We’ve transformed this multi-functional art gallery, located in a former industrial warehouse in Hong Kong, into a dynamic exhibition space for renowned British art curator Karen Smith. The gallery is currently operated by top Beijing-based arts organisation Platform China, and promotes emerging contemporary Chinese artists through a diverse programme of events, exhibitions and collaborations.
Rather than dividing the space into a series of rooms, we organised it around a single continuous piece of joinery that links the gallery’s functions together like parts of a puzzle. Visitors enter a low space and progress towards a double-height area, their journey culminating in a spectacular view overlooking Victoria Harbour. The joinery insertion accommodates several concrete ceiling beams used to hang sliding panels; these panels can be drawn across the gallery to adapt the space for individual installations or events.
Other core components of the refurbishment include enlarging the windows to highlight the impressive waterfront vista, and lining the floors and walls in the live/work area with bamboo to establish a rich, warm air and up the building’s sustainability credentials. What was once a hard-edged depot is now a welcoming space – and a flexible one at that.
Make’s first art gallery – and first completed scheme in Hong Kong – is one of a number of exciting new exhibition spaces to open in the city.
Rather than dividing the empty warehouse space into a series of rooms, we’ve organised it by a single, continuous piece of joinery that fits the gallery’s functions together like parts of a puzzle and splits the space up into several smaller, interconnected areas.
