bean buro turns kerry logistics' headquarters into a realm of colors + art

architecture practice bean buro was tasked with creating a renewed visitor experience for the kerry logistics headquarters, within an industrial area of hong kong. the aim is to offer the elite customers a unique impression through the introduction of contemporary art, while also reflecting the industrial context of the cargo center.

a flock of LED light columns clad in lightweight mesh serve as a subtle reference to the company’s branding

an exterior 155 sqm art installation was proposed by bean buro at the entrance of kerry logistics, providing an iconic identity for the building. the artwork consists of a  flock of LED light columns covered in a lightweight mesh — with gradient colored  from yellow to orange — which serve as a subtle reference to the company’s branding. at night, they glow and pulsate in multiple colors to create an interactive and wind-like rhythm. the formation of the flock is a poetic interpretation of the company’s logistical bar charts, as well as the movement of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic around the site.

‘the result is a dynamic grid that allows the installation to be appreciated from all approaches and intuitively guides visitors towards the entrance through a subtle increase in height,’ explains  the bean buro team. 

bean buro proposed an exterior art installation piece that also provides an iconic identify for the building

the welcoming reception measures 346 sqm, and inhabits the top floor of the building. the team wishes to maintain the openness of the space to the adjacent roof garden, while creating a comfortable and inhabitable environment that would support staff and visitors alike. an open and interactive area was set up, with a nine meter long LED screen displaying dynamic abstract animations to create a museum-like experience, referencing artistic conversions of industrial spaces. furthermore, a flexible café space forms the social hub of the company and acts as a welcoming area for guests.

at night, the LED columns glow and pulsate in multiple colors to create an interactive and wind-like rhythm

sculptural furniture and original eero saarinen chairs from the 1950’s provide a backdrop to the everyday experience of the office. the latter was designed to be flexible, with a boardroom that can be opened up for events or closed for private meetings, and movable furniture to easily change the configuration of the space. gallery style lighting and backlit rear walls of translucent glass enhance the legibility of the interiors. bean buro used high quality oversized ceramic floor tiles, designed by french product designers ronan & erwan bouroullec, to create an earthy and textured flooring. acoustic fabric tiles, also designed by the french brand has been installed in bespoke exuberant color schemes as a backdrop for the meeting rooms.

sculptural furniture and original eero saarinen chairs from the 1950s provide a backdrop to the everyday experience

a fresh and energetic 141 sqm convention center, designed to seat 150 people, can be accessed from the welcoming reception for seminars and high resolution screening using the full width LED display screen. high-performance acoustic panels, wrapped in kvadrat fabrics, were custom made to line the interior of the convention center with different hues of blue; this creates an aesthetic environment with excellent acoustic properties – promoting both productivity and well-being. the walls are washed with a soft light, emphasizing the textural quality of the fabric. this same color pattern is utilized for the tiered auditorium seating, where moveable, flexible and stackable chairs are located to the front to provide additional seating if necessary.

an open and flexible café space forms the social hub of the company and acts as a welcoming area for guest

finally, the stage area is elevated as a single volume – wrapped in a monochrome blue, providing a strong focal point emphasized by a full video wall to the rear of the stage. a highlight vintage sofa in red and orange, located on the stage, reflects kerry logistics’ identity through the introduction of the brand’s colors.

acoustic panels are custom made to line the interior, with different blue tones for a dynamic pattern

the stage area is a heap that floats as a single volume wrapped in a monochrome blue to create a strong focal point

acoustic fabric tiles, installed in bespoke exuberant color schemes as a backdrop for meeting rooms

acoustic fabric tiles detail view — north tiles

layout plan for kerry logistics convention center

conceptual brass and plywood model for ground floor installation

conceptual model  showing the study of shadow

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom

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