Merging food, creativity and architecture- EAT! 2015
Royal Institute of British Architect Hong Kong Chapter’s (RIBA HK Chapter) hosted an event of food and architecture cross-over! EAT! 2015, was held in the Qube at PMQ in the evening of last Tuesday, March 24, 2015.
The focus of the event was centered on the competition to design and realize a dessert inspired by an iconic architectural design in Hong Kong or the UK. Creations from three finalists were presented and sampled by a panel of guest judges, led by Harry Parr and including John Campbell, Jo Hawley, Edwin Chuang, CEO/Founder of sáv Hospitality Group, Jeffrey Koo (A famous pastry master chef) who had been valuable advice and support to the finalists during the preparation of the desserts, Louisa Ho, President of Hong Kong Bakery and Confectionery Association and Jean Marc Gaucher, head pastry chef at Mira Hotel, as well as 8 members of the audience selected on the night.
The event organized in association with the GREAT Britain Campaign, kicked off with welcome speech by John Campbell, Chairman of RIBA HK Chapter and opening remarks by Jo Hawley, Director of UKTI. These were followed by a keynote speech by Harry Parr of Bompas and Parr from the UK, showcasing the wonderful range of food and architecture cross-over projects the
company has created over the years. One of the highlight, Mr Parr enclosure in which audiences were invited to an all‐encompassing experience in a dense mist of Gin and Tonic!
Winners, Alan Cheung Kwok-lun and Sarah Mui Sze-wa with their imagination and creation had entitled Serpentine Pavilion Platter. To make the perfect and successful evening, Kenwood was given their Kitchen Machine Chef Classic to one lucky draw winner from the audience.
Vom Fass Hong Kong – a candy store for adults
Vom Fass is finally open its store in Hong Kong and having Thomas Kiderlen, Global CEO of Vom Fass hosted the ribbon cutting ceremony. Spans across over 300 stores worldwide, the Hong Kong store housed a wide range of specialty oils and vinegars, like White Truffle Oil, Pumpkin Seed Oil, award-winning Calamansi Balsam and Forest Raspberry Balsamic and so much more. Beside, Vom Fass offers exquisite liqueurs, vintage wines and spirits from different regions and wineries which is definitely a true “candy” store for adults.
Vom Fass products are fresh from the latest harvest and made of 100% pure ingredients. Their balsamic vinegars are made the traditional way, by harvesting the fruit, turning it into wine and finally creating vinegars out of the wines. The nut oils are cold-pressed, without adding any preservatives in order to retain its original colour, aroma and flavours.
The greatest and unique experience is the customers can try out each product before purchasing and there are different elegant bottles to go with your choice of oils, vinegars and liqueurs. Their friendly and knowledgeable staffs will provide fruitful recommendations and even advise how to mix and match with their products and your daily meal.
Vom Fass Hong Kong Store
Address: 68A Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong.
Website http://www.vomfass.com.hk
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/vomfasshongkong
Sharing is caring | GIFT OF HOPE
HKAHF’S HOPE SHINES THROUGH TEA PARTY FUNDRAISER SUCCESSFULLY KICKED OFF
HKAHF held a HOPE SHINES THROUGH Tea Party today at the Bebegarten Education Centre to raise funds for underprivileged children with cancer and provide timely access to much needed medical help. The event was a huge success that disseminated healthy understanding to parents and children alike on the difficulties that people face in their lives, and to teach their children to be generous with what they have.
Jo Soo-Tang, Chairman of HKAHF commented, “We are very happy with the turnout of the fundraiser. Not only did we raise donations to help people in need, we also had the chance to educate our next generation on the importance of ‘sharing is caring’. We all had a brilliant time and everybody loved the handmade couture tutus which were sold out with proceeds going towards the Foundation.”
Dr Stephen C. K. Law, Chairman of Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation's Cancer Fund and Clinical Director of Hong Kong Adventist Oncology Centre also shared, “MRI and PET/CT scans are important in modern management of children cancers. The former provides fine details of the cancer without involving radiation while the latter provides important information on treatment response that can guide subsequent treatment for maximum efficacy and safety.”
