A Zen Moment
NC Design & Architecture’s Garden Pavilion is an immersive experience realised in sinuous curves, rounded shapes and voluptuous silhouettes that create an oasis for relaxation in a busy shopping mall
Known for creating head-turning projects, Nelson Chow, founder of NC Design & Architecture, was recently tasked with creating a relaxing hideaway within a luxury shopping centre in the heart of Hong Kong’s busiest shopping district.
The design was to accommodate two spaces: a public area with a concierge, a flower shop and rest area (the Sculpture Garden) and a discreet private lounge (The Pavilion) for VIP shoppers. The spatial configuration also needed to be adaptable to accommodate events, but with minimal partitions. ‘We wanted to create a sculptural garden that provides shoppers with a sense of calmness, in contrast to the busy shopping mall. We’ve always like the raked sand and rocks of Zen gardens, but wanted explore how that could be reflected architecturally,’ Chow explains. The result is an airy, garden-like space inspired by the forms and proportions of the traditional garden, but realised in a contemporary way.
Walking into Garden Pavilion, the distinction between the two areas isn’t immediately obvious, thanks to the series of curved walls that gently delineates the spaces. Entrance to the private lounge is through an oxidized brass sliding door and inside, a palette of earthy tones combines with the abundance of natural light and undulating curves. These curves, inspired by the raked patterns of a Zen garden, are a recurring motif seen again in the sinuous seating and contours of the ceiling, as is the richly hued marble that appears in the jewel-like sconces and irregularly shaped tables that echo the rocks in Zen gardens. For a soft and timeless look, plush curvy sofas are upholstered in tactile velveteen and buttery leather with plump, rounded backrests. Chow and his team are behind the entire look, from the architecture to the furniture, lighting and even the ceramic vases, giving the space a coherent, holistic feel that adds to the sense of escapism, as if you’ve stepped into another world altogether.
Chow believes that the current COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need to ‘think innovatively about how to make the shopping experience easier, safer and more enjoyable.’ And with its abundance of rich materials, mesmerising curves and access to natural elements, Chow says his ‘garden within a garden is an epitome with a new, mindful sense of luxury.’
Text / Nicole Chim
Images / Harold De Puymorin
