DESIGN NAME: Argo
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Bar
INSPIRATION: Inspired by a conservatory, sleek curved metal frames are accented with small terrariums hanging from the ceiling, while a customized deconstructed chandelier with globes positioned in ripple-like semi-circles draws attention to the bar where the feature column is located. The design offers a place for guests to escape from the concrete jungle; a hidden gem in the heart of one of the busiest cities in the world.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This destination bar joins the hotel’s line-up of Michelin-starred establishments with a vibrant, welcoming space day-to-night space that also serves breakfast and lunch in addition to serving as a lively evening hotspot. Towards the back of Argo is a semi-private space that serves as a secret drinks lounge for guests. A jewel box of a space, mirrors are interspersed with references of flora and fauna, bringing the conservatory concept to life with an innovative, future-forward twist.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The design brief emphasized the need for the all-day venue to serve breakfast, high tea, happy hour, all the way through to a night cap, where the design evolves to fit these moods depending on the time of day.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project Argo is located within Four Seasons Hong Kong, the design process started in 2018 and the bar was opened in July 2021
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Interior Space and Exhibition Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: We used polished nickel silver throughout to bring a sense of warmth without ostentatiousness during the daytime, while at night the mirrored finishing works with the soft lighting to create a sparkling ambience.
The main seating area features an invigorating minty colour backdrop covered in custom textured ceramic wallpaper with semi gloss finishes complemented with mirror details and nickel silver curvature structures with mirrored finishing to adapt to different vibes and functions evolving from the day time to the late night and to convey various experiences.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Measuring approximately 255 sqm, the bar accommodates nearly 70 seats, which includes the bar area, a VIP room, as well as the main seating area in the form of a banquet is shaped into a semi-enclosed area with a sense of privacy without compromising the openess and the view of the Victoria Harbour.
The bar's structural feature column, which measures 2.1 meter in diameter, comprises of 136 cylinders measuring from 300 mm to 400 mm wide each, where 72 of them rotate. During the daytime the cylinders are closed, and as the evening approaches the cylinders revolve gradually revealing the stored rare spirits.
TAGS: bar, hospitality, interior design, four seasons, hotel
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: The bar takes its name from the Greek myth of Jason and the Argonauts, Argo is the ship on which Jason sails to find the Golden Fleece. Inspired by this story of journey and discovery, the bar aims to serve as a vessel for innovation and exploration, offering a new and memorable experience that truly embodies the destination bar.
This world exploration is not only reflected on the cocktails which includes ingredients harvested from local and overseas farmers such as coffee, honey, cacao, etc that are at risk of becoming endangered due to climate change. With the help of mixologist Lorenzo Antinori, Argo stores rare spirits - sourced from across the world - inside the cylinders surrounding the column behind the bar, revealing these treasures when the compartments open in the evening.
In terms of design, one of the main objectives was to create an establishment that added to the already vibrant scene in Hong Kong and the go-to place for locals and international guests, where the fundamental criterion is to strike a balance between function and aesthetic.
CHALLENGE: Addressing the challenge of a large pre-existing structural column that sits in the middle of this view, this has now been transformed into an iconic central point that also encourages guests to explore the bar around it. For this focus feature, we created a number of revolving cylinders that wrap around the column; these open gradually to reveal the lovingly-sourced rare spirits behind as day turns to night. As such, an obstruction to the view has become a striking, signature feature and it also solves the conundrum of creating a space that evolves throughout the day, presenting a varied venue that suits its multiple functions.
ADDED DATE: 2022-02-08 04:00:39
TEAM MEMBERS (2) : Ed Ng, Principal and Terence Ngan, Principal
IMAGE CREDITS: Photo credit: Chester Ong
PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: not applicable
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