parallel lab builds a micro office space in north point, hong kong

parallel lab builds a micro office space in north point, hong kong
photo © south ho
all images courtesy of parallel lab

in small spaces, partitions often appear as constraints that simply take away from the available amount of area. however, in minimal confines of parallel lab‘s 18m² studio, the firm has reinforced the subdivision of a former chinese medicine shop and transformed its units into a succession of pocket spaces. the various applications of standard construction wood define locations for different activities to happen in specific areas. the walls around the desk are freely used as pin up areas for post it notes, reminders, project presentations, and precedent research. from here, an elevated step through a doorway leads to a bookshelf of documents, publications, and models. this built-in feature simultaneously acts as a backdrop for the platform as employees relax, read, and nap to take a break from their daily tasks. circulation continues to navigate back towards the glazed façade along a room lined by a storage system containing construction and detail drawings of the lab’s past and present projects. the workplace is not perceived only as a facility for production, but provides the comfort of a home away from home.

desk area
photo © south ho

(left) the office uses the wood walls to pin up examples, proposals, and projects
(right) view of the storage drawers
photo © south ho

to take a break
photo © south ho

a raised step designates an area to sit relax
photo © south ho 

succession of pocket spaces
photo © south ho
the studio is placed amongst the storefront of a hairdresser and a medicine shop
photo © south ho

mini urban factory

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