With a focus on designing environments of play, the work of Imaginary Objects (iO) can often be described as groups of distinct objects coming together to create form and space. This approach makes the projects adaptable, flexible, and translates into a diverse formal identity that doesn’t rely on a single prescribed image. The finished work becomes an assemblage of objects that dilutes the distinction between objects and architecture, form and space and potentially toy and playground.

The exhibition reflects on the work of iO by looking at three distinct projects for play and aims to provide insight into the design principles, the construction sequences and the final deployment of the projects. Beyond serving as a conceptual driver, the object-oriented approach translates into reconfigurability, demountability, and ease of transport. In this manner, the projects can be understood as experiments, each project influencing how the next is approached and configured. The work of iO has been featured in prominent publications such as Archdaily, Dezeen, art4d, DsignSomething, the Cloud, and the Standard.

iO has received numerous international recognitions including shortlists for the Archdaily Building of the Year Awards both in 2021 and 2022, as well as the Blueprint Awards 2021.

Curated by: Roberto Requejo Belette
Assisted by: Lee Man Wai Monique
Design Lead: Roberto Requejo Belette and Yarinda Bunnag
Project Team: Khomchan Chotivora-Anan Mark, Beam Napat Lee, Mind Thanutcha Pueriphanvicha

Know more about: HKU ARCHITECTURE GALLERY “PLAY OBJECTS Object-oriented Approaches to Designing Environments of Play”
Website: www.arch.hku.hk / www.imaginaryobjects.co
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