Revitalizing the K11 Art Mall: A Modern Vivarium

AS Design and K11 Collaborate to Create a Unique, Nature-Inspired Space

The design team, comprising Four Lau, Sam Sum, and Twiggy Yau, has created a space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. The new zone is filled with a variety of natural elements such as plants, moss, sand rocks, and animal sculpted decorations, creating an atmosphere that blends nature and art. The use of these elements is not merely decorative; they serve to create a self-sufficient micro-ecological system that customers can experience firsthand.

The design's unique properties lie in its ability to transport customers into a different world. Upon entering the zone, customers are greeted by a vertical garden that not only highlights the entrance but also creates the impression of being in a high-oxygen environment. The rough cement walls, various animal sculpted decorations, and nature-themed background music all contribute to a calm, comfortable, and relaxed atmosphere.

The realization of this design involved the use of materials such as mild steel, wooden veneer, and cement coating. The project, which was completed in 2017 in Hong Kong, covers an area of 836 square meters. The design team faced the challenge of integrating the black mild steel frameworks into the design to cover existing ventilation ducts on the ceiling and large structural columns, while also enhancing the visual effect of being in a Terrarium.

The concept of the "Terrarium" was first introduced in the 18th century by a British scientist named Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward, who discovered that microbes could survive in a sealed glass container. This discovery led to the realization that a sealed glass container could serve as a balanced micro-ecological system, capable of self-sufficiency. The design team incorporated this concept into the design of the new zone, creating a space where art, people, and nature coexist.

The K11 Art Mall's new zone is more than just a shopping area; it's a platform for interaction and a showcase of a new, interesting lifestyle. The design has been recognized for its innovation and excellence, winning the Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2017. This award is granted to creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.