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The spark of creativity, inspired by distractions
SEAN Affleck joined Make in 2004 and is one of the practice’s four directors. With over 25 years of design experience, he has overseen numerous projects run by Make’s London and Hong Kong studios, including a wide range of commercial, cultural and residential developments.
Affleck is currently based in the Hong Kong studio where his team has recently completed work on The Luna, a new residential tower in Hong Kong.
Please share with us some of your work.
There are three which have really tested our designs and allowed us to innovate. Firstly, The Luna. As it’s a residential tower in Hong Kong, we didn’t have much space to work with, but we have managed to draw in a superb amount of natural daylight, as well as provide at least one, if not two balconies, in every apartment. We’ve also delivered a public garden in an area that was essentially a loading bay for the buildings behind it, rarely accessed by the public and basically a ‘reserved’ space. Now the ground floor cafes spill out into it, whilst still allowing access to the buildings behind, so it’s a real win-win.
In Canary Wharf in London, we designed a retail kiosk that acts almost as a piece of theater when it opens and closes. When closed it looks like a piece of sculptural origami and then concertinas up to reveal the serving counter and space inside.
In Aldgate, on the edge of the City of London, we created an asymmetrical pavilion which has a more community-focused use. Portsoken Pavilion is occupied by a social enterprise cafe, but designed so that it can be used as a church, as a yoga studio, for exhibitions or for community meetings. The small space is highly flexible. It is located on a new public landscaped square that has replaced a former roundabout.
The old subway tunnels underneath have been reused as toilets and storage areas to minimize the area the pavilion needs above ground, thus maximizing space for the square.
What’s your design style?
I have a simple, pragmatic approach to design. I love understanding how things work, so I appreciate an honest expression of function and structure and like to embellish the parts we touch. For example, we specifically designed a door handle for a project in London. It was a simple, square, black metal pull-handle, but we added leather to the part the hand touches. It’s hidden from view to the rear of the handle so you can’t see it. So when opening the door you’re expecting cold, hard metal, but are pleasantly surprised by the feel of warm, soft leather.
Where are you most creative?
I am inspired by hustle and bustle but away from the norm, so walking down a street, or in a cafe on Saturday morning, I’ll be mulling something over and then an idea jumps in. Somehow the distractions spark creativity for me.
What does your home mean to you?
I’m in between homes at the moment, so have a base both in London and Hong Kong. For me a home is a place for all the odd bits and pieces I picked up over the years. The things we collect that each have a memory attached to them — they always related in some way to the family.
What do you collect?
I like pieces of engineering — I enjoy working on old broken cars, I have a stripped-down gear box sitting on the floor at home which has done over 100,000 miles, yet the cogs and fly wheels are like new, beautifully meshed together. It’s wonderful and fascinating to me.
Where would you like to go most in Shanghai?
I’m excited to visit the new Middle House by Swire Hotels. We’ve worked with them on The Temple House and so know their commitment to design, luxury and innovation. I need to find an excuse to visit to see how this one has been interpreted as the latest addition to the ‘House’ brand.
What will be the next big design trend?
With air pollution such an issue for cities around the world, designing beautiful, efficient, pollution absorbers and air purifiers will become the norm.
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