ụlọ Mmanya by Nelson Chow

Artifact Nhazi Ime Ụlọ Mmanya by Nelson Chow is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2024 Ihe Nrite A' Design Award nke Ọlaedo in Nhazi Ime Ụlọ na Ngosipụta Competition Category.

ỌlaedoIme Ụlọ· 2024

Artifact Nhazi Ime Ụlọ Mmanya

by Nelson Chow

Client: HongKong Land

Ihe Nrite A' Design Award nke Ọlaedo Winner in Ime Ụlọ Category

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The Design

About Artifact Nhazi Ime Ụlọ Mmanya

Artifact bụ ụlọ mmanya zoro ezo nke dị n'ime BaseHall, bụ ụlọ oriri na nkwari dị na Central, Hong Kong. Ndị ọbịa na-abanye site n'ụzọ nzuzo nwere windo okirikiri ndị yiri ọkpọkọ ụlọ ọrụ mmepụta ihe. Ọnụ ụlọ na-egbochi ụda nke e ji taịlụ ndị yiri obere igwe okwu chọọ mma na-egbochi mkpọtụ si n'ụlọ oriri dị n'èzí. A na-eji ọgba dị ka ọgịrịga, nke sitere n'echiche nke ebe nchekwa mmiri dị n'okpuru ala, akọwapụta isi ebe a na-ere mmanya. E ji ihe nkedo akpụrụ n'akụkụ atọ kpụọ ọgba ndị ahụ na fiberglass, chịkọta ha n'ebe ọrụ ma jiri aka tee ha agba plasta dị nro. Uko ụlọ nwere enyo na-egosipụta ọgịrịga ndị ahụ ma na-eme ka ebe ahụ dị ala yie ka ọ dị elu karịa.

The Recognition

About the Ihe Nrite A' Design Award nke Ọlaedo

Artifact Nhazi Ime Ụlọ Mmanya meriri A' Design Award nke Ọlaedo, nnabata dị oke ugwu e nyere design ndị dị n'ọkwa mbụ, dị ịtụnanya ma pụtara ìhè. Ndị meriri na Ọlaedo bụ ihe e kere eke dị oke ọhụrụ, nwere ọhụụ ma na-egbu maramara nke na-egosipụta ọgụgụ isi, amamihe na nka nke ndị designer ha. A na-atụ anya na Artifact Nhazi Ime Ụlọ Mmanya ga-abụ ihe e mepụtara kacha enweta otuto, na-edu ọnọdụ ma bụrụ ihe ncheta nke na-enye uru na-adịbeghị mgbe ọ bụla. Design a meriri A' Design Award nke Ọlaedo bụ ọrụ dị ebube, a na-asọpụrụ nke na-erite uru buru ibu ma na-ebuga oke nka, sayensị, design na teknụzụ n'ihu. Artifact Nhazi Ime Ụlọ Mmanya na-eweta mmetụta ọchịchọ siri ike, na-akpali agụụ, na-akwado nzụlite ihe ma na-adọrọ anyị adọrọ.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Guests enter through a secret passage with circular windows resembling industrial pipes. The dim lighting and concrete-textured walls create the illusion of an abandoned industrial wasteland. Pendant lights shaped like surveillance cameras add intrigue and mystery.

In the acoustic chamber, walls covered in speaker-like tiles block out noise from the bustling food hall. The clever design deceives the eye, with the repetition of tiles creating a disorienting effect. It feels like being confined inside a vessel, adding to the surreal atmosphere.

Inside the main bar, rib-like structures reminiscent of cisterns greet guests. Ambient lighting emphasizes the bold arches, creating a serene ambiance. The arches continue down to form intimate booth seatings, providing comfort and style.

The mirrored ceiling reflects the ribs, making the space feel larger and more enchanting. The skylight above the bar mimics the setting sun, contrasting with the dimly lit space. This paradox creates a surreal atmosphere, as if entering a hidden worlddefyinglogic.
Dimensions & Packaging: The bar is around 1400 square meter.
Tags: speakeasy bar, bar, hong kong, interior design, bar design, surreal, bar lighting
Production Technology: Acoustic Chamber. Upon entering, guests are greeted by an acoustical chamber with walls covered in Artifact acoustic tiles. The design of the acoustic wall tiles in Artifact certainly adds to the overall ambiance of the speakeasy bar. The tiles are shape like mini speakers; it is a small pyramid with a flat circle top on which there are small punctures going around in circles. Not only does the tiles create a visually captivating pattern, but incorporates an element of irony that a speaker like object serves an acoustic function.

Main bar. To create the precise shape of the ribs in the main bar, a 3D mould was used. Fiberglass was then casted in sections within the mould. Once the fiberglass pieces were completed, they were transported to the site and assembled together in situ. To add a finishing touch, a soft plaster paint was meticulously hand-painted on site.
Design Challenge: The first challenge to create a seamless transition from the busy food hall into a completely different atmosphere. To address this, an Acoustic Chamber was created with walls covered in acoustic tiles to block out the noise.
For the main dining space, the challenge was to address the low ceiling and to create something dramatic and unique in a small space. Mirror finish was used in the ceiling to reflect the ribs and creating an illusion of soaring heights.
Research: We researched underground cisterns like the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul to understand the tranquil ambiances we wanted to recreate. We also studied the works of surrealists Ernesto Neto and James Turrell for insights on crafting immersive environments. We aimed to create an installation where guests could deeply engage with their surroundings. By integrating light installations and architectural interventions, we skillfully manipulated perception, resulting in an enveloping experience.
Inspiration: Artifact is a speakeasy bar hidden behind a secret passage inside BaseHall, Hong Kong’s newest dining destination and luxury food hall in the heart of Central. Inspired by the rhythm and repetition of surreal geometry and the serene atmospheres found in underground cistern. Artifact is a mysterious yet alluring destination transporting the guests into a different realm. A striking contrast to the busy food hall outside, guests will find themselves in a mysterious yet alluring space, making it an unforgettable and out of this world experience.
Project Duration: Artifact opened in April 2023 and is hidden behind a secret passage inside BaseHall, Hong Kong’s newest dining destination and luxury food hall in the heart of Central, Hong Kong. It is located in the prominent Jardine House, Hong Kong's first true skyscraper.
Operation Flow: n/a
Team Members: Nelson Chow
Rain Ho
Rafael Pardo
Brandon Fong
Image Credits: Common Studio