THOUGHTFUL DESIGN
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Adrian Cheng of New World Development with Japanese designers Shunmyo Masuno and Koichiro Ikebuchi
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Adopting a wabi-sabi approach, The Pavilia Hill's Japanese aesthetics instill a sense of calm
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The soothing, clean-lined interiors are set in a deep palette of greys and ebony
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The sculptural winding staircase at The Pavilia Hill
The idea of living in harmony with one's surroundings also underlines the recently completed residential project of New World Development in Hong Kong, The Pavilia Hill. Spearheaded by cultural entrepreneur Adrian Cheng, the property is the first in the city to be built around the Japanese concept of which embraces nature and the imperfections that come with it. Created in collaboration with Japanese landscape architect, Shunmyo Masuno and award-winning, Singaporebased Japanese interior designer Koichiro Ikebuchi, The Pavilia Hill sets itself apart with its thoughtful design that encourages city dwellers to adopt a more sedate pace even whilst in an urban setting.
Another noted proponent of slow design is Natalie Chanin, a maker and founder of US lifestyle brand Alabama Chanin. From garments to products for the home, her fabrics are custom-dyed, then cut in the studio and stencilled by hand. "Slow design is, by definition, the opposition of the practice of manufacturing quickly," says Natalie. "More than ever, we need to connect with and find meaning in the products we use. Natalie adds, "Consumers increasingly want to understand where something comes from, how it is made and how that product can be incorporated into their lives. We begin by asking those three simple questions. For those committed to slow and sustainable design, change is gradual – and it can only be maintained when we understand why this approach is truly important." //
日本侘寂美學概念建成的香港物業，擁戴大自然和缺陷美。項目合作夥伴包括日本園境師Shunmyo Masuno和駐新加坡得獎日本室內設計師Koichiro Ikebuchi，細緻貼心的設計讓城市人更樂意停下腳步，在繁華鬧市中真正享受慢活人生。
美國生活品牌Alabama Chanin創辦人Natalie Chanin以悠閒速度做事，不管是衣物還是家居產品，她的布料也是特別染製而成，然後在工作室剪裁、用模板印上圖案。「慢活設計的定義就是快速生產便宜衣物的相反。」Natalie說：「我們現在更需要從用品中找尋意義，並與之連結。消費者愈來愈想清楚知道產品的來源地、其製造方式和怎能應用在生活中。對決心追求慢活和可持續設計的人們來說，轉變是循序漸進的，而且必須要先明白到其重要性方能達致。」//