An Adaptable Social Club for the Way We Live Now

POLIS

  • Category: Architecture, Placemaking, Art & Cutlure

    Type: Architecture | Interior

    Client: Hong Kong Playground Association

    Location: The Mills, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong

    Area: 455 sqm.

    Completion: 2025

Designed for the Hong Kong Playground Association, POLIS is a dynamic, adaptable social club at The Mills that reimagines the ancient Greek polis as a contemporary hub for Gen Z. Guided by a ‘Seriously Unserious’ concept, it playfully challenges the ordinary by wrapping Greek wisdom in vibrant pop aesthetics.

Operating as a flexible container, the space uses folding partitions and movable furniture to shift seamlessly from a daytime café and retail space into an evening speakeasy and podcast room, with even an indoor pickleball court available during the soft-opening period. Its “living” character reflects a new generation of community-focused hubs — places where drinking, socialising, contemplating, and play naturally coexist.

POLIS departs from the rigidity of conventional spaces by adopting a deeply user-centric approach, carefully designed to accommodate both active and quiet pursuits. Catering to The Mills' diverse range of visitors, the venue seamlessly shifts its identity throughout the day. Using folding partitions and modular furniture, it transforms from a vibrant daytime cafe and retail store into an intimate evening speakeasy and podcast room. This strategic scheduling not only prevents user clashes and maximises space usage, but has also effectively doubled footfall, ensuring the venue remains lively and relevant at all hours.

Complementing this spatial agility is a futuristic interior that fosters an inviting atmosphere, inspiring visitors with a positive outlook towards the future. The experience is anchored by a comprehensive framework of seven guiding pillars: Philosophy, People, Place, Ponder, Practice, Play, and Participate. Together, these principles encourage guests to reflect, connect, and engage meaningfully with both their surroundings and each other, transforming a simple visit into a holistic experience.

Sustainability and longevity are woven into the very fabric of POLIS. High-quality, durable, modular furniture ensures the space remains continually fresh and adaptable, drastically reducing the need for disruptive and wasteful renovations. Furthermore, the integration of energy-efficient appliances—such as an ultraviolet exhaust hood and smart water filtration systems—minimises the hub's environmental footprint, proving that dynamic, flexible design and ecological responsibility can seamlessly coexist in a modern community setting.

    • POLIS challenges the rigidity of conventional commercial spaces by introducing a "Seriously Unserious" concept. By blending ancient Greek philosophy with vibrant pop aesthetics, it establishes a new typology for "living," adaptable community hubs that cater to modern, fluid lifestyles.

    • The space is optimised, effectively doubled footfall and maximised space utility by transforming from a daytime cafe/retail store into an evening speakeasy/podcast room. This strategic scheduling prevents user clashes and ensures the venue remains lively and economically viable around the clock.

    • POLIS is created as a deeply user-centric, multi-generational hub. Guided by seven pillars (Philosophy, People, Place, Ponder, Practice, Play, Participate), the design fosters meaningful engagement, reflection, and connection, transforming a simple visit into a holistic, shared experience.

    • The use of high-quality folding partitions and movable furniture ensures the space can undergo constant renewal.

  • Team: Alan Cheung, Sarah Mui, April Kwok, Lung Mak, Eleanor Fu, Yan Wu, Kevin Tang, Katie Ng, Joyce Siu

    Photography: Tai Ngai Lung

  • Installation, Interior, POLIS, socialClub, multipurposespace

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