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Artifact

NC Design & Architecture

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Inspired by the rhythm and repetition of surreal geometry and the serene atmospheres found in underground cistern, Artifact is a mysterious yet alluring destination transporting the guests into a different realm - Common Studio
Guests enter through a secret passage where the walls are lined with circular windows mimicking industrial pipes. - Common Studio
The guests step into an acoustic chamber where the surrounding walls are covered with tiles that look like small speakers. - Common Studio
Inspired by the rhythm and repetition of surreal geometry and the serene atmospheres found in underground cistern, Artifact is a mysterious yet alluring destination transporting the guests into a different realm - Common Studio

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Comments
Innovation
Functionality
Creativity
Eco-Social Impact
Total
JURY VOTES
Bar
7.25
6.66
7.67
5.68
6.82
Gilbert Khalil
Gilbert Khalil Director of Design and Technical Services at Sunset Hospitality Group
The design concept impresses with a...
8
5
8
6
6.75
Dennis Vlietinck
Dennis Vlietinck Head of Design at Wink
8
7.5
8
6.5
7.5
Anne-Rachel Schiffmann
Anne-Rachel Schiffmann Director of Interior Architecture at Snøhetta
7.25
7
7.25
6.5
7
Farid Ziani
Farid Ziani Partner Architect Designer at KTX archiLAB
7
7.5
7.5
6
7
Nicolas Delefosse
Nicolas Delefosse Founder and Creative Director at NDDO
7.5
7
7.5
5
6.75
Sontaya Bluangtook
Sontaya Bluangtook Associate Design Director at UNStudio
7
7
8
7
7.25
Giovanni Zaccariello
Giovanni Zaccariello SVP Global Visual Experience  at Coach
7
7
7.5
7
7.13
Asif Din
Asif Din Sustainability Director at Perkins&Will
7
6
8
4
6.25
Jocelyne Sacre
Jocelyne Sacre Design Strategist at Consultant
HK has an unreal feel to it, this b...
8
7.5
8
5.5
7.25
Deepak Jawahar
Deepak Jawahar Cofounder at The Architecture Story
7
7.5
7
6
6.88
Cathy Figueiredo
Cathy Figueiredo Cofounder at Wanna
7
6
7
6
6.5
Lisa Adams
Lisa Adams Director of CitizenHKS & Sustainable Design Leader at HKS
8
6.5
8
4
6.63
Lucy Bagshaw
Lucy Bagshaw Project Director at Tp Bennett
7
6
7
4.5
6.13
Klein Dai
Klein Dai CEO at Algebraist Brand Management
8
6
8
6
7
Baoyu Tian
Baoyu Tian General Manager at Foshan Shengtianjia Lighting Equipment
7.5
7
7.5
6
7
Liqun Lin
Liqun Lin Executive Director at Xiamen Wenqu Decoration Design
7
7.5
8
7
7.38
Bangsheng Yang
Bangsheng Yang Founder at Yang & Associates Group
7.5
7
8
6
7.13
Woody Yao
Woody Yao Director at Zaha Hadid Design
7
6.5
7.5
5
6.5
Dirk Osinga
Dirk Osinga Founder at STUDIOSINGA
5
5
8
4
5.5
Client
Hong Kong Land
Floor area
94 ㎡
Completion
2023
Social Media
Instagram
Finishes

Artifact is a speakeasy bar hidden behind a secret passage inside BaseHall, Hong Kong’s newest dining destination and luxury food hall in the heart of Central. Inspired by the rhythm and repetition of surreal geometry and the serene atmospheres found in underground cistern. Artifact is a mysterious yet alluring destination transporting the guests into a different realm. A striking contrast to the busy food hall outside, guests will find themselves in a mysterious yet alluring space, making it an unforgettable and out-of-this-world experience. The bold architectural arches are emphasized through strategically placed ambient lighting, enhancing the surreal yet serene atmosphere.

Guests enter through a secret passage where the walls are lined with circular windows mimicking industrial pipes. The walls have a concrete texture and the lighting is dim, giving the impression that you are entering a secret abandoned industrial wasteland. Rotating surveillance camera in the corner gives alert to guests as they enter through the door.

The guests step into an acoustic chamber where the surrounding walls are covered with tiles that look like small speakers. However, these tiles serve a different purpose altogether, as they effectively block out the noise from the bustling food hall outside. The repetition of the tiles has a somewhat disorienting effect as if you are confined inside a vessel, adding to the surreal feeling of the space.

As you finally step inside the main bar, guests are immediately greeted by the repetition of rib-like structures reminiscent of underground cisterns. Above, the mirrored ceiling stretches on, reflecting the ribs and creating an illusion of soaring heights. At the far end is the bar, surrounded by the soft glow of a setting sun created using a skylight. The adjacent private room also features a pipe-like windows with glowing warm light to evoke the feeling of a sunset drink. The paradox of having a sun underground and the contrast between the dimly lit space and the radiant light of the sun creates a surreal atmosphere, as if you have stumbled upon a hidden world that defies all logic.