LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer cocoon architecture ltd. ("CAL") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

CAL : We are local Hong Kong trained architects

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

CAL : when I was young, I did my sister's whatever homework that involves drawing

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

CAL : I didn't know it involves design before studing architecture

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

CAL : architecture with spaces that can move people

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

CAL : Go travel, widen the horizon and observe

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

CAL : good designer copy, great designer steal. convert observation to your own style

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

CAL : any design must please the eyes first, people will ask about the story afterwards.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

CAL : Everyone sees architecture every day. Good architecture enriches everyone.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

CAL : a house for ekin (a HK singer), who is a playful guy

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

CAL : million times of trial and error

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

CAL : Le Corbusier

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

CAL : Ronchamp chapel by Le Corbusier is a master in concrete construction.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

CAL : a mansion by the sea with a wavy form and framed windows for seaview

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

CAL : The skill of telling story

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

CAL : I will become a nun

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

CAL : Design is a way to see the world

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

CAL : my partner

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

CAL : Perseverance. when you have a good concept, stick to it till the end

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

CAL : when one thinks he is great, he stops growing

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

CAL : story telling with a context

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

CAL : Hopefully, a church

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

CAL : make everyone a great designer

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

CAL : an idea with a surprise

DL: How does design help create a better society?

CAL : when people focus on design, they will have fewer worries

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

CAL : Research on different kinds of light fittings

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

CAL : Projects with client’s understanding and trust

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

CAL : We would like to see AI aided design but not AI design

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

CAL : AI aided design

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

CAL : It is a continuous process. projects never finalize until built

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

CAL : We start by digging out the deepest core of the project

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

CAL : draw the first line before you think too much

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

CAL : We use 3d printing to test concepts

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

CAL : Enscape can ensure fast realization of design

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

CAL : They are tools for design

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

CAL : I wish they can enjoy the architecture by themselves

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

CAL : I can feel the joy of the designer

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

CAL : My partner. I only co-design with my partner.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

CAL : My partner

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

CAL : design of design by Kenya Hara

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

CAL : Lu Ban (魯班), an old Chinese master in craftmanship.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

CAL : It becomes easier in this digital age

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

CAL : All things natural

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

CAL : When people address you as “an artist”, you know that you are a troublesome guy

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

CAL : When I see the architecture builds day by day

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

CAL : when I was young, I did my sister's whatever homework that involves drawing

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

CAL : everyone lives at his fullest, if the world still exists

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

CAL : We collect Pigumon. Donation welcomed.

LEGENDARY DESIGNER

COCOON ARCHITECTURE IS A PROGRESSIVE ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE BASED IN HONG KONG. LIKE COCOON INCUBATES TO BECOME BUTTERFLY, THE FIRM AIMS TO INCUBATE THE CLIENT’S IDEAS AND DELIVERS THEM INTO AN ARCHITECTURE THAT FITS. THE PRACTICE WORKS ON RESIDENTIAL, CULTURAL AND COMMERCIAL PROJECTS, PROVIDING FULL PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANCY SERVICES IN ARCHITECTURE, MASTER PLANNING AND INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES. THE DESIGN TEAM HAS WON NUMEROUS INTERNATIONAL AWARDS INCLUDING: WINNER OF THE YOUNG ARCHITECTS’ AWARD; 40 UNDER 40 AWARD; “PERSPECTIVE AWARD”, DESIGN FOR ASIA AWARD, ARCHITECTS REGIONAL COUNCIL ASIA PRIZE, ETC. THE PROJECTS HAD BEEN EXHIBITED IN ''LA BIENNALE DI VENEZIA'' IN ITALY,HONG KONG, ASIA AND OTHER PLACES WORLDWIDE. THE CO­FOUNDER OF THE FIRM, CHIU HANG MEI MARY GRACE & YUNG CHUNG KWONG, HAS BEEN THE ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG TEACHING ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STUDIO. THEY HAVE ALSO BEEN ACTIVELY INVOLVING IN ACADEMIC AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND HAS BEEN INVITED AS JUROR, INTERVIEWER, SPEAKER, GUEST CRITICS AND REGISTRATION COMMITTEE FOR VARIOUS PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTES AND GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES.


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