The fundraiser was a star-studded event, with socialite Sharie Ross-Tse hosting the event as emcee, while fashionista Kayla Wong choreographed the kids fashion show, which featured little models wearing bespoke angelic tutus designed by My Little Princess founder Amy Djokovic. Dr Kai Cheong, Resident Doctor at Queen Mary Hospital was also invited to speak about the importance of MRI and PET/CT scans. Also, out in full support were popular actress, yoga therapist and HKAHF BEYOND Co-founder Margaret Chung; Founder of Bebegarten Education Centre Claudine Ying, celebrity couture designer Barney Cheng and entrepreneur Lelia Chow and her daughter Florence Tsai at the event.
Another crowd pleaser was the Mini GIFT OF HOPE sterling silver charm bracelets for kids. These bracelets designed by Janne Poulsen of House of Kamal priced at HK$450 each served as a beautiful inspirational reminder of the duty that we have to each other as fellow human beings to share and help those in need. For those who did not make it to the event, these bracelets are available online at http://www.hkahf.org.hk/product/the-gift-of-mini-hope/ and at House of Kamal’s online store at www.houseofkamal.com .
About Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation (HKAHK)
HKAHF’s Charity Outreach Programs were set up to support financially disadvantaged patients from around the region. Its mission is to assist and support those people whose quality of life could be dramatically improved by medical treatment, yet lack the financial capacity to even consider seeking proper help. Through the Outreach Programs, the Foundation has been able to contribute to society and has helped to restore joy and happiness to families that have been plagued by ongoing suffering, pain, and uncertainty.
For enquires: www.hkahf.org.hk
‘A PLACE DESIGNERS LIVE AND BREATHE DESIGN’ – A LOOK INTO THE HOME OF AB CONCEPT
Hong Kong-based design house AB Concept is pleased to announce the opening of its newly renovated home, a space that traces the path of its journey from humble beginnings and reflects the firm’s culture, values and vision at every turn.
The starting point for the atelier’s design was that it should be a home for AB Concept’s team of designers and creative talents. “We wanted it to be a place the designers could live among a place to inspire and feed their passion,” says AB Concept’s co-founder Ed Ng. “It’s a concrete manifestation of our vision and our values. More than anything, it’s a space that speaks visually about who we are and how we do things.”
The newly renovated space in the city’s vibrant Causeway Bay district is born of the same creative vision that AB Concept has used to such effect in projects for the world’s top hoteliers, luxury developers, leading restaurant groups and exclusive private residences.
“As our team is growing in size and strength, we have needed to build a platform that reflects their calibre and allows them to perform to the best of their abilities. In some ways it has been a case of the space catching up with the talent,” explains Ed.
From the first glimpse of the expanded foyer area with its antique Chinese calligraphy table, visitors are immediately treated to a taste of what lies within. Past the front door lies the living room and lounge area, dotted with garden plants, bicycles and book shelves. The area features an eclectic collection of vintage furniture, artwork and design pieces from across the world, gathered over more than a decade by Ed and fellow co-founder Terence Ngan, making for an inspiring and visually engaging workspace. The area is a homely, intimate and ultimately very personal space.
“We consider the entire office to be our home,” says Ed. “We wanted it to be a place we live and breathe the design. The space where you spend most of your time will inform your thinking, the way you grow, the way you think, and we wanted this to be a fertile environment for our designers. It had to be a space that would give back, a space that would inspire and nurture creativity.”
The atelier, which serves as the headquarters for AB Concept’s work, backed by its practices in Taipei and Bangkok, features a generous area for the design, styling and technical teams and ample space for perhaps one of the largest material libraries in this industry. It also boasts four creative spaces that can serve as communication hubs or gallery areas, a state-of-the art bespoke kitchen and even its own gym for staff. “We believe that the best design ideas do not necessarily spark when you are sitting by your desk, but while you are relaxing at home”, says Ed.
