The Imperfect Residence is a contemporary apartment in Hong Kong and its aesthetic is arranged by local studio NC Design & Architecture. The brief called for a space that is aesthetically pleasing, with a requirement for aging well, but also functional. The studio took this feedback and decided to tap ancient Japanese philosophy as it approached the interior of the abode.
As a result, The Imperfect Residence is guided by the principles of wabi-sabi, which adds a layer of allure and mysticism to the space. The core belief of wabi-sabi is that one should accept transience and imperfection, realizing the beauty behind the flawed, the impermanent, and the unfinished. NC Design & Architecture used marble and wood with various finishes in The Imperfect Residence to illuminate the motivation behind the philosophy.
Image Credit: Harold De Puymorin
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Eastern-philosophy-inspired Design
- Opportunity to incorporate the principles of ancient Japanese philosophy, like wabi-sabi, in the design aesthetic of contemporary spaces.
- Aging Well Design
- Opportunity to create spaces with longevity in mind, using materials and finishes that age well.
- Imperfect Authenticity
- Opportunity to appreciate the beauty in the flawed, the impermanent, and the unfinished when designing spaces.
Sectors Adopting This
- Interior Design
- Interior design industry can incorporate Eastern philosophy-inspired design into their projects.
- Architecture
- Architecture industry can create buildings with aging well design principles in mind.
- Furniture Design
- Furniture design industry can create pieces that embrace the imperfect authenticity concept.
