New Conventions

by planning how to accommodate the most formidable pieces of art. The large freight elevator doubles as an art space, and the thirdfloor gallery has one of the highest floor loads in Hong Kong, meaning very heavy artworks can be displayed. Extra-large pieces can also be brought into the building via the enormous retractable bifold glass wall that opens onto a leafy terrace. ‘We considered what an artist might want, which means we looked at the space very differently. For instance, we’ve installed moving gantries so you can even float large artworks through the space,’ Schuldenfrei explains.

Elements that might not usually be considered in an office building include family-friendly bathrooms on the public floors and offices, with baby-feeding rooms complete with useful amenities like a refrigerator for storing milk and a phone-charging shelf.

In fact, artful details can be found throughout: in the entrance lobby, an ingenious customdesigned removable plug system allows large artworks to be hung, and some lobby furniture is made from mosaic salvaged from the original building. Other unusual design touches are app-activated elevators with access passes that automatically call an elevator to the correct floor when swiped for entry, dramatic blue marble bathrooms and custom-design 3D-printed graphics in a brushed-brass look that add an artisanal element.

Unsurprisingly, the building is attracting a creative community, drawn by this thoughtful combination of flexibility, infrastructure and not a little flourish.