Muse Edition is a 20,000 square foot retail space that is part of K11 Musea, a vast shopping destination combining art, design and commerce, located at Victoria Dockside waterfront precinct by New World Development in Hong Kong. The main K11 Musea is a newly built structure, which replaces the previous New World Center, built in 1970’s. Muse Edition is housed within a low-rise structure that is sandwiched between The Intercontinental Hotel, and the main K11 Musea building. On top of this low-rise structure sits the hotel’s outdoor pool. And because the hotel was still functioning (hotel guests need their pool with the harbour view) while K11 Musea was under construction, the structure underneath had to be preserved.

One of the main features within this space, a waffle ceiling preserved from the original 1978 New World Center/ Regent Hotel (the hotel changed hands and became Intercontinental Hotel in 2001) has been reconditioned and retrofitted with computer- controlled LED lighting system to mimic natural light.

Also harking back to the previous building are four columns in the original central atrium area, which supports the swimming pool above. The addition of glass skin around each column highlights and protects the heritage structures at the same time.

On a subtle nautical note, seashells and recycled glass chips for the occasional sparkle were mixed into the concrete floor. Teak wood, notable for its water-resistant quality; and brass, a common marine hardware material; are applied on the staircase railing and balustrade around the atrium. Rope is used to clad columns, providing a warm tactility at multiple locations. The maze-like copper conduits running along the ceiling, while retaining their function as service duct concealers and power transmitters, have added hints of adventure as shoppers are visually drawn to follow the conduits in multiple directions of exploration paths.