2025 Gallery
Award: Hospitality Design
J.AR OFFICE for Central
Central spotlights the artistry and drama of Cantonese cooking while paying homage to corporate-core 1980s Hong Kong. A residue of raucous nights past lines the storied basement tenancy. Like the office towers looming overhead, an illuminated ceiling floods the kitchen-come stage while dinners eagerly await the next culinary act.
Jury Citation
This project is an outstanding example of hospitality design, creating theatrics in the dining experience and a sense of longing to soak up the atmosphere. From the entry, Central invites you in with the use of layered materials and tiered seating, and a centrally positioned kitchen that doesn’t overpower patrons. The designers have delivered an interior filled with a sense of fun, frivolity and 1980s excess, tinged with a feeling of decay and faded grandeur. Its shiny stainless steel and granite American Psycho aesthetic is skilfully executed and captures the idea of 1980s Hong Kong excess in a sophisticated and nuanced way. This scheme sits in wonderful contrast to the building’s harsh 1980s office typology and succeeds in creating an atmosphere of excitement. The archaeology of the original building works as an impressive and integrated backdrop, as does the juxtaposition of the illuminated ceiling and distinctive curtain commission. All jury members commended this fantastic project’s level of detailed refinement and respect for the building’s original roughness, making it stand apart from the other projects.
