Golden A' Design Award Winner 2023
Melody Lau's Poly City Gather Sales Center reveals itself through a dramatic upward perspective capturing a monumental interior space where radial symmetry commands absolute compositional authority, the eye drawn irresistibly to a central sculptural column executed in warm bronze or brushed copper tones that anchors the entire visual field with its elegant hourglass silhouette created by two conical forms meeting at a compressed waist, this metallic vertical element suspended within a perfect circular oculus through which pale cerulean daylight filters creating an ethereal luminosity that bathes the surrounding architectural surfaces in soft gradations of cream and pearl, the encircling walls articulated through an extraordinary system of pleated or ribbed panels radiating outward like the petals of an immense chrysanthemum or the precise geometry of a paper fan expanded to architectural scale, each individual fold catching light differently to produce subtle tonal variations from warm ivory in direct illumination to cool shadow within recessed valleys creating a mesmerizing optical rhythm that pulses concentrically around the bronze centerpiece, the geometric precision suggesting influences from both Eastern paper folding traditions and Western parametric design methodologies, the color palette restricted with sophisticated restraint to variations of warm white approaching champagne in sun-touched passages alongside the rich amber-bronze of the central sculpture whose surface displays fine vertical striations suggesting brushed metal craftsmanship of exceptional quality, four small luminaires embedded within the sculptural column emit warm golden light that punctuates the cool daylight filtering from above establishing a carefully orchestrated dialogue between natural and artificial illumination sources, the spatial effect profoundly contemplative evoking sacred architecture's traditional use of zenithal light to inspire transcendence while maintaining contemporary minimalist refinement throughout every surface treatment and material junction.
The designer strives to infuse space with life by balancing the functional layout, aesthetics and sensory delight. To do this, he takes simple shapes and bright elements from all nature. The dome creates a sense of infinite fantasy, where everything is unoccupied and people may observe anything in silence in the 12m high, 9m open atrium. This will bring them into an artistic realm of freedom. The midair corridor is unique in its natural beauty while the ceiling vein is designed as a landscape cycle. With these efforts, the symbiosis between nature, art, architecture and space is achieved.