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Artifact Bar Kalihtik Tlachihchiualiztli by Nelson Chow

Artifact Bar Kalihtik Tlachihchiualiztli by Nelson Chow is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2024 Mahuizolli A' Design Award Cozticteocuitlatl in Callitic Tlacauhtli ihuan Tlanextilizpan Tlachihchihualiztli Competition Category.


CozticteocuitlatlCallitic· 2024

Artifact Bar Kalihtik Tlachihchiualiztli

by Nelson Chow

Client: HongKong Land

Mahuizolli A' Design Award Cozticteocuitlatl Winner in Callitic Category

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The Design

About Artifact Bar Kalihtik Tlachihchiualiztli

Artifact se ichtaka bar tlen moahsi ihtik BaseHall, se ueyi tlakualoyan tlen kah Central, Hong Kong. Katli kalakih panouah ipan se ichtaka ohtli tlen kipia yaualtik tlanextiloyameh tlen neskayotl kemeh industria pipas. Se kali tlen kikaki tlakakiliztli, tlapepecholi ika tepalkameh tlen mochiuah kemeh kuekuetsitsin altepokameh (bocinas), kitsakuilia tlakakiliztli tlen ualauh tlen ueyi tlakualoyan tlen kiauak kah. In ueyi bar moneskayotia ika koltik kuahkalmeh kemeh omiomeh, tlen moixkopinkeh tlen tlaltikpaktlampa atl kaltin. Inin koltik kuahkalmeh mochihchiukeh ika fibra de vidrio tlatlapantli ika se eyi ixtli tlamachiotl, mosentlalihkeh ompa kampa tekitl uan momatlapalhuihkeh ika yamanik tisatl tlapalli. Se teskatl tlapachiuhkayotl kixnextia in omiomeh kuahkalmeh uan kichiua in tsikitsin kali moita okachi uehkapan.

The Recognition

About the Mahuizolli A' Design Award Cozticteocuitlatl

Artifact Bar Kalihtik Tlachihchiualiztli ca in quicuic in Mahuizolli A' Design Award Cozticteocuitlatl, huel mahuiztic tlamahuizoliztli tlen momaca in achtopa, huel cualli ihuan mahuiztic tlachihualli. In quicuicah Cozticteocuitlatl ca cenca yancuic, tlachiyani ihuan tlanextic tlachihualli in quinextia in tlamatiliztli ihuan toltecayotl. Ca quinequi in Artifact Bar Kalihtik Tlachihchiualiztli quitlalizque yancuic tlamantli ihuan quimacazque tlazohtli. Ni dizayno in quicuic Cozticteocuitlatl ca mahuiztic tlamantli in quihuelitia in toltecayotl, tlamatiliztli, dizayno ihuan teknolohia. Artifact Bar Kalihtik Tlachihchiualiztli quiyolchicahua ihuan quipaquiltia in tlacah.

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

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