Laab Architects, an innovative architectural firm known for its forward-thinking designs, has revealed its transformative redesign of the Connect Hall at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX). This groundbreaking project highlights the firm’s expertise in blending state-of-the-art digital screens with contemporary architectural elements, creating a space that redefines the traditional concept of a trading hall for the digital age.
A Visionary Approach to Modern Trading Spaces
With the trading landscape evolving rapidly due to the increasing role of digital platforms and remote connectivity, Laab Architects sought to capture the essence of this transformation in the new Connect Hall. The firm’s redesign emphasizes the importance of integrating modern technology with elegant design, providing a dynamic space that can adapt to the needs of a global financial hub.
The Connect Hall’s centerpiece is an impressive auditorium featuring a sweeping LED wall seamlessly embedded between navy blue wall tiles. This stunning display, consisting of over 20,000 pixels, is designed to showcase high-definition animations and real-time market data, ensuring that the audience remains connected to the latest developments in global trading. The LED wall also serves as a canvas for Hong Kong’s renowned calligraphy master, Wah Gor, who has digitized his art to create a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Versatile Pocket Rooms for a Multifunctional Space
In addition to the main auditorium, the redesigned Connect Hall incorporates several pocket rooms—spaces with curved walls that offer versatility for various event types, such as press conferences and private meetings. The curvature of these walls is not merely an aesthetic choice but also serves to optimize the acoustics, ensuring that simultaneous events can occur without sound interference. This thoughtful design allows the Connect Hall to host multiple activities concurrently, enhancing its functionality and adaptability.
A Seamless Digital Experience
Visitors are welcomed into the Connect Hall through a visually engaging entrance foyer, where a dynamic stock ticker wraps around the space, keeping guests informed with up-to-the-minute market information. The immersive experience is further enhanced by a mirrored ceiling adorned with shimmering lights, creating a sense of movement and energy reflective of the financial market’s fast pace.
Collaborative Excellence in Execution
The successful completion of the Connect Hall redesign is the result of a collaborative effort between Laab Architects and its project partners. The firm worked closely with AEC, serving as the acoustic and AV consultant, and Isomatrix, which provided lighting consultancy services. This collaboration ensured that each technical element—from acoustics to visual displays—was meticulously designed to elevate the overall experience of the space.
Laab Architects’ reimagining of the Connect Hall represents a significant milestone for HKEX, setting a new benchmark for what a modern trading hall can achieve. By seamlessly integrating digital elements into the architecture, the firm has created a space that not only supports the functional requirements of a financial hub but also offers a visually stunning environment that inspires and engages visitors.
This project reinforces Laab Architects’ position as a pioneer in architectural innovation, demonstrating their commitment to creating future-proof spaces that embrace technology while maintaining a strong sense of aesthetic identity.
About Laab Architects
Laab Architects is a Hong Kong-based firm specializing in spatial innovation and digital integration. With a focus on creating transformative spaces that combine technology and design, the firm has earned a reputation for pushing the boundaries of conventional architecture. From commercial to cultural projects, Laab Architects’ portfolio showcases a diverse range of innovative designs that cater to the evolving needs of urban environments.
Reference: https://www.laab.pro/en/
