Artifact Kapangidwe ka Mkati mwa Bala by Nelson Chow

Artifact Kapangidwe ka Mkati mwa Bala by Nelson Chow is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2024 Mphoto ya Golide ya A' Design Award in Mapangidwe a Mkati mwa Nyumba ndi Mawonekedwe Competition Category.

GolideMkati· 2024

Artifact Kapangidwe ka Mkati mwa Bala

by Nelson Chow

Client: HongKong Land

Mphoto ya Golide ya A' Design Award Winner in Mkati Category

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Verified Award Winner

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Colors

The Design

About Artifact Kapangidwe ka Mkati mwa Bala

Artifact ndi bala lobisika lomwe lili mkati mwa BaseHall, malo odyera ku Central, Hong Kong. Alendo amalowa kudzera pa njira yachinsinsi yokhala ndi mawindo ozungulira omwe amafanana ndi mapaipi a mafakitale. Chipinda choteteza phokoso chokutidwa ndi matailosi opangidwa ngati tima-spikala ting'onoting'ono chimatsekereza phokoso lochokera kumalo odyera akunja. Bala lalikulu limadziwika ndi mikombe yopindika yofanana ndi nthiti, yotengera nyansi kuchokera ku zosungiramo madzi zapansi panthaka. Mikombe imeneyi inaumbidwa mu zidutswa za fiberglass pogwiritsa ntchito chikombole cha mbali zitatu, kusonkhanitsidwa pamalo pomwepo ndi kupentedwa ndi manja pogwiritsa ntchito penti yofewa ya pulasitala. Denga lokhala ndi magalasi owonera limaonetsera mikombeyo ndipo limapangitsa malo aafupiwo kuoneka aatali.

The Recognition

About the Mphoto ya Golide ya A' Design Award

Artifact Kapangidwe ka Mkati mwa Bala ndi mmodzi mwa opambana a Mphoto ya Golide ya A' Design Award, kuzindikirika kolemekezeka kwambiri komwe kumaperekedwa kwa mapangidwe a pamwamba, odabwitsa ndi odziwika. Opambana a Golide ndi zolengedwa zatsopano kwambiri, zoona patali ndi zonyezimira zomwe zimaonetsa luntha, nzeru ndi luso la opanga awo. Artifact Kapangidwe ka Mkati mwa Bala akuyembekezeka kukhala chopangidwa chotamandidwa kwambiri, chokhazikitsa zochitika ndi chachikulu chomwe chimabweretsa phindu losawonekapo kale. Mapangidwe opambana Mphoto ya Golide ya A' Design Award awa ndi ntchito yodabwitsa, yolemekezeka yomwe imapindulitsa kwambiri ndi kukulitsa malire a luso, sayansi, kapangidwe ndi ukadaulo. Artifact Kapangidwe ka Mkati mwa Bala amabweretsa zilakolako zamphamvu, kudzutsa chidwi, kulimbikitsa luso lolenga ndi kutikopa.

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