André Fu, the architect
André Fu graduated from the University of Cambridge and founded AFSO in the same year to create distinct projects. With its head office in Hong Kong, the firm lists clients such as Maybourne Hotel Group, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Shangri-La Hotels, Swire Hotels, Capella Hotels, Park Hyatt Hotels, restaurant Alan Yau, Louis Vuitton, lifestyle retailer Lane Crawford, and gallerist Emmanuel Perrotin. Interview with Luxe Magazine.
André Fu
Tell us more about your background in few words
I was born in Hong Kong and left for education in the United Kingdom at the age of 14. Upon my graduation from the University of Cambridge, I established my design studio AFSO. This year also marks the launch of my lifestyle brand, Andre Fu Living. I see it as a vision to translate my spatial experiences into something tangible.
MOTIF, restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel in Tokyo
What is your definition of Luxury?
Luxury is a state of mind. In my world of architecture and hospitality design, luxury instills a sense of indulgence.
What is the most extreme Luxury for you?
The luxury to collaborate with some of the best experts in their fields, from hoteliers Park Hyatt and Swire Hotels, gallerists Emmanuel Perrotin, to retailers Louis Vuitton and COS.
Kioku restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
The Luxury you couldn’t live without…
I could not live without my calligraphy pen and my bundle of pencils. They are tools which I still use for design and writing.
L'Appartement Louis Vuitton, Hong Kong
What are your inspirations?
My inspirations are drawn from the life that I have experienced, and more importantly from people that I collaborate with - the intense conversations thereafter.
Galerie Perrotin, Hong Kong
What is your most exceptional creation?
A pop up installation for COS with a project called Urban Landscape - a derelict pier was transformed to a journey of conceptual installations for a major fashion presentation that took place early this year. There is also The Upper House Hotel , my most holistic completed hotel to date.
COS Urban Landscape, Hong Kong
Tell us your opinion about the future of architecture
The consideration for the environment and the focus on the guest experience.
What are the main differences between the European and the Asian types of architecture?
In the urbanistic world, the differences between the East and the West is fading out, yet there are cultural differences that make my designs - be it in the 2 diverse context - intriguing.
The Upper House, Hong Kong
How would you describe your own style in three words?
Modernist, Tactile, Intimate
Which architectural project surprised you the most these last years?
Château La Coste in Provence - for its vision blend art and architecture into a most incredible backdrop.
With which Luxury brand or Group would you like to work in the future?
Hermes
Gong Bar, London
Tell us more about your background in few words
I was born in Hong Kong and left for education in the United Kingdom at the age of 14. Upon my graduation from the University of Cambridge, I established my design studio AFSO. This year also marks the launch of my lifestyle brand, Andre Fu Living. I see it as a vision to translate my spatial experiences into something tangible.
MOTIF, restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel in Tokyo
What is your definition of Luxury?
Luxury is a state of mind. In my world of architecture and hospitality design, luxury instills a sense of indulgence.
What is the most extreme Luxury for you?
The luxury to collaborate with some of the best experts in their fields, from hoteliers Park Hyatt and Swire Hotels, gallerists Emmanuel Perrotin, to retailers Louis Vuitton and COS.
Kioku restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
The Luxury you couldn’t live without…
I could not live without my calligraphy pen and my bundle of pencils. They are tools which I still use for design and writing.
L'Appartement Louis Vuitton, Hong Kong
What are your inspirations?
My inspirations are drawn from the life that I have experienced, and more importantly from people that I collaborate with - the intense conversations thereafter.
Galerie Perrotin, Hong Kong
What is your most exceptional creation?
A pop up installation for COS with a project called Urban Landscape - a derelict pier was transformed to a journey of conceptual installations for a major fashion presentation that took place early this year. There is also The Upper House Hotel , my most holistic completed hotel to date.
COS Urban Landscape, Hong Kong
Tell us your opinion about the future of architecture
The consideration for the environment and the focus on the guest experience.
What are the main differences between the European and the Asian types of architecture?
In the urbanistic world, the differences between the East and the West is fading out, yet there are cultural differences that make my designs - be it in the 2 diverse context - intriguing.
The Upper House, Hong Kong
How would you describe your own style in three words?
Modernist, Tactile, Intimate
Which architectural project surprised you the most these last years?
Château La Coste in Provence - for its vision blend art and architecture into a most incredible backdrop.
With which Luxury brand or Group would you like to work in the future?
Hermes
Gong Bar, London
Novembre 2015
