Cluster for The ISF Academy

Social space for students

The Cluster for The ISF Academy, designed by Eureka Limited, is a unique social space created for students to gather and interact. Inspired by the portals in "The Chronicles of Narnia," the design reinterprets the existing lockers as portals for departure into the world of imagination. By combining curved sofas with rectangular forms, the space creates smaller areas within a larger space, allowing for different settings and activities.

One of the standout features of the design is the use of custom-made fibreglass reflector lampshades. These 49 lampshades hang above the space, pouring in a soothing glow and dividing the uniform cluster area into zones with various happenings. The lighting can be dimmed in different combinations, giving students a democratic landscape where they can create their desired ambiance.

In addition to the unique lighting, the design also incorporates CNC milling to engrave variations of the school's name onto the portal walls. This adds an artistic touch and further enhances the identity of the space. The graphic artwork on the back panels of the portals, created by Artwow Group, features Chinese characters of the school, giving the space a distinct visual identity.

The realization of the design involved careful consideration of technical specifications. The fibreglass reflector lampshades measure 1500 mm x 950 mm x 150 mm and were created using a fibre-glass mould. The graphic works on the portal walls were done through CNC milling on MPF panels, followed by spray painting.

The Cluster for The ISF Academy was a fast-track project, with construction starting in June 2014 and lasting for 60 days. The design team, consisting of Annette Chu, Wendy Hui, and Loky Leung, worked closely with the school and conducted research on student behavior during breaks to ensure the space met their needs. The transformed space has become popular among the students, providing them with a vibrant and engaging social environment.

This design was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2016 in the category of Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design. The award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The Cluster for The ISF Academy stands out for its integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and contribution to a better world.