INSIDER 119
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Playing on the emphasis of family life in Asian society, our projects have exciting communal spaces; places that bring people together to socialise, interact, talk, laugh, love, and live. We want to bring people together in vertical villages.
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Q & A❶ What do you make of the design scene in Asia? I’ m excited by the talent in Asia.
There is a plethora of skill across the fields of art, fashion, photography, graphics and even marketing. The influence of the converging cultures in this part of the world is creating great results, and Asian clients are showing a lot of creative flair and interest in global design trends. Just look at how rapidly the art scene is growing in Hong Kong; White Cube has recently opened its doors in Hong Kong and the recent Sotherby’ s auction set a new benchmark for art buying in Asia.
❷ What design trends do you see in the market? Lots of clients seem to want this“ East meets West” look, but it’ s largely producing a stereotype of sullen and boring foundations, filled with trinkets and notional ornaments trying to represent the various cultures. I think design in Asia can be far more playful than this. At Yoo we want to apply the benefits of feng shui with established European artisans and eye-popping artistic talent from Moscow to China. It is a great time for design – less about Asia design and more about world design.
❸ What new ideas do you hope to bring to the table? I think there is a lot of opportunity for dynamic interiors for the home here. With the DNA of designers like Philippe Starck, Marcel Wanders, Anouska Hempel, Jade Jagger, and Kelly Hoppen, and that of the Yoo studio, we can bring the greatest design minds in the world to Asia. Playing on the emphasis of family life in Asian society, our projects have exciting communal spaces; places that bring people together to socialise, interact, talk, laugh, love, and live. We want to bring people together in vertical villages.
❹ Has anything surprised you about working in Asia? I’ ve been surprised by how small the world is. Everything and everyone is interconnected. We really do all live in a global village. Whenever I come back to Asia, I am constantly surprised how many people I already know.
❺ What projects is Yoo working on in Asia at present? Mira Moon is our new boutique hotel in Hong Kong, designed by Wanders & Yoo. Taking inspiration from the ancient Chinese folk story of the Moon Goddess, the design showcases Dutch influences and meticulous Chinese craftsmanship by employing ceramic, carved timber and cut crystal materials for a uniquely vibrant styled hotel. www. yoo. com
Interview by Stephen Allington www. jetsetter. hk