AFSO explores designer concept ‘modern reflections’ in four new projects around the globe…
Following the recent completion of the Pavilion Suites at the Berkeley London, designer André Fu continues the notion of ‘’Modern Reflections’ with four key openings which will be unveiled later this year.
AFSO is an internationally acclaimed design studio in Hong Kong, founded by the architect André Fu.
With an extensive portfolio of projects throughout Asia and Europe, the studio has been pivotal in revolutionsing the concept of modern luxury with a series of projects that reflect Fu’s signature artistic perspective and timeless sensibility.
“We are living in an increasingly digitalised world with constant social media distractions, unlike the generations before us,” explains Fu. It is important to be able to step back and have timeto reflect on our personal upbringing and heritage. This echoes my strong belief that we need to learn from the past in order to foster creativity. To me, true luxury is in the experience and not just the aesthetics.”
His latest projects reflect just that.
The spa at Chateau La Coste, Provence
Image Credit: AFSO
Situated halfway between the historic town of Aix en Provence, home of Cezanne, and the famous Luberon Nature Park, Villa La Coste is set in the midst of the Provencal landscape, in the heart of the biodynamic vineyard Château La Coste, an international destination for art, architecture and natural beauty.
Inspired by the spirit of the vineyard and breath-taking artistic vision of the chateau, Fu designed key destinations within the hotel, including the restaurant Salon, the Bar and the Library. This summer sees the opening of the much anticipated spa.
To create the spa, Andre used rustic Cipria marble, brushed silver oak and plastering finished in the local Provencal manner, layered with Fu’s signature style of contemporary, elegant luxury. Conceived as an emotional journey, guests are transported into a distinctly rustic yet contemporary world.
Ribbon Dance Chair for Louis Vuitton Objets Nomades
Image credit: AFSO
For Louis Vuitton Objets Nomades exhibition during Salone del Mobile, Andre Fu presented Ribbon Dance, a two-person “conversation” chair which is a graceful echo of the movements of traditional Asian ribbon dances. The pair of seats are balanced between the elegant curves of the wooden arms which are covered in Louis Vuitton leather while the fluid shape of the chair evokes ideas of infinity. Ribbon Dance was first shown in Hong Kong in March this year, in a stunning exhibition space designed by Fu, which featured other Objets Nomades. Created in 2012, the Objets Nomades collection keeps alive Louis Vuitton’s long tradition of beautifully crafted travel objects.
Hotel Vic, Hong Kong
Image credit: Hotel Vic
Hong Kong’s waterfront and stunning harbour have always served a key inspiration for many of Fu’s creations.
Following his timeless design for Upperhouse hotel that ushered in a new era of hospitality, and the Kerry Hotel that follows an urban resort concept, Fu has created two signature restaurants at the Hotel VIC, offering a duo of dining experiences on the city’s distinctive harbour front.
Inspired to capture the spirit of an authentic farmhouse, the Farmhouse is an all-day international dining venue, located atop the podium to offer delicious buffets and international cuisine. The dining room features a dramatic open kitchen, while a lush outdoor garden creates a very special backdrop for al fresco dining.
Adjoining the restaurant is The Farmhouse Deli, a 4m high delicatessen decked in interlocking walnut and highlighted with a grid of brass fins to evoke an urban vibe. A bespoke island communal glass table and a range of lounge seating have also been introduced to embrace a co-working environment.
The Waldorf Astoria, Bangkok
Image credit: AFSO
Set within the modern Magnolias Ratchadamri Development in the upscale Phatum Wan district, the Waldorf Astoria’s contemporary interior has been designed by Fu, evoking the Waldorf’s rich Art Nouveau heritage, but overlaid with his own contemporary design ethos, presenting extravagant ceiling heights, traditional Thai elements, bronze accents and other inspired touches.
For Fu, The Waldorf Astoria Bangkok exemplifies his concept of ‘modern reflections’, stating “it is very much a reflection of my personal memories of visiting the legendary Waldorf Astoria New York as a child and my vision to translate the essence of the experience into the context of modern Bangkok today”.
Fu has also created three unique dining venues, including The Front Room, providing a menu of Nordic/Thai cuisine, the hotel’s signature Peacock Alley lounge and the Brasserie. A four-tiered tower dedicated to banquet facilities has also been introduced.
Meanwhile, the guestrooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows, hand tufted rugs covering hardwood floors, and Thai-inspired details.
Perrotin Shanghai
Image credit: AFSO
Fu has a long-standing collaboration with renowned gallerist Emmaneul Perrotin for his artspaces.
Following the success of Fu’s collaboration with Perrotin for two key spaces in Hong Kong and Tokyo, AFSO has been commissioned to create the new gallery for Perrotin in Shanghai due to unveil late 2018.
Located in the heart of Shanghai’s Bund quarter, this will be the 18th gallery space that its owner Emmanuel Perrotin has opened worldwide in 28 years, Perrotin Shanghai will occupy the top floor of a historic three-storey brick building (27 Huqiu Road) known as “Amber Building”. Built in 1937, it is a former warehouse used by the Central Bank of China during the Republican period. From 1886 to 1943 Huqiu Road was named “Museum Road”. It continues till this day to have a prominent place in Shanghai’s art landscape with its close proximity to the city’s major museums and auction houses including Rockbund Art Museum, Fosun Foundation and Christie’s.
The 1,200 square meter gallery space will include a mezzanine and several exhibition rooms. In keeping with the building’s modernist elegance.
Main image credit: Pavilion Suites at the Berkeley London
