Designer gets shops to blend in
Architect Rocco Yim, born, raised, educated and trained in Hong Kong, has spent most of his working life on major building projects. Nonetheless, he was suitably impressed by the size and scale of the terminal building, an open and airy structure which will become Hong Kong's newest and most distinctive landmark.
Mr Yim's task was to ensure the shopping area was designed in a way that complemented Sir Norman Foster's striking overall theme, while taking on an identity of its own.
A total of 140 shops and restaurants will be scattered around the area, selling everything from French perfumes to Mexican-style food to Chinese tea.
'The retail [design] is an element within the overall ambience,' said Mr Yim, whose company, Rocco Design, undertook the joint venture with Callison of the United States.
'The airport is fairly neutral and cool - some might say austere - and they were looking for a bit more excitement in the retail areas. What we have done is introduce a bit of warmth and visual excitement.
'The floor is a combination of grey and pink Italian granite getting away from purely neutral tone. The landscaping has a softer touch. Entry boards and signs are done with less constraint than other elements,' he said.
'We set the scene for the food and beverage areas, where there should be feature elements. We had to draw on our experience from previous retail design to see what is necessary in terms of access, packaging and flexibility.
'People will feel a sudden change in ambience, a warmer glow within that zone in terms of the lighting, colour and feature elements. You have to do something without upstaging others. You have to be creative but within certain constraints.' Rocco Design employs 150 staff and is responsible for some distinctive buildings in Hong Kong, including Tregunter Tower, the Peninsula Hotel extension and the Lok Fu shopping centre.
The company is in a joint venture with Arup Associates to design the new MTR station in Central, with other work on Lai King and Tung Chung.
Emphasis at the Hong Kong station had been placed on natural lighting, making it completely different from current MTR stations, Mr Yim said.
'We enjoy doing projects for the public because they are used and enjoyed rather than a residence for one person. Also they are long-term which makes it more meaningful.'
