CONCEPT
A SPACE THAT EMBODIES PROFESSIONALISM, RELIABILITY AND TRANQUILITY
URBAN
Incorporating elements commonly found in Hong Kong to create a space that feels rooted in tradition fosters a connection with the local context and clients.
TRUST
The design of the spaces embodies trust through its aesthetic and functionality to reinforce the Firm‘s commitment to integrity and reliability.
OASIS
Integrating natural elements can significantly enhance the feeling of being welcome and at ease for clients. When people enter a space that incorporates natural materials, plants, and organic lighting, they often experience a sense of calm and comfort.
This connection to nature helps them feel safe, grounded, and reassured that they have found the right place-an environment where they can truly breathe, relax, and be themselves. Such spaces promote mental clarity, reduce stress, and foster a sense of well-being, making clients feel not only physically comfortable but also emotionally secure in their surroundings.
FOCUS ELEMENT (DRAGON GATE)
By incorporating the dragon gate as a motif, the design can resonate deeply with local cultural beliefs and traditions, creating a meaningful connection for those who experience it. This element can enhance the overall atmosphere of trust and harmony in the office, symbolizing a passage or journey that visitors and employees pass through to be relieved, welcomed, and reassured. It serves not only as a decorative feature but also as a powerful symbol of transition, protection, and positive energy, fostering a sense of comfort and belonging within the space.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Area-17 signs the project for the Hugill & Ip law firm in the vibrant heart of Wan Chai, on Hong Kong Island. The space is born from the meeting of local materials and the city’s characteristic craftsmanship: tiles, concrete, metal, with a color palette that recalls Hong Kong iconic hues — deep green and warm, enveloping red. The concept, called “Oasis of Trust” aims to convey a sense of protection, serenity, and confidence to clients, within a space where they can rely on attentive and skilled professionals. The law firm features a relaxed, welcoming, and minimalist atmosphere, where plants, artworks, and filtration systems emit a warm and positive energy.
The chosen materials include:
• Microcements for the walls
• Filtering glass panels
• Custom-designed carpeting for the floors
• Furniture upholstered with bespoke tiles
The distinctive architectural element is the Dragon Gate, which breaks the regularity of the ceiling and guides visitors toward the heart of the studio: a central square dominated by a circular wooden bookshelf that welcomes, orients, and distributes flows toward the meeting rooms. The coffee area, with a long tiled table, is conceived as a multifunctional space: a place where work, conversation, and idea exchanges happen in an informal and dynamic setting. In the bustling urban environment of Hong Kong, Area-17 presents a new vision for a law firm: not just a professional space, but also a warm, human-centered environment designed for wellbeing and trust.
Location: Level 25, Six Pacific Place, 50 Queen’s Rd E, Wan Chai (Hong Kong) Area: Approx. Tot area: 650sqm Design: Area-17 Architecture & Interiors Client: Hugill & Ip Year of completion: 2025 Dimension: 650 sqm PROJECT CREDITS Architect Giovanna Imbimbo Paolo Giannelli Design Team Alessia Concato Antonella Cinque Marta Viscido Contractor James RICE, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, https://www.james-rice.net/ Manufacturers / Products Kartell, Louis Poulsen, Hay, Polspotten, Humans since 1982, Gardeco (collection by Guido Deleu), Formalighting Photography Credits Steve Wong | https://www.onetwenty-three.com/