The heart of the studio is The Garden, which is the space connecting Ed and Terence’s open offices. It is the focal point for discussion on all projects, and a physical manifestation of the integral role-played by the two co-founders in the design process. Like the rest of the atelier, the space is completely open plan featuring a bespoke and innovative Pages Cabinet, the design of which is extremely flexible and can be adapted from open shelving to closed cupboards, changeable over time. The aim is to create a transparent environment while providing a versatile solution to the constantly evolving requirements of the space. More than anything, however, the new studio is an expression of the firm’s core beliefs, a distilled version of the intangible energy driving the creative process.
“We are just humble designers,” says Ed. “The only thing we know about investment is that it should be made on a space that makes us happy every day, a place we can call our home and is a translation of our vision. It is an unwritten testament to our amazing designers and clients of how much we enjoy and care about our work.”
PEPSI CHALLENGES DARKNESS TO BRING LIGHT TO COMMUNITIES IN NEED WITH THE PEPSI x LITER OF LIGHT “IGNITE THE LIGHT” TOUR
First Global Challenge & Tour Stop Features Art Installation By World-Renowned Fashion Designer & Creative Director Nicola Formichetti in Hong Kong
Pepsi today challenges people worldwide to shine a light on those who live in darkness. As the first global initiative in its 2015 Pepsi Challenge program, the iconic brand announces the Pepsi x Liter of Light “Ignite the Light” Tour – an international journey of creative, large-scale, mixed media art installations created by artists from around the world who will bring attention to communities that lack electricity and basic lighting solutions.
In partnership with the Liter of Light organization and world-renowned fashion designer, creative director and fashion editor widely known for collaborations with Diesel and Lady Gaga, Nicola Formichetti, Pepsi reveals the first “Ignite the Light” installation in Hong Kong. Unveiled on March 15th and open to the public for a limited time at the PMQ Courtyard, Formichetti’s piece titled “Ao Dress” is a physical example of the symbiotic relationship between light and material.
"It’s important that the fashion and art industries work hand in hand and help each other, as each world now collides. I’m very much inspired by the art world mixing with my fashion angle, so it’s exciting to be able to have a hand in both through the Pepsi x Liter of Light ‘Ignite the Light’ Tour,” said Formichetti. “For my piece, ‘Ao Dress,’ I was inspired by Mother Nature – the embodiment of renewal, birth and the light of infinite possibility. What could be better than repurposing Pepsi bottles into something that helps people who go without the most basic of human needs, such as electricity and light. Pepsi is literally helping bring people out of the darkness and into the light, and that is something I can stand behind with conviction.”
“Ao Dress” is an out-of-this-world gown with body architecture crafted from light and Pepsi bottles. Inspired by “Ao” the Goddess of Light, the truly alchemistical fashion spectacle observes the beautiful nature of the liquid diffused glow of Liter of Light solar lights and creates a futuristic silhouette that stands as a celebration of the project. Formichetti’s team collaborated with fashion and technology company Studio XO and production company Prettybird to bring his vision to life.
“Through the ‘Ignite the Light’ Tour with Liter of Light, we’re infusing the fun and excitement of the Pepsi Challenge with a focused purpose – helping our consumers around the world achieve their desire to make an impact,” said Kristin Patrick, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, PepsiCo Global Beverage Brands. “Our work with Liter of Light is the connective tissue throughout the Pepsi Challenge program and we’re challenging ourselves, our artist partners and our consumers to draw attention to this vital need. To act and to make a real difference.”
Pepsi Challenge is a call to today’s generations to live life to the fullest and make every moment—big or small—epic. Throughout 2015, Pepsi Challenge unleashes a variety of global and local challenges designed to galvanize consumers to push themselves farther, dream a little bigger and “Live for Now.” Challenges will be issued on Pepsi social channels, PepsiChallenge.com and via global and local ambassadors.
