Though composed of sequences of symbols, codes rarely convey direct or readily readable messages. The seemingly chaotic geometrical patterns they produce raise the question of whether they conceal hidden meaning. What if there were an underlying order behind the apparent randomness? What if codes pointed towards an unknown, mysterious revelation?
When confronted with patterns they cannot decipher, people often experience a sense of the uncanny, a disquiet that shades into fear of the unknown. Yet, over time, this very strangeness can ignite the imagination. The unfamiliar breeds speculation, invites exploration, and becomes a fertile source of fantasy.
In the atrium of PMQ, a vast matrix of mirrors now occupies the space. Arranged at various heights, angles, and inclinations, the mirrors create a labyrinthine structure known as the Path of Code. This mirrored passage refracts its surroundings, weaving a dialogue with neighbouring exhibits and transforming the atrium into a kaleidoscopic landscape. Through this installation, the sensation of “thinking within an uncanny world” will be evoked, inviting visitors to navigate a realm where the real and the virtual interlace, and where perception itself is unsettled.
Is it a maze of reflections, or a crystalline megasculpture shimmering like a giant jewel? That question is left to the beholder.
Through their design team IE, architects Henry Leung and Alien Chan explore the interplay between aesthetics and space from multiple perspectives, employing unconventional materials to uncover new spatial possibilities. Their innovative approach generates unexpected environments that draw audiences into deeply immersive experiences.
The projects centre around full-scale 1:1 prototypes, which serve as both experiments and foundations for their creations. In this way, the designers bridge the gap between concept and reality, and further expand the boundaries of architectural practice. By reinterpreting and merging rich traditions with contemporary expression, they create applications that reflect local customs and preferences. This exploration opens a dialogue between art and architecture in Hong Kong.