Cumulus: A Convention Centre with a Twist

Revolutionizing Corporate Spaces with Acoustic Design and Luxurious Fabrics

The Cumulus convention centre, designed to seat 150 people, is a breath of fresh air in the corporate world. The designers have used high-quality European acoustic fabric to line the interior, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. The centre is equipped with a full-width LED display screen for seminars and high-resolution screenings, making it a versatile space for various corporate events.

What sets Cumulus apart from other convention centres is the use of high-performance acoustic panels wrapped in luxurious Kvadrat fabrics. These panels, in different hues of blue, create dynamic patterns across the centre, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance. The walls are washed with a soft light, emphasizing the textural quality of the fabric and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the space.

The designers have also paid attention to the functionality of the space. The tiered auditorium seating follows the same colour pattern as the walls, creating a cohesive design. The front of the auditorium features moveable, flexible, and stackable chairs, providing additional seating when necessary. This thoughtful design ensures that the space can be easily adapted to suit different event requirements.

The project, which began in May 2015 and was completed in November 2016 in Hong Kong, aimed to create a friendly and welcoming aesthetic using high-quality materials. The designers focused on lighting and acoustic elements, using a coherent palette of acoustic fabrics that are artificially lit to create a skylight effect. This innovative approach to design has resulted in a space that promotes both productivity and wellbeing.

One of the challenges faced by the designers was to create a clear sense of direction and hierarchy of presenter and audience relationship, without creating a formal and strict atmosphere. The solution was a gridded arrangement of seats and wall panels that creates a sense of order, with a random colour pattern injecting a touch of playfulness. The stage area, in a darker colour, stands in sharp contrast with the audience space, creating a clear distinction between the two.

The Cumulus convention centre is part of the refurbishment project for Kerry Logistics headquarter at a cargo centre in an industrial area of Hong Kong. The design reflects the industrial context of the cargo centre while introducing an element of art and creativity. The project has been recognized with a Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2017, a testament to its innovative and remarkable design.