Underpinning and uniting each and every #PepsiChallenge is a way for people around the world to make an impact. Through the partnership with Liter of Light, Pepsi will bring cost effective solar lighting solutions to communities in need while recycling plastic bottles. Every time consumers around the world use the #PepsiChallenge hash tag on public Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube profiles, Pepsi will donate $1 to Liter of Light to help bring environmentally-friendly, inexpensive and easy to make lights to those around the world who need it most.
To date, Liter of Light has provided ecologically-sustainable lighting solutions, free of cost, including nighttime lighting solutions and public lighting such as street lights, to more than 18 countries including Brazil, India, Kenya, Colombia, Indonesia, Mexico, Egypt, Pakistan and the Philippines. Using empty recycled plastic bottles, water and chlorine, Liter of Light creates innovative “bottle lights” – a 55-watt solar bulb, with zero carbon emissions, that refracts sunlight and is powerful enough to light up a home.
“Light is not only a great need, but also a great inspiration, for so many,” said Illac Diaz, Liter of Light Founder. “The Pepsi Challenge program and its ‘Ignite the Light’ global challenge sheds light on our great mission in inspiring, beautiful and visually stunning ways – both physically with the artistic light installations around the world, as well as the great impact and movement made through our partnership with Pepsi.”
As a global ambassador for the Pepsi Challenge, Formichetti has challenged select artists around the world to take his lit torch and create the next “Ignite the Light” installation. Up to five “Ignite the Light” installations will be unveiled throughout the year around the world.
Enquires: Visit www.PepsiChallenge.com for more information.
Art Central breaks new ground with inaugural satellite fair
Staged in a 10,000 square meter temporary structure on the Central Harbourfront, Art Central is an Art Week experience unlike anything Hong Kong has seen before. It will inspire and wow fair-goers with over 75 galleries from around the world, spectacular large-scale installations, Art week's hottest pop-up restaurant and bar. The Continental, and street food bites from Classified, Beef & Liberty and Brickhouse.
A series of ambitious installations will wow and amaze, including a custom designed crystal installation by Joyce Wang for Swarovski called "Oculus". Refractions and reflections dance through space as light penetrates an inner structure of 360 crystal spikes within the work.
The Asia Society Hong Kong Center are leading an inspiring talks program to enable fairgoers to directly engage with some of the leading artistic trends and curatorial practices of contemporary art in Asia and beyond. This includes a panel discussion on contemporary ink curated by contemporary ink specialist Tiffany Beres. Contemporary ink is a key theme of Art Central and Tiffany Beres will also lead ink tours, showing fairgoers a few of the highlights of the more than 20 ink artists on display.
Education is an integral part of Art Central. As part of the education program, University Partner SCAD HONG KONG will conduct free educational tours providing insight into contemporary. Those who prefer a self-guided tour are encouraged to download the Artsy app or visit the fair microsite on Artsy.net. Artsy provides an online preview of Art Central along with exclusive insider picks and editorial.
Fair-goers can literally make their mark on Art Central with the Sovereign Art Foundation's artist studio and Children's Education Partner Art Loop will lead a series of Kids Tours for children aged 5-8 years old and 9-13 years old. With a strong program of educational tours and interactive art activities. Art Central aims to inspire visitors of all ages.
The Continental pop-up restaurant and bar is set to redefine art-week-eats. Award-winning British Chef and Financial Times Weekend Magazine food writer Rowley Leigh will be at the helm with a menu drawing inspiration from the grand cafes of Europe and featuring the best ingredients from sustainable sources, serving dishes for brunch, lunch and dinner each day.
Those looking for a quick and easy bite will be amply satisfied by Classified, Beer & Liberty and Brickhouse in street food corner. From Mexican tacos and margaritas to hearty beef burger, Art Central will be serving up flavor and style in creative new ways.
Don't forget! Merci Magazine subscriber price is only for HKD 175 (admits 2). Is valued at HK$200!
Ticket: www.artcentralhongkong.com/merci
Follow Art Central: http://www.artcentralhongkong.com
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