The photograph on the cover of issue 76 of Cubes Indesign is more abstract than many of our past cover images. While we were attracted by the depth and character of this photograph – a depiction by EK Yap of artwork reflected in a mirror at the newly opened Club Hotel, designed by Distillery (now HASSELL) – we also felt it beautifully communicated the state of flux in which the hospitality industry currently exists.

The Club Hotel by Distillery (now HASSELL). Photo by EK Yap (courtesy of Distillery)

This issue’s ‘In Conversation’ feature focuses precisely on this flux with a discussion between an interior designer (Natalie Louey of Geyer) and a transformation consultant (So-Young Kang of the Awaken Group). Their dialogue draws out some of the new realities that are shaping hospitality and affecting how designers tackle the industry’s increasingly challenging projects.

So-Young Kang and Natalie Louey are featured in ‘In Conversation’. Photo by Tawan Conchonnet

One of our residential features presents a creative and rigorous exploration of how to design for a complex programme on a very difficult site with a steep slope. The House with Bridges, designed by RT+Q Architects, is a three-generation home that expands upward and outward with dramatic cantilevers and bridges. It was the recent winner of a Design Award in the 15^th SIA Architectural Design Awards 2015. Congratulations to the team at RT+Q.

The House with Bridges by RT+Q Architects. Photo by Albert Lim KS

We also step into Twitter’s new regional headquarters at CapitaGreen and discover a refined realm crafted by Siren Design where corporate identity is well balanced with a local character. Ventilation blocks and adaptations of window grilles make their presence felt here. Absent are the talent-wooing theatrics that have come to characterise the offices of some other tech companies.

Twitter Asia Pacific Headquarters by Siren Design. Photo by Edward Hendricks

Meanwhile, we see how one of the oldest forms of architecture – the monastery – undergoes a thorough reinvention at the hands of Multiply Architects. The new Mahabodhi Monastery presents “a non-denominational architecture shorn of traditional symbolism” (as described by writer Chu Lik Ren), and offers the experience of a bodily journey through, up and over the building as much as a journey for the spirit.

Mahabodhi Monastery by Multiply Architects. Photo by Sanjay Kewlani

In addition to features on the work of Linghao Architects, Materium, LOOK Architects with Surbana, Duangrit Bunnag and WY-TO, our ‘Portfolio’ delves into the diverse, poetic work of eco.id. From its earliest days, this firm has operated with a broad gaze – in geographical and conceptual terms. Co-Director and Co-Founding Partner Sim Boon Yang opens the door to the firm’s brand of discrete poetry.

Co-Director and Co-Founding Partner of eco.id, Sim Boon Yang. Photo by Justin Loh

I hope you enjoy the issue, and do mark your calendar for two important dates: 19 and 20 November. That’s when Hong Kong Indesign – the event – returns to bring the Hong Kong design community together. A slew of premium brands will be exhibiting, ‘The Project’ (our installation series) will be back, Design Conversations will explore the most topical issues, and Launch Pad Asia will unearth emerging design talent. Pre-register at hongkongindesign.com.

Note by Editor Narelle Yabuka.