Every week we highlight the FRAME Awards submissions that have been frequented most by our readers and jury. Below are the five most-viewed projects between 5 and 12 July 2024, shared with feedback left by the jury.
1ST FLOOR GALLERY
MIXD
Located in the Plac Unii Lubelskiej building in Warsaw, Poland, ING’s hybrid workspace includes a permanent art exhibition (Large Office, 6.66). 1st Floor Gallery showcases works of contemporary art, and it’s open to the company’s employees and guests. MIXD designed ING’s new office space using the collection of the company’s Polish Art Foundation as the starting point. An auditorium and meeting and conference rooms support ING’s employees while a café is open to the public. The interior is inspired by living and hotel spaces and defies design norms usually associated with bank headquarters. ‘The pieces of art serve as catalysts, around which was the interior developed merging into a joyful and functional cornucopia – not an ambience normally associated with a bank’ says Agata Kurzela, founder and design director at Agata Kurzela Studio. ‘Part of the collection is partially open to the public scoring extra points on the social sustainability scale.’
Read more here.
MEI LI - GRAND HYATT KUWAIT
AB Concept
Me Li is a restaurant situated in Grand Hyatt in Kuwait. Infused with cultural references from China’s history, the design draws inspiration from the Peking Opera and the dishes served at Beijing’s imperial palaces (Restaurant, 4.30). The layout is divided into three distinct zones, each designed to encourage social interaction. The bar is dominated by a blue theme, with crystal Chinese-inspired screens and an array of pendant lights. The dining area features timber flooring and furniture following the blue colour palette. Red lacquer walls and ceiling in the main room contrast the charcoal and blue tones and semi-transparent embroidery panels in a birdcage-like placement, creating a subtly private dining space. The restaurant’s two entrances ensure access to both the local community and hotel guests.
Read more here.
TWO WONDER STONES
Eureka
Two Wonder Stones is an infant and toddler discovery centre based on the concept of learning through play (Learning Space, 5.61). Two 'stones' are introduced in a rectangular open floor plan to create a nuanced space where children can wander and explore. The interiors of the stones are used as learning spaces including educational toys and equipment. The central area created in between the two structures is used as a communal ‘plaza’ where large group activities can be performed. Colour is used strategically in the space, with soft hues of pink and green indicating a different function of each area, helping children to learn visually and spatially. ‘The space is playful, based on an interesting relationship between the two stone-line volumes and the open area,’ notes Carmelo Zappulla, CEO at External Reference. ‘The use of colour and the smoothness of the project’s morphologies create a comfortable and cozy place that promotes the children’s interaction and fun.’
Read more here.
CAMPER POMPIDOU
Penadés Office
A Camper store in Paris pays tribute to the architecture of the museum Centre Pompidou, designed by borrowing concepts from the iconic building (Single-Brand Store, 5.57). An exoskeleton structure functions as a shelving and display system for the store’s products. Constructed from cable metal trays, an industrial element that is usually hidden, the structure runs throughout the entire interior space. X-shaped joints support the structure to create a window display. Contrasting the overall industrial feel, the brand’s Mediterranean roots are reflected through the raw wall finishes and the handmade clay tiles on the tables and cash register desk. ‘Ribbons are making a comeback,’ comments Carmelo Zappulla, CEO at External Reference, who had a critical take. ‘It’s a successful solution but in this case, it feels constrained. Additionally, the configuration of the strip obscures the product display. Overall it’s a good project but not particularly exciting.’
Read more here.
MCDONALD'S HONG KONG
M Moser Associates
McDonald’s Hong Kong office has been transformed into a dynamic environment reflecting the company's vision (Large Office, 5.53). The design concept for the 2,700-sq-m office revolves around brand touchpoints, technology and sustainable solutions. To enhance functionality and promote interaction throughout, the layout was reconfigured into an open plan. The new workplace follows a human-centric approach aiming to inspire and engage the employees. Inspired by McDonald's iconic golden arches, the design fuses brand identity into the interior with a bespoke staircase, arched ceilings and patterns. The vibrant communal areas and flexible workspaces prompt spontaneous interactions and support new agile work styles, while the glass windows in meeting rooms and executive offices promote transparency to foster a culture of trust. Cutting-edge technology and LED walls are integrated allowing seamless connectivity and immersive storytelling.
Read more here.
