001 is a speakeasy bar located in Tai Kwun, the former Central Police Station compound in Hong Kong. The design pays homage to its site and the legacy of the old 001, which was first of its kind in the city.

The floor plan consists of two interconnected rooms, each sits within a different building. We decided to name one Blue Room and the other Green Room to reference the old 001 theme color - Teal, a blue-green hue; and the famous Blue Gate of Tai Kwun, which was originally green and was restored as such.

The bar is tucked away within the maze-like prison blocks and corridors of Tai Kwun, making it perfect for a speakeasy experience. Upon finding the tiny lobby, guests are greeted by the signature doorbell and a black door, resembling the main door of old 001, and now featuring the motif of the Blue Gate. Upon entering the main door, guests are welcomed by a prison visit kiosk, reminiscent of the communication between visitors and prisoners through phones. The glass is switchable and when it is on, it blocks direct view into the interior. This sets the tone for the atmospheric journey ahead.

The Blue Room of 001 is designed with an underground atmosphere that evokes intrigue and mystery. The ceiling is its main feature, adorned with an elegant waffle structure that extends down the walls, featuring soft curves at the corners. This inverted architectural marvel envelops the entire space, creating a captivating and intimate setting.

In contrast, the Green Room houses the main bar and exudes a warm and inviting ambiance through the use of warm wood and green colors. The bar itself features a bookmatched wood countertop crafted from black walnut, with a live edge. The ceiling design from the Blue Room extends into the periphery of the Green Room, with recessed ceiling voids, allowing gentle light to filter down from above. The decorative ceiling pattern as well as those on cabinets are borrowed from the old 001 and provide continuity for old customers.

One notable feature in the Green Room is the placement of a gold ladder on the door to bathrooms. This is a nod to the "Ladder Store" which situated right beneath 001, that once stored a long ladder for maintenance purposes and was later used by an inmate in an attempted prison escape. The ladder sparks curiosity among guests, inviting them to playfully imagine climbing it and escaping through the ceiling.

Overall, the design of 001 aims to create an immersive experience that combines historical and cultural notes with a lighthearted charm. It allows guests to experience nostalgia with a creative twist.

The site is a Listed Monument, therefore the technical drawings were approved by the Antiquities and Monuments Office before construction. Screws or nails to the heritage wall or ceiling were minimized and most finishes were applied on the furring wall in order to protect and create a sustainable future for the building.