Winner: CL3 Architects Ltd.
Award: Merit Award for Interior Architecture
The Queensway Plaza was a retail mall built in 1980 by the Hong Kong government as part of the Mass Transit connection system. In 2010, it was leased to the young fashion mega store LAB concept which warranted a complete renovation.
The unique project blends interior design with an urban solution quite unique to Hong Kong. Used as part of a raised footbridge linkage system that connects pedestrians to numerous office towers, the subway system and bus terminus, this mega store occupies an area of 4,512m² and a length of 2,220 meters within this pedestrian thorough fare, which has to remain open beyond the opening hours of the department store. Large pivot doors,
traditional Hong Kong style sliding gates and electric shutters are devises used for the transformation from a pedestrian passage during afterhours to an open, contemporary and vibrant retail environment that contains cosmetic vending machines and ATM machines. Choice materials and design has to be durable, sustainable and able to connect the civic function with the retail environment.