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meticulous attention to detail, ensuring we
maximize the potential of each project.”
At the studio’s 2021 project Bar de Luxe—
a Japanese speakeasy cocktail bar in Central,
an area packed with skyscrapers, malls and
restaurants—Kwan designed a luxurious
atmosphere by combining traditional Japanese
craft with contemporary elements, such as raw
timber, handmade turquoise tiles and velvet
drapery. A light above the bar is even inspired
by wagasa, the traditional oil-paper umbrella
used in tea ceremonies and kabuki theatre.
Tradition meets modernity at the Kitin also,
a fine dining experience on the 101st floor of the
ICC—the tallest building in Hong Kong—
where Kwan reinterpreted the Chinese “wuxing”
elements of gold, wood, water, fire, and earth in
his choice of materials. Meanwhile, the sweepingly
organic, rust-colored interiors of the restaurant
1111 ONES, take their visual cues from Antelope
Canyon in Arizona, more than 7,000 miles away.
Hong Kong is a city of two halves. On one
hand, it’s a whirlwind of energy, with a constant
buzz of activity and an undeniable drive. On the other, with lush forests, tranquil
beaches and peaceful islands, serenity is just a stone’s throw away. It’s no
surprise that designers draw inspiration from this duality as a way to thrive in
the city’s vibrant pulse, while reconnecting with nature to escape the chaos.
“Observing patterns, textures and moments of beauty in ordinary life often
sparks ideas,” say the Yellowdot co-founders. “We’re inspired by contrasts—
the old and new, the traditional and innovative—and by experimenting with
materials and techniques to discover something unexpected.” 0
Angela Hui is a London-based author, journalist and editor

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