SOMEWHERE Co-Study Space (Kowloon City) | Hong Kong

Subsequent zones such as Flowy and Twisty adopt organically-shaped desks to represent water bodies and winding paths one would encounter during the forest journey. The design of vista views when crossing from one zone to another and the contrast between white and earthy-toned timber surfaces emotes the sensations as one crosses the boundary between water and woods, and the resulting contrast in light levels and change of scenery. 

Foggy and Airy, the two highest zones on the journey, represent the subtle changes in touch and sight as one ventures onto higher grounds and their paths are obscured by mist. This effect is achieved through the use of perforated blinds in Foggy which functioned as privacy screens between each seat. Users could operate the blinds, depending on whether they are there as a group or as individuals. From afar, the view of users becomes more obscured and diffused as the layers of fabric increase. This allowed users to concentrate and focus on their study. In Airy, the fabric is hung from the ceiling, creating layered, amorphous shapes which enhance the sensations of being surrounded by clouds.

Instead of descending immediately from the summit, we imagined a group of friends might wish to search for a safe space to take a rest and settle in for some camaraderie fun before concluding their forest journey. In response, we have allocated a central area in our design of the co-studying space as an informal multi-purpose space termed “Into the Cave”. It represents the security and safety one might feel inside the semi-enclosed space covered with an undulating surface of geometric shapes. The monotony of the orange felt surface is broken by specks of gentle, glowing lights which mimicked light glistening and bouncing off the stalagmites hanging off the roof of the caves.