The fascinating concept behind the AMMO restaurant design

This is the lavish, sparkly and opulent interior of the AMMO restaurant in Hong Kong. Created by the interior design practice Joyce Wang, this extraordinary space dances with a depth of textures, surfaces and decadent accessories. Known for working in the realm of utmost luxury, Joyce Wang represent high-end spatial experiences that are one of a kind, composed of only custom designed furniture and fixtures, highly sought-after limited edition antique pieces, and artisanal crafts that have been carefully sourced from all over the globe.

Now, on first glance, this interior grabbed my attention due to its use of metal and quite industrial-like materials. I thought, ‘hang on, is this like steampunk?...’ I was wrong. Being more of a minimalist, I then questioned how much I actually liked an interior as rich and busy as this… so I dug a little further and read more about the philosophy and concept behind the work on the Joyce Wang website.

And oh how the story doesn’t disappoint! Built by the British army in the mid-19th century, the former explosives storage compound is a culturally and historically significant site. Hence, copper has been used as a predominant material in the restaurant space, as a nod to it commonly being found in machine rooms and industrial settings. Of note is also the bunker-like ceiling supported by copper ribs and then warmly lit, to further reference the history of the space having been used as storage for explosives.

Luxurious materials such as leather, velvet and silk have been chosen to offset the hard-edged custom fixtures and detailing found in the design. Through these juxtapositions, the diner is at once confronted with a design that is retro yet futuristic, mechanical yet luxurious. Diners will find themselves in a space that begs them to question the significance of its context. Under careful study of materials and detailing, the diners will be rewarded with clues as to ascertain the siteʼs history.

And the part of the concept that I find incredibly clever... With such a significant site comes, unsurprisingly, inspiration drawn from a significant film noir masterpiece, Alphaville. Now I’m ashamed to say that I’m not too familiar with this film, but it is now definitely on my to-watch list. The AMMO restaurant not only references the film’s prestigious context but pays tribute to it aesthetically and conceptually.

Just quickly, for those like me not too familiar with the film, Alphaville is a 1965 picture combining the genres of dystopian science fiction and film noir. The film has no special effects or futuristic sets, instead, is shot in real locations across Paris, with the night-time streets of the French capital becoming the streets of Alphaville, while modernist glass and concrete buildings (that in 1965 were new and strange architectural designs) represent the city's interiors.

What I find most quirky probably, and out of the realms of the average imagination, are the three staircases hanging off the ceiling. Joyce Wang explains that they are intended to draw the viewer’s attention to the 6 meter high ceiling as well as to create a dramatic and dynamic effect within the space. And, very importantly, the spiral staircase is also a reoccurring theme within the Alphaville film.

So I'm definitely glad that I delved further into the thinking behind this luxurious Hong Kong restaurant. Now, when I take a second look at the photos I see a completely different space, perhaps a film set where mystery and secrets will unfold, where chance encounters are bound to take place, and where the seating feels like only the most expensive silk, to be devoured only by the very rich and famous.

Source - joycewang.com and wikipedia

Images courtesy of - joycewang